ABSTRACT

Compared to other types of serious crimes, rape has a number of unique characteristics. First, because of the low reporting rate for this crime, it is difficult to know how frequently rape occurs. Accurate estimates of the incidence and prevalence of rape are not readily available, as it is believed that the majority of victims do not report to the police, receive medical attention from hospitals, or seek help from service agencies such as rape crisis centers (Kilpatrick, Best, and Veronen 1985). Second, it is still believed by many that women like to be overpowered sexually and that when they say “no” they really mean “yes.” Third, rape and abuse are selectively perpetrated by the male segment of the population and selectively borne by the female segment of the population. Fourth, rape instills fear in women and serves to limit their freedom by placing constraints on their activities (Riger and Gordon 1988). Finally, unlike other crimes, there is still considerable variation in what constitutes a “real” rape. Depending on the jurisdiction, law enforcement agents and child protective service workers may use the terms unfounded when there is insufficient evidence to support the complaint and false allegation to dismiss the complaint of a “nonbelievable victim.”