A nationally representative examination of the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of statutory rape in the United States

The purpose of this project is to establish a rigorous understanding of the frequency of statutory rape victimization and perpetration in the United States, the characteristics of incidents of statutory rape, and the short- and long-term consequences of statutory rape. This project entails secondary data analysis from three sources: the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the National Incident-Based Reporting System, and U.S. Census data (state population by age, sex, and year). These will be combined to determine national rates of statutory rape victimization, perpetration, and the likelihood of reporting statutory rape to the police conditional on victimization. This study will significantly advance knowledge of statutory rape victimization rates and has the potential to alert policymakers to the problem as well as spur on further research that can produce more accurate estimate; all of which are necessary to developing effective prevention programming that has the potential to limit such victimization. The products resulting from the research grant will include presentations at academic conferences and at least three academic articles representing findings from study objectives. Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law, and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF