Date rape is not a rare incident that only happens in isolated situations. In fact, surveys indicate that in 84% of rape cases, the victim knew the attacker, and 57% of rapes occurred on dates (Warshaw 11). However, what is even more surprising than these high statistics is that most incidents of date rape go unreported. Several theories exist that try to explain this phenomenon. For example, many women may refuse to believe that their "friend" raped them. In fact, they could eventually convince themselves that it never happened. Additionally, there is confusion following the attack in which memory and emotions become mixed up. When alcohol or drugs are involved, the women may have no memory of the attack whatsoever. Even if the …show more content…

Another possible motive for date rape is psychopathy, which is a desire to exploit others and commit violent acts. Psychopathy is seen in three percent of men, but it is unknown how often this lead to committing any type of rape. It is believed that men commit date rape for any number of the above reasons, and in most cases it is a combination of these reasons. Further research into why men commit date rape may be helpful in preventing it in the future. (Thornhill 53-82) Being raped by an acquaintance is a very traumatic experience and has very negative psychological and physical effects on the victim. Almost all victims feel some sort of psychological pain or anguish in addition to any physical pain from the attack. The effects of a date rape can last for years and treatment is usually required for psychological and physical damage that is caused. Following a date rape, the victim must take in what happened, accept it, and readjust. In the days following the rape, the victim enters what is known as the acute or crisis phase. In this phase the victim struggles with the fact that they have been raped, and begins to accept it. Their feelings of anger may turn immediately toward the rapist, or they may become angry with themselves. They may begin to question how they could have let it happen and blame themselves. Still others seem to turn off any emotions they are experiencing, and hold them all on the inside.
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