ABSTRACT
Several interesting studies on victim blaming and rape have focused on victim attractiveness and victim dress as two triggers that may result in observers blaming the victim. Research suggests that victim attractiveness influences perceptions of responsibility in rape cases. Marsha Jacobson and Paula Popovich presented participants with a rape case in which it was unclear if sexual assault occurred. The sexy victim wore "an off-the-shoulder skin-tight red outfit" and accessories, while the non-sexy victim wore "a loose fitting beige blouse and pants" and accessories. In fact, clothing is of such importance to perceivers interpretations of rape that researchers Jane Workman and Robin Orr state that the victim's clothing should not be presented in jury trials. The current research investigates victim blaming in a street harassment situation. Street harassment is the sexual harassment of women in public places by strangers. Street harassment is an under-investigated branch of sexual harassment.
