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Understanding Pornography: Interventions for Compulsive Users 
(An ITTI Training Program)

Module 5: Impact of Pornography on Rape & Sexual Aggression
Relationship between Pornography and violence against Women

 A 2000 research found that there is a relationship between pornography and violence against women. Data about women’s experiences of sexual violence and their abusers’ use of pornography were collected at a rape crisis center from survivors. Findings indicate that pornography is clearly implicated in some of the abusive experiences of women in this sample.
  • 28% said that their abusers used pornography.
  • 58% answered that they did not know about their abusers’ use of pornography.
  • 12% indicated that pornography was part of the actual incident of abuse and that pornography was imitated during their experience of abuse.

However, while it cannot be said that pornography causes violence against women, the research does provide more evidence about how pornography plays a role in the sexual violence experienced by some women. Further research on the effects of pornography should specifically target understudied populations of women. (Bergen & Bogel, 2000)
Does Porn Promote Sexual Violence against Women?

In 2020, an estimated 91.5% of men and 60.2% of women consume porn (Solano, et al..2020). 

In 2010, research found that 88.2% of porn on the internet contained physical violence or aggression while 48.7% contained verbal aggression’ (Bridges, et al.,2010). 

A 2019 study estimated that nearly 40% of videos analyzed on Pornhub contained visible aggression or violence, while 25% contained verbal aggression (Shor & Seida, 2019). 

A 2020 study reported that 45.1% of Pornhub videos and 35.0% of videos on XVideos depicted violence or aggression (Fritz, et al. 2020). 

Conclusion:  As each of these studies agreed, women were almost always the targets.
Pornography Teaches Users that Women Enjoy Sexual Violence and Degradation

Pornography as a Form of Sexual Exploitation: “Pornography may meet the legal definition of trafficking to the extent that the pornographer recruits, entices, or obtains the people depicted in pornography for the purpose of photographing commercial sex acts” (Farley, et al. 2017). 

Intent to Rape: Fraternity men who consumed mainstream pornography expressed a greater intent to commit rape if they knew they would not be caught than those who did not consume pornography.
Those who consumed sadomasochistic pornography expressed significantly less willingness to intervene in situations of sexual violence, greater belief in rape myths, and greater intent to commit rape.
Among those who consumed rape-themed pornography, the researchers described “serious effects” including less bystander willingness to intervene, greater belief in rape myth, and greater intent to commit rape.
In other words, there was no type of pornography that did not result in a greater intent to commit rape by a user if they knew they would not be caught (Foubert, et al., 2011). 

Committing Sexual Offenses and Accepting Rape Myths: A meta-analysis of 46 studies reported that the effects of exposure to pornographic material are “clear and consistent,” and that pornography use puts people at increased risk for committing sexual offenses and accepting rape myths (Paolucci-Oddone, et al., 2000). 
Myths about Rape

Myth: Sexual assault is an act of lust and passion that can’t be controlled.
Fact: Sexual assault is about power and control and is not motivated by sexual gratification’
 
Myth: If a victim of sexual assault does not fight back, they must have thought the assault was not that bad or they wanted it.
Fact: Many survivors experience tonic immobility or a “freeze response” during an assault where they physically cannot move or speak.
 
Myth: A lot of victims lie about being raped or give false reports.
Fact: Only 2-8% of rapes are falsely reported, the same percentage as for other felonies.
 
Myth: A person cannot sexually assault their partner or spouse.
Fact: Nearly 1 in 10 women have experienced rape by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
 
Myth: Sexual assaults most often occur in public or outdoors.
Fact: 55% of rape or sexual assault victimizations occur at or near the victim’s home, and 12% occur at or near the home of a friend, relative, or acquaintance.
 
Myth: Being sexually assaulted by someone of the same gender can make a person gay or lesbian.
Fact: The assault is typically not based on the sexual preferences of the victim or rapist, and therefore does not necessarily change the victim’s sexual orientation.
 
Myth: People with disabilities are at low risk for sexual assault.
Fact: People with disabilities are victims of sexual assault twice as much as people without disabilities.
 
Myth: Sex workers cannot be raped because they are selling sex.
Fact: Sex workers have the right to give and withhold consent to any sexual activity, and therefore, can be raped just like anyone else.

Myth: Rape does not happen that often.
Fact: There is an average of 293,066 victims ages 12 or older of rape and sexual assault each year in the U.S. This means 1 sexual assault occurs every 107 seconds.
 
Myth: People that have been sexually assaulted will be hysterical and crying.
Fact: Everyone responds differently to trauma- some may laugh, some may cry, and others will not show any emotions.
 
