In acquaintance rape, the attacker can be a friend, relative, spouse, lover, neighbor, co-worker, employer, employee, etc. "Date rape" is a type of acquaintance rape that presents particular problems and concerns. Victims of all genders and sexual orientations are more vulnerable to acquaintance rape then to attack by a stranger. An acquaintance is more likely to have access to information about the victim's like and habits. The victim may trust the acquaintance. Victims will "let down their guard" when around acquaintances. Knowing the attacker also inhibits many victims from defensive action, because they fear harming the attacker.
Many victims of acquaintance rape are initially unable to identify their experience. The closer the relationship with the attacker (lover, relative, etc.) the greater the victim's shock. Some react by denying the significance of the incident. Victims may not be able to identify their experience as rape.

In addition to the physical and emotional difficulties, victims must deal with the added psychological burdens of proximity to the attacker and fear of encountering the attacker at work, school, etc. The betrayal of trust often leads the victim to question the mistrust others. Victims have more sexual problems after the attack than victims of "stranger" rape. Though most rapes are committed by people known to the victim, people continue to think of rape being committed by anonymous assailants who attack randomly. This is probably because it is easier to think of rape in this manner. There is also a tendency in the legal system to discount the seriousness of acquaintance rape, even though it is often as violent as any kind of rape. Many victims must also contend with the notion that a degree of coercion is natural in sex and an acceptable aspect of sexual behavior. For these reasons, cases of acquaintance rape are difficult to prosecute. Nationally, about 42% of reported forceable rape cases result in arrest...but only 16% of all rape cases end in convictions (for a large variety of reasons), and cases of acquaintance rape are especially difficult to prove. Knowledge of this fact and fear of not being believed prevent many victims from reporting rapes.

It is much easier to guard against stranger rape than acquaintance rape. The first step against date rape is to realize that it exists and how dangerous it really can be. The assumption that only strangers are potential rapists limits your ability to see the danger signals and to defend yourself. Be assertive in setting boundaries for relationships, discourage unwanted physical contact and do not fear you are being impolite. Be assertive, not victimized.

Remember, you cannot predict who might be a rapist, so use an individual's behavior as an indicator of intentions. Do not put yourself into awkward situations, i.e., intoxicated while on a date, alone in a stranger's room, alone with someone on a first date, etc. Incidents have occurred where victims become so intoxicated they become unconscious and awaken to find one or more people either attempting to have or having intercourse with the victim.

Offenders should be aware that the crime of acquaintance rape is just as serious as any form of forced sexual conduct and the police will actively seek prosection. Never attempt to have sexual relations with anyone who is intoxicated or unconscious.

Finally, be prepared for defensive reactions from acquaintences or dates who may be offended by confrontations and limitations on their behavior. Your safety and well being should be first and foremost in your mind.

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Articles and Resources

• Sexual Victimization of College Women
  PDF File. A joint report from BJS and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that explores the prevalence and nature of sexual assault occurring at colleges throughout the nation. The study found that about 3 percent of college women experienced a completed and/or attempted rape during the current college year. The study also included a comparison component conducted using methodology similar to that of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) conducted by BJS. The report was authored by Bonnie S. Fisher, Francis T. Cullen
  
  
• Perspectives on Acquaintance Rape
  by David G. Curtis, Ph.D., B.C.E.T.S., Clinical Psychologist. From the The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
  
  
• Date Rape Drugs Explained and De-Mystified
  by Mike Hardcastle from the Teen Advice website.