Rape Health Dictionary

Sexual intercourse with an unwilling partner, which is achieved by the use or the threat of force or violence.

A criminal o?ence in which sexual intercourse takes place with an unwilling partner, female or male, under threat of force or violence. Reported rape cases have increased in number in recent years, but it is hard to know whether this is because the incidence of rape has increased or because the victims – women and men – are more willing to report the crime. A more sympathetic and understanding approach by the police, courts and society generally has resulted in the provision of greater support for victims who are usually severely traumatised psychologically as well as physically. It is argued that rape is motivated by a desire to dominate rather than simply an attempt to achieve sexual grati?cation. The majority of rapes are probably unreported because of the victims’ shame, anxiety about publicity and fear that the rapist will take reprisals. It is legally recognised that rape can happen within marriage. There are moves to make court proceedings less traumatic for victims, whose attackers are often known to them.

Anxiety, DEPRESSION and POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) are common after rape: many victims are now given help by rape crisis counselling. A recent report suggests that in at least 50 per cent of reported rapes, the attacker was known to, or had been a friend of, the victim. The deliberate misuse of alcohol or drugs to reduce a potential victim’s resistance seems to be increasing (see DRUG ASSISTED RAPE; FLUNITRAZEPAM.)