Acquaintance rape, commonly known as “date rape,” is a form of sexual violence. Acquaintance rape is nonconsensual sexual intercourse where penetration is achieved with the use of or threatened use of force, occurring between individuals known to one another, such as a current or former friend, acquaintance, spouse, dating partner, or relative. While many theories, including social, biological, and situational theories, have been postulated as to why acquaintance rapes occur, there is no single explanation.
Criminal justice professionals and the general public often perceive acquaintance rape as less severe and less prevalent than stranger rape. This is problematic because it subtly perpetuates the belief that this form of sexual violence is acceptable. While the fear of stranger rape is greater, it is more likely that the victim will be raped by someone she knows. Women and girls are most often victimized, particularly high school- and college-age girls in the context of a date or party, although it should be noted that acquaintance rape is not limited to females and heterosexual encounters or relationships.
Accurate statistics on date rape are difficult to compile because victims are less likely than stranger rape victims to report the incident to the police, crisis centers, school officials, and friends and family or may not perceive themselves to be victims, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Prosecuting an acquaintance rape case is difficult because a victim must prove she did not give consent for sexual intercourse. Unlike stranger rape, rape shield laws do not necessarily apply. Legally, date rape carries the same penalties as stranger rape.
Research demonstrates that a variety of factors, including peer pressure, alcohol and drug use, and preexisting beliefs are associated with young women’s increased risk for being date raped. Some research indicates the women can correctly determine the risk of victimization for other women but not for themselves.
Alcohol and/or drug use, particularly Rohypnol and GHB, are correlated with an increased likelihood of date rape occurring because of lowered inhibitions of the victim and perpetrator, victim’s loss of motor control so she may be unable to resist an attacker, or unconsciousness. Some perpetrators use alcohol and/or drugs as a justification for their behavior. Oftentimes, both offender and victim have consumed alcohol.
Research shows many males and females believe acquaintance rape is acceptable under certain circumstances, such as if the boy spent a substantial amount of money on the girl, if the girl has a real or perceived promiscuous sexual history, or if the male and female have been dating or are married. A victim may experience secondary victimization from the police, prosecutors, and friends and family; she may be blamed for her behavior, the way she dressed, or for being alone with a man. Consequences include victims blaming themselves for the incident and depression. Finally, some males may think that when a girl says “No” she really means “Yes” to intercourse. Some males may not even realize that they have committed sexual assault.
Bibliography:
- Jackson, Thomas L., ed. 1996. Acquaintance Rape: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention. Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Press.
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