Often they will relate the problems to a poor childhood, or unstable marriage. Others will claim their behaviour to be a result of extreme stress. Perhaps it is because society still believes some of the stereotypes about victims of rape. Although much of the commercials and other media we are exposed to is far more sensitive to women and their real position in society than it used to be, some of it has not changed. These images can help to reinforce and support the views of some rapists and other members of society.
Sexual offenders learn sexual roles and expectations of roles of the other sex.
The new legislation against sexual assault appears to have encouraged the reporting sexual assaults and has confirmed the rights of women in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, the rates of sexual assault have risen for several reasons. First the definition of sexual assault have be expanded considerably so now many acts are considered assaults that would not have been prior to Bill C-127. Second, although the report rate is still considerably low compared to other violent crimes, it has increased noticeably since the new legislation because many of the stigmas associated with this crime are being removed from the criminal justice system. Third, education has encouraged more reporting of non-consensual sexual acts.