EFFECTS OF VICTIM GAZE BEHAVIOR AND PRIOR RELATIONSHIP ON RAPE CULPABILITY ATTRIBUTIONS

A rape victim's gaze behavior when identifying a defendant and the pri or relationship between victim and defendant were examined for their e ffects on rape culpability attributions The victim's gaze behavior and prior relationship intimacy independently influenced culpability attr ibutions. In comparison with a victim who used gaze maintenance or nat ural gaze behavior a rape victim's gaze avoidance war perceived as ind icative of less truthfulness rather than emotional upset. Evidence for discounting the defendant's culpability was found when relationship i ntimacy existed. The findings have implications for introduction of ex pert testimony on postterm behavior and trauma, and discounting of the defendant's culpability with relationship intimacy is examined.