Myth: Men are not victims of sexual violence.
Fact: 1.5% of all men have been raped and 47% of bisexual men have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime.
 
Myth: Wearing revealing clothing, behaving provocatively, or drinking a lot means the victim was “asking for it”.
Fact: The perpetrator selects the victim- the victim’s behavior or clothing choices do not mean that they are consenting to sexual activity.
 
Myth: If a parent teaches a child to stay away from strangers, they won’t get raped.
Fact: 60% of child sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by someone the child knows outside the family, and 30% are assaulted by family members.
 
Myth: Getting help is expensive for survivors of assault.
Fact: Services such as counseling and advocacy are offered for free or at a low cost by sexual assault service providers.
 
Myth: There is nothing we can do to prevent sexual violence.
Fact: There are many ways you can help prevent sexual violence including intervening as a bystander to protect someone who may be at risk.
Statistics about Rape in the USA

1.1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives

2.90% of adult rape victims are female, and young women are especially at risk

3.Women ages 16–19 are four times more likely to be victims of rape than the general population

4.Women ages 18–24 who are college students are three times more likely to be victims of rape

5.46.7% of female rape victims and 44.9% of male rape victims were raped by an acquaintance

6.45.4% of female victims and 29% of male victims were raped by an intimate partner

7.Only 2% of rapists are convicted and imprisoned.
Additional Research into Effects of Pornography on Sexual Aggression
The effects of pornography, whether violent or non-violent, on sexual aggression have been debated for decades. In their research Ferguson and Hartley (2009), examined evidence about the influence of pornography on sexual aggression in correlational and experimental studies and in real world violent crime data.
  • Their findings were that evidence for a causal relationship between exposure to pornography and sexual aggression is slim and may, at certain times, have been exaggerated by politicians, pressure groups and some social scientists.
  • Some of the debate has focused on violent pornography, but evidence of any negative effects is inconsistent, and violent pornography is comparatively rare in the real world.
  • They found that victimization rates for rape in the United States demonstrate an inverse relationship between pornography consumption and rape rates.
  • The results of their research were that it is time to discard the hypothesis that pornography contributes to increased sexual assault behavior (Ferguson & Hartley, 2009). 
Can Porn Use Lead to Sexual Violence?

Porn use is a proposed risk factor for sexual violence. Plenty of studies have shown a link between porn use and sexual violence In particular, men who act aggressively towards women are typically also heavy porn users.

The confluence model posits three risk factors for sexual aggression:

  1. Hostile masculinity. This is a narcissistic sexual desire to dominate and control women, which masks an underlying insecurity and defensiveness.
  2. Impersonal Sexuality. This is a promiscuous and detached attitude toward sexual relations, in which women are viewed solely as sexual objects.
  3. Pornography use. This is viewed as the kicker that pushes men with the first two traits to actually engage in sexual violence by providing a model for them to follow and by reassuring them that this is acceptable behavior.

In other words, the confluence model doesn’t predict that watching porn—even of the violent variety—will necessarily lead to sexually aggressive behaviors. However, the theory does posit that viewing porn can push men who are already prone to violence to commit sexual aggression (Kohut, et al., 2021).
Comparing Male Sex Buyers with Men Who Do Not Buy Sex: Data on Prostitution and Trafficking
In an analysis of 2 groups of men 1 who buy sex and 2 who do not buy sex, Farley et al (2017) found the following results:

Men who buy Sex: 

1. report sexual aggression and likelihood to rape.  

2. scored higher on measures of impersonal sex and hostile masculinity 

3. had less empathy for prostituted women, viewing them as intrinsically different from other women.


Men who do not buy Sex:

1. report less sexual aggression and less likelihood do rape. 

2. scored lower on measures of impersonal sex and hostile masculinity 

3. more empathy for prostituted women, viewing them as the same as other women.


Both Groups of Men: 

1. accept rape myths. 

2. are aware of harms of prostitution and trafficking, 

3. express ambivalence about the nature of prostitution

 4.believe that jail time and public exposure are the most effective deterrents to buying sex.
Sexual Violence Statistics

Child sexual abuse - One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old.


Campus sexual assault - One in 5 women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college.


Under-reporting - Rape is the most under-reported crime, with 63% of sexual assaults not reported to the police.


Suicide - According to RAINN, 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide, and about 13% attempt suicide.


Technology-facilitated violence - One in 10 women in the European Union has experienced cyber-harassment since the age of 15, including receiving unwanted sexually explicit emails or SMS messages, or offensive advances on social networking sites


RAINN a Resource to Share

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense
Emotional Impact of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. These effects aren’t always easy to deal with, but with the right help and support they can be managed. Learning more can help you find the best form of care to begin the healing process.
  • Depression: One of the most common emotional and psychological reactions to sexual violence  is depression
  • Flash Backs: During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment
  • Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD): After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards

Other possible Negative Impacts of Sexual Violence
Self-Harm - Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on himself or herself, usually in secret.

