teele & Ryan (1997) said: "rape was viewed as an interaction between a provocative female and an impulsive male, incest was considered a family matter, and hands-off behavior such as voyeurism or exhibitionism were considered 'victimless' crimes perpetuated by 'sick' individuals" (p. 61).
Those persons convicted of rape or sexual assault were, according to Delin (1978), "dealt [with] harshly," and even in some instances lynched. Delin said "rarely did we give to the offender any treatment that might prevent recurrence of the crime" (p. xiii). However, for various reasons many sexual offenses were not reported to law enforcement and proving them was often very difficult.
Changes in Societal Attitudes and Laws
In the 1960s and 1970s societal attitudes toward crimes against women and children began to undergo a sex change. The feminist movement drew attention to the victimization of women and helped them gain greater leverage. Rape laws were changed to make proof of rape less burdensome. Steele & Ryan (1997) said "the social outcry against the sexual abuse of children has prompted a tremendous change in societal perceptions, and a new view of sexual exploitation has evolved that holds offenders personally responsible for sexually abusive behavior" (p. 61).
Other societal factors entered into the equation, including increasing family instability due to higher divorce and separation rates and higher teenage illegitimacy rates. Mullen (1998) said "the degenerating American family is the crucible in which criminality-including sexual assault-is being created" (p. 5). In the 1970s and 1980s rates of violent crime rose in the nation's urban areas. In just six years, 1980 to 1986, Ryan (Incidence, 1997) said the number of reports nationwide of child sexual abuse tripled to 2.5 children per 1,000 annually but leveled out at around 2.0 children per 1,000 by 1994 (pp. 10-11). According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Just...