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Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape

What is Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape?

Acquaintance or non-stranger rape is far more common than most people realize. The majority of rapes are perpetrated by someone the victim knows – a date, a neighbor, a co-worker, a significant other, or a spouse. Acquaintance (Non-Stranger) rape is particularly devastating because the victim’s trust is violated and doubts are raised in the victim’s mind about his or her ability to judge others. Victims of acquaintance sexual assault are more likely to blame themselves for the attack and are less likely to be believed by others. Consequently, the long-term effects of an assault committed by an acquaintance are often greater than those of an assault by a stranger.

It is rape if:

• You engaged in sexual touching and kissing, but then were forced to have intercourse against your will.
• You have had sex with that person before, but this time said “no”.
• You froze and did not or could not say “no” or were unable to fight back physically.

Please click on any of the subject headings below for information about that topic.

1. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape
2. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: Rape Myths and Facts
3. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: The Offender
4. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: The Victim
5. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: Stages of an Acquaintance/Non-Stranger Sexual Assault
6. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: Consent
7. Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape: A Dater's Bill of Rights

For statistics about Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape, please click here.

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