NCJ Number
147357
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (February-April 1994) Pages: 25- 27
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Sexual assault investigators have found a common denominator in date or acquaintance rape, an attitude or perception that invariably colors the issue of consent.
Abstract
Distinct differences in attitudes displayed by males and females seem to be prominent in date rape. Males and females find little common agreement on what some words mean, attributing more or less meaning to such words as love, respect, honesty, and sex. Failure to accurately read or care about another person's attitudes leads to misunderstanding, confrontation, and in some cases date rape. One in three females will become a victim of sexual assault or rape in her lifetime, and more than 80 percent of all rapes involve two people who know each other. Most date rapes involve victims between 16 and 24 years of age, and many are not reported to law enforcement. A recent survey of 4,000 girls between 9 and 19 years of age indicated that 96 percent had been sexually harassed by fellow students: 83 percent reported being touched, grabbed, or pinched; 92 percent said harassment occurred in the presence of others; and 39 percent said harassment occurred daily. The survey also found that many respondents were concerned about not being believed or helped and that many suffered from the effects of depression and low self-esteem. A high school program is described that focuses on sexual harassment and its relationship to date rape. The program explains the attitude aspect involved in sexual harassment and assault and differences between stranger and date rape. The program also includes information on how elements of trust are built into the dating relationship and discusses what can be done to avoid date rape.