DateRape

Sexual assault is a crime committed by an individual who seeks to control and humiliate his or her
victim. Both women and men can be victims of rape. Sexual assault is not about an over-sexed
individual seeking a physical outlet ---it stems from the intent for power and control over another
human being.

Sexual assault leaves in its wake both physical and emotional trauma. That trauma can intensify when
the rape is committed by someone the victim either knows or trusts. When an individual is raped by a
stranger, it’s easier for her to believe she did nothing to bring the assault upon herself. However,
when the attack is from an acquaintance or date, not only has she been violated, but she has lost her
sense of trust in the world around her. She has lost her sense of trust in other people, her sense of
safety in her environment and a lack of trust in her own judgment.

A recent national study of college students in 2005 found that 27.5% of the women surveyed said they
had suffered date rape or attempted rape at least once since age 14. 88% of these attacks were by men
they knew.

Reports of date or acquaintance rape tend to be extremely low. A major reason for this under-
reporting may be the social stigma attached to rape in general as well as the victim’s fear that she will
be blamed for the rape’s occurrence.

Women are raped by “nice guys”, who resemble “ordinary guys.” There is no one profile for how a
rapist looks. Men who rape come from all age, racial, religious, social and cultural groups.

Many women have misconceptions about what constitutes acquaintance or date rape. Rape occurs
when one is forced to have sex against her or his will, whether the individual fights back or not.
Warshaw (1988) discovered in his study that 73% of the women surveyed whose description of their
experiences met the legal definition of rape did not recognize themselves as rape victims.

The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix give the following definition of acquaintance and date rape:
“acquaintance rape is using physical force, emotional bargaining, blackmail or mind games to force
sexual intercourse, fondling, kissing, holding or any sexual contact forced on you by someone you
know.”

Remember, “If it’s against your will, it’s against the law.”

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