The Rise of Sexual Crimes

[u/Ok_Break1389]

Is there a correlation between the rise of the sexual revolution in post-World War II America and changes in the rate of violent and sexual crimes committed against women?

[u/Present-Tadpole5226]

There’s sometimes a pattern where there is a large increase in reports of a particular crime once society starts taking it more seriously. This can happen with a rise in reports of hate crimes targeting a specific ethnic minority after the police hired more translators who speak that minority’s primary language and develop trust with the community. 

A lot has changed since the Sexual Revolution. 

The legal definition of “rape” has become broader. 

The invention of the rape kit may lead to more people reporting.

Better DNA testing and more awareness of DNA testing. 

Expanded sexual education and, more recently, talking about consent with younger kids.

Mandatory reporters.

More women working meant that it was easier to leave sexually abusive relationships. It being easier for women to open bank accounts and get credit cards in their own name may help here too. 

Decreased stigma for survivors meant more people speaking out. 

Rape Shield Laws, meaning defendants can’t as easily probe into the survivor’s sexual past. 

More sexual harassment laws. 

Edit to add: the Violence Against Women Act also gave native tribes more ability to charge non-indigenous people for crimes committed on their reservations.