Let's talk about this idea that Frat Bros rape women at a greater rate than other men of a similar age group. (And, I'm willing to expand the age group some, but we need to eliminate some males, right? Like, men over say 70 are probably less likely to rape than men aged 18-23, no matter the setting.)
Now, every study, and every talking point, about rape says that only a small percentage of women report their rapes, right?
So, for us to compare the numbers between Frat Bros, and other men, based on reported cases, we'd have to assume that the victims of rape at the hands of Frat Bros report their rapes at the same rate as the victims of rapists who are not Frat Bros, right?
Is there any reason why we should assume this?
At a college campus, where awareness of sexual assault is a major topic of conversation, where "take back the night" events occur, where women are encouraged to talk about their experiences, and on a campus, that employs sexual violence specialists and sexual violence peer advocates, do you really think the percentage of rapes reported is on par with all other rapes?
Do you think prostitutes report their rapes at the same percentage as women raped by Frat Bros? What about women raped as part of their initiation into a street gang? What about men and women incarcerated in prison? Do they report rape at the same rate? How about men and women in the military? What about children raped by family members, or close family friends? What about kids raped by a priest, or coach? Do you think women who are raped by powerful business people, athletic stars, Hollywood heavyweights, or Congressman, Senators, and Presidents report the crimes against them at the same rate as women who are raped by a Frat Bro?
Rape is about power, and often the power relationship between the rapist and his victim is extreme. Adult/child. Employer/employee. Prison guard/prisoner. Aspiring actress/model and big shot producer/director/photographer.
People from troubled backgrounds don't think anyone will believe their claims against the parish priest, the favorite uncle, the fatherly TV personality, or the admired politician.
The power relationship between Frat Bro and college co-ed is not nearly as extreme. There are people on campus, ready to listen to them, and believe them. And, while nearly all women who suffer sexual assault will feel some sense of shame, embarrassment, and/or social stigma, a college campus is much more willing to embrace the victims of sexual assault as compared to almost any other social structure in our society.
I have to believe that women who are raped by Frat Bros report their rapes at a higher percentage that other women.
Maybe I'm all wrong, but I'd like to see some study that figure out how to address this while also determining that Frat Bros are mad rapists.
