FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2018
CONTACT: Caroline Phelps, [email protected]
Poll: More Men Would Prefer to be Falsely Accused of Murder than Sexual Assault
Forty Percent of Men Would Prefer False Murder Accusations in Today’s Climate
Washington, DC – New polling data by McLaughlin & Associates for Independent Women’s Voice of 1,000 likely 2018 voters conducted between Oct 17-22, 2018 found that when asked whether they would rather be accused of murder or sexual assault, nearly four times as many men say they either would prefer to be accused of murder (40.2 percent) or that they don’t know (37.9 percent) as say they would prefer to be accused of sexual assault (22 percent).
This may be at least partially explained by the fact that among the total survey sample of men and women, the majority (57.1 percent) believe that men who are accused of sexual assault today are presumed guilty.
Additionally, four people in ten, when asked whether someone who had an unsupported allegation of sexual assault made against him should be denied future jobs, said either yes, they should be denied that employment (17%) or didn’t know (16.3 percent).
Heather Higgins, CEO of Independent Women’s Voice, issued the following statement:
“In the wake of the divisive confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the presumption of guilt espoused by the #MeToo movement, our polling shows what many have discussed anecdotally: Nearly twice as many men would prefer to be accused of murder than sexual assault, and an equal number of men don’t know. This is truly disturbing and should come as a great concern for everyone – male and female.
“Sexual assault needs to be taken seriously, but so do the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and questions of fundamental fairness. If we don’t find the right balance, the relations of women and men, both personal and professional, will be seriously impaired.”
For detailed polling results or media inquiries please contact [email protected].
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Independent Women’s Voice is an advocacy 501(c)(4) that fights for women and their loved ones by effectively expanding support among women, independents, and millennials for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.