Types of Rape
The Most Common Types of Rape:
Acquaintance Rape/Date Rape
Acquaintance rape, also known as date rape, is defined as the "unlawful sexual intercourse accomplished by force or fear with a person known to the victim who is not related by blood or marriage". This person can be a classmate, co-worker, friend, neighbor, date, and even your own boyfriend. Acquaintance rape is far more common than stranger rape; statistics have shown that 50% to 88% of rape victims know their perpetrators.
It has been reported that as many as 15% to 30% of women will experience date rape at some point in their lives but this number may be low because many women who have been victimized fail to report rapes. In fact, acquaintance rape is the most under-reported form of sexual assault. Women are reluctant to report this because society believes that a woman who was attacked by someone she knew must have somehow "asked for it". Research has found that victims of acquaintance rape are blamed more than victims of stranger rape.
It has been reported that as many as 15% to 30% of women will experience date rape at some point in their lives but this number may be low because many women who have been victimized fail to report rapes. In fact, acquaintance rape is the most under-reported form of sexual assault. Women are reluctant to report this because society believes that a woman who was attacked by someone she knew must have somehow "asked for it". Research has found that victims of acquaintance rape are blamed more than victims of stranger rape.
Marital Rape
Marital rape is defined as any unwanted sexual acts by a spouse or ex-spouse, committed without consent and/or against a person's will, obtained by force, or threat of force, intimidation, or when a person is unable to consent. It is estimated that, in the United States, approximately 10-14% of married women are raped by their husbands. Marital rape accounts for approximately 25% of all reported rapes although it is the most under reported rape.
The physical and emotional consequences on survivors last for years. Emotionally, marital rape survivors may have flash backs, inability to trust, depression, and traumatic stress disorder. Marital rape is a controversial issue because people continue to believe in the following myths and misinformation about spousal rape. There are those who believe that marital rape is contractually impossible because wives gave up their right to give consent when they became married. Even though there is still some injustice when it comes to martial rape, this type of rape is gaining more attention today than it has in the past.
Stranger Rape
Stranger rape is defined as non-consensual, or forced sex, on a woman who does not know her attacker. The definition of stranger rape is more readily accepted than acquaintance rape. The lack of acceptance that acquaintance rape receives does not limit the shame attached to rape or the trauma felt by the survivor. Ironically, stranger rape is seen as "real rape." The image of the psychotic stranger attacking the woman is real and does occur. However, the frequency of psychotic stranger rape is considerably less.
The majority of rapists usually target the victim from 'afar,' such as seeing her in a parking lot, walking in the neighborhood-his access to her is assured and he calculates his attack, which may be right away or over a period of time. Some rape survivors have later remembered seeing the rapist, but did not suspect they were being targeted. While stranger rape is reprehensible the road to recovery is easier than for the acquaintance/date rape survivor. This is so because with acquaintance/date rape, there has been betrayal and the individual's sense of trust of men is shattered and their ability to trust their own judgment of people has been shattered.
Other Types of Rape:
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape is the commonly used name for the criminal offense that occurs when a person has sexual relations with another person who is not old enough to legally consent to having sexual relations; the sexual relations happens between an adult and a minor and the adult can be found guilty of statutory rape in courts of law even if the minor was a willing partner.
Gang Rape
Gang Rape is when the survivor is attacked by more than one person. This type of rape tends to include alcohol and drug use, fewer weapons, more night attacks and less victim resistance. They occur where there are pre-existing male bonds, such as on athletic teams, in fraternities, and within military units.
Prison Rape
Prison Rape is the rape of prisoners by fellow prisoners or prison guards. Prison is used to assert power over inmates. Prison Rape does not only occur in male prisons it can occur in female prisons as well. Prison rape is mistakenly associated with homosexuality; however it is not but sex, but the exertion of power. Prison Rape can be difficult on survivors as they may not have access to resources in prison. Survivors of this type of rape may not be believed, especially if the perpetrator is a prison guard.
Wartime Rape
Wartime rape has been used as a demoralizing attack against civilians of opposing nations. This type of rape occurs with prisoners of war as a way of exerting power and it also occurs between fellow service members. Rape of service members can be hard to report, especially if the perpetrator is a superior. Rape of service members breaks down morale and the unity of the military.
Drug Related Assault/Rape
Drug Related Assault is when the perpetrator uses a drug to impair the survivor for a sexual assault. The most common substance used is alcohol. Perpetrators provide the survivor with immense amounts of alcohol until the survivor unaware of the situation and therefore unable to give consent. Recreational drugs may be used such as, ecstasy, marijuana, or acid in order to diminish the survivor’s capacity to provide consent.
