One in Four South African Men Admit to Rape

According to a survey by the Medical Research foundation (MRC), one in four men in South Africa have admitted to committing rape. Of these, almost half claim that they have assaulted more than one individual. Seventy-three percent said they carried out an attack before the age of 20.

In a statement to the BBC, Professor Rachel Jewkes, who led the research with the MRC, said "We know that we have a higher prevalence of rape in South Africa than there is in other countries. And it's partly rooted in our incredibly disturbed past and the way that South African men over the centuries have been socialized into forms of masculinity that are predicated on the idea of being strong and tough and the use of force to assert dominance and control over women, as well as other men."

The study also found that men who commit violence against women are less likely to use condoms and are twice as likely to be HIV-positive, reported the Guardian UK. The survey's 1,738 respondents submitted their answers into a Palm Pilot to ensure anonymity.

Media Resources: BBC News 6/18/09; The Guardian 6/17/09; Mail and Guardian Online 6/18/09

© Feminist Majority Foundation, publisher of Ms. magazine

If you liked this story, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Ms. magazine.