Sexually Transmitted Infections - A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.

Substance Abuse - If a victim is concerned that their using substances in a way that could be harmful to their health or have concerns for someone you care about, consider learning more about the warning signs and places to find support.

Dissociation - Dissociation is one of the many defense mechanisms the brain can use to cope with the trauma of sexual violence.

Panic Attacks - A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear and anxiety that happens in situations when there may be no immediate danger. They tend to affect people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or high levels of stress.

Eating Disorders - Sexual violence can affect survivors in many ways, including perceptions of the body and feelings of control.

Pregnancy - If a woman was recently raped, she may have concerns about becoming pregnant from the attack.

Sleep Disorders - Symptoms of sleep disorders can include trouble falling or staying asleep, sleeping at unusual times of day, or sleeping for longer or shorter than usual.

Suicide - Suicide is preventable and suicidal thoughts aren’t permanent. If a victim is thinking about suicide, there are resources to give then the support they need to get through this tough time.

Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - Many perpetrators of sexual abuse are in a position of trust or responsible for the child’s care, such as a family member, teacher, clergy member, coach, or other children such as older siblings.
How to Recognize if a Person is a Victim of Sexual Violence
 With College Age Adults:
  • Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
  • Self-harming behaviors, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behaviors
  • Low self-esteem
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Anxiety or worry about situations that did not seem to cause anxiety in the past
  • Avoiding specific situations or places
  • Falling grades or withdrawing from classes
  • Increase in drug or alcohol use

 With Teens:
  • Unusual weight gain or weight loss
  • Unhealthy eating patterns, like a loss of appetite or excessive eating
  • Signs of physical abuse, such as bruises
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
  • Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
  • Anxiety or worry
  • Falling grades
  • Changes in self-care, such as paying less attention to hygiene, appearance, or fashion than they usually do
  • Self-harming behavior
  • Expressing thoughts about suicide or suicide behavior
  • Drinking or drug use
References

Bergen, R.K. & Bogel, K.A. (2000). Exploring the Connection Between Pornography and Sexual Violence. Violence and Victims, 15 (3): 227-234


Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression and Sexual Behavior in Best Selling Pornography Videos: A Content Analysis Update. Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. doi:10.1177/1077801210382866


CDC: About Sexual Violence at: www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/index.html

Farley, M., Golding, J.M., Matthews, E.S., Malamuth, N.M. & Jarrett, L. (2017). Comparing Sex Buyers with Men Who Do Not Buy Sex: New Data on Prostitution and Trafficking.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3601-3625. doi: 10.1177/0886260515600874.


Ferguson, C.J. & Hartley, R.D. (2009). The pleasure is momentary…the expense damnable? The influence of pornography on rape and sexual assault. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 14, 323-329. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2009.04.008


Foubert, J.D., Brosi, M.W. & Bannon, R.S. (2011). Effects of Fraternity Men’s Pornography Use on Bystander Intervention, Rape Myth Acceptance and Behavioral Intent to Commit Sexual Assault. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention 18,4: 212–231.


Fritz, N., Malic, V., Paul, B., & Zhou, Y. (2020). A Descriptive Analysis of the Types, Targets, and Relative Frequency of Aggression in Mainstream Pornography. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 3041–3053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01773-0


Kohut, T., Landripet, I., & Stulhofer, A. (2021). Testing the confluence model of the association between pornography use and male sexual aggression: A longitudinal assessment in two independent adolescent samples from Croatia. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50, 647-665.


Our Resilience.org:  Myths and Facts about Rape at: https://www.ourresilience.org/what-you-need-to-know/myths-and-facts/


Paolucci-Oddone, E., Genuis, M. & Violato, C. (2000). A Meta-Analysis of the Published Research on the Effects of Pornography, The Changing Family and Child Development. Aldershot, England: Ashgate Publishing, 2000, 48–59.


RAINN: Warning Signs of Sexual Violence at: https://rainn.org/warning-signs


RAINN: About Sexual Violence at: https://rainn.org/effects-sexual-violence


Shor, E., & Seida, K. (2019). 'Harder and Harder'? Is Mainstream Pornography Becoming Increasingly Violent and Do Viewers Prefer Violent Content? Journal of Sex Research, 56(1), 16–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2018.1451476 


Solano, I., Eaton, N. R., & O'Leary, K. D. (2020). Pornography Consumption, Modality and Function in a Large Internet Sample. Journal of sex research, 57(1), 92–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2018.1532488