Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse

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Patron:
Dr Valerie Sinason

©CARA 2008
Updated: June 22, 2008

Date and Acquaintance Rape

Date Rape
A concept which has came from the U.S. Rape perpetrated within the confines of a ‘date’ situation i.e. where the woman has willingly met the man, but then at some stage has been raped.

Acquaintance Rape
Rape perpetrated by a person known to the victim, but not a close friend. May be known through employment or general social contact.

Who Rapes on a Date?
Boyfriend, past or present
Ex-husband or partner
Lonely hearts respondent/pen-pal, etc

Who Rapes an Acquaintance?Friend, or partner of friend
Doctor/dentist
Employer
Work colleague
Teacher
Distant family member
Clients - of prostitutes, estate agents, eg
Therapists
In summary - anyone known to the victim

A perpetrator’s usual defence is that there was consent, which amounts to her word against his. Date and acquaintance rape are notoriously difficult to prove without corroborative evidence, e.g. signs of struggle or neighbours overhearing, and even then convictions are rare.

In America, about 80% of rapists are known to the victims; often the rape has been carefully planned and15-20% of survivors said their attacker wore a condom to avoid being convicted by DNA testing. Some women also report being forced to bathe after the rape.

In our experience, date and acquaintance rape can be as traumatic for a survivor as rape by a stranger. Imagine how hard it would be to trust anyone after being raped by someone you thought was a friend…. Imagine how difficult it would be to see your rapist at work every day because you thought no-one would believe you if you told…..

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