Risk Factors for Sexual Violence Perpetration Among Adult Men: The Role of Problematic Pornography Consumption, Sexual Consent, and Rape Myths

Sexual violence has often been conceptualized as an extreme form of gender inequality, and in some theoretical frameworks, it is linked to patriarchal social structures that may contribute to the normalization of male domination and sexual coercion. Understanding the factors associated with sexual violence perpetration among men is essential for improving risk assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies. The present study examined whether problematic pornography consumption (PPC), attitudes toward sexual consent, and adherence to rape myths are associated with the perpetration of sexual violence among heterosexual cisgender Spanish men. The sample consisted of 383 adult men aged between 18 and 61 years, of whom 34% reported having committed at least one act of sexual violence. Sexual violence perpetration was assessed using a standardized self-report measure that captures multiple forms of sexual aggression. A latent class analysis identified two distinct risk profiles (low risk and high risk) among men with a history of sexual violence (HSV), allowing for the examination of heterogeneity in patterns of perpetration. The results showed that men with a HSV reported higher levels of PPC, less positive attitudes toward sexual consent, and greater adherence to rape myths compared with men without such a history. These differences were particularly pronounced among men classified within the high-risk profile. Moreover, adherence to rape myths emerged as the most consistent predictor across different forms of sexual aggression, whereas PPC and negative attitudes toward sexual consent intensified risk in specific profiles. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of integrating these variables into forensic assessment processes, interventions targeting sexual offenders, and the development of public policies aimed at preventing sexual violence.