Double standards in perceived traits of women labeled victims vs. survivors

Media reports on sexual assaults are omnipresent in today’s societies. Applying the labels “victim” and “survivor” to women who have been sexually assaulted influences their identities by evoking certain stereotypical images. However, the use of these labels is possibly affected by double standards in contemporary society. Certain traits are viewed more positively for men than women. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of the double standard phenomenon in the labelling of women who have been sexually assaulted. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 examined differences in character traits attached to the labels. Results showed significant differences for 13 of 15 adjectives in the victim vs. survivor label conditions. Study 2 consisted of two sub-studies that examined the double standard nature of these character traits using explicit (2a) and implicit measures (2b). Study 2a did not show pronounced effects of the double standard. However, findings of Study 2b demonstrated that the character traits attached to the label “survivor” suggest a double standard. The findings underscore the impact of labelling on women who have been sexually assaulted. Further implications are discussed.