Article by Kahlor (2011)ReviewAs research shows (cite all research above), cognitive processes in our brains lead to a tendency to blame the victim. Starting with rape myths and scenarios, it's easy to understand how our society and culture breeds victim-blaming attitudes. Historically, the United States, like many other industrialized countries, developed from a patriarchal society characterized by men holding power and women expected to be submissive. In such an atmosphere, crimes against women, mixed with rape myths, are subsequent rape scenarios. As Ryan (2011) and Clay-Warner and McMahon-Howard (2009) have shown, depending on which scenario is dominant or predominant, reporting rates and overall recognition can be significantly affected. Our understanding of what constitutes rape or sexual assault must significantly change, otherwise countless victims will remain silenced. If understanding of these crimes were broadened and knowledge scenarios taken more seriously, more victims would come forward, report and get the help they may desperately need, in addition to helping the legal system punish the offender and to improve the population of society. The stereotypes are meh