{
  "id": 11261241,
  "title": "Dozens of men failed to stop an alleged gang rape at Cornell – here’s the misperception that keeps bystanders from intervening and how to short-circuit it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/dozens-of-men-failed-to-stop-an-alleged-gang-rape-at-cornell-heres",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-01T19:05:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/dozens-of-men-failed-to-stop-an-alleged-gang-rape-at-cornell-heres-the-misperception-that-keeps-bystanders-from-intervening-and-how-to-short-circuit-it-293321"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent incident at Cornell University, over 50 men learned about an alleged gang rape being committed by seven fraternity members. However, none of these men stepped in to stop the assault or assist the victim. This behavior is not unique, as research shows that in about one-third of sexual assaults, witnesses have the opportunity to intervene but often choose not to.\n\nOne reason for this inaction is the influence of group norms. In some cases, a minority of individuals within a group may hold beliefs that contradict the majority. Andrew Lichtenstein, a social psychologist and author of a book on this topic, recalls a time when an undergraduate student, during a sexual consent workshop, stated that he believed he had \"raped\" everyone he had ever had sex with, as the partner had not actively said \"no.\" Despite the horror of this view, many students in the room found it acceptable.\n\nThis misperception that most men are comfortable with sexual violence can prevent bystanders from intervening. Men who underestimate the discomfort of their peers with sexually aggressive behavior may be hesitant to speak out or take action due to fear of ridicule or appearing weak. Interestingly, men who have committed sexual assault often believe that other men are more accepting of such behavior as well.\n\nTo combat this issue, first-year male college students who participate in a 90-minute sexual assault prevention program that addresses rape myths, emphasizes the importance of consent, and corrects misperceptions about others' attitudes and behaviors, tend to show reduced levels of sexual aggression four months later. These programs help men who receive accurate information about the true beliefs of their peers feel less inhibited about speaking out and intervening. Additionally, men at risk of engaging in sexual aggression may change their intentions after learning that their peers do not support such behavior.",
  "summary": "People may accept bad behavior – even sexual assault – when they overestimate how acceptable their peers think it is. But there are ways to undermine this thinking and make intervention more likely.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}