Psychology’s dominant explanation for this extensive and continued sexual violence against women is “miscommunication theory.” This theory has been described [by psychologist Mary Crawford] as “The bandwagon of the ’90s,” and is widely used to explain date rape, stranger rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. . . . As applied to sexual violence, miscommunication theory is used to argue that rape and other forms of sexual abuse are often the outcome of “miscommunication” between partners: he misinterprets her verbal and nonverbal communication, falsely believing that she wants sex; she
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