Myths and facts about date rape

There are a lot of inaccurate perceptions of what date rape is. Some people (unfortunately, too
many) think that date rape is a boys-will-be-boys scenario, or a case of her saying no when she
really means yes, or a lover's disagreement, or a sample of over-reaction, or a meaningless offense. But it's not.

Those and other myths and misperceptions end up clouding the real issue: that date rape is rape. No exceptions

MYTH: Lots of date rape accusation turn out to be false reports.

Fact: Most incidences of rape are never reported particularly in cases of acquaintance rape where the victim feels guilty or somehow responsible. According to a survey of repoeted rapes in Los Angles Country, for example, fewer than 1 percent were found to be unsubstantiated - less than the false report rate for either robbery or homicide.

MYTH: Acquaintance rape only occurs between two people who don't know each other very well.

FACT: Rape is a violant crime that has noting to do with how long the attacker has known the victim. It's not uncommon to be raped by a longtime acquaintance, formar lover, or spouse.

MYTH: Rape is a crime against women

FACT: Men are sexually assaulted as well - and not just by gay men. Rape is an act of violence and brutality, not sexuality. One survey of convicted rapists found that about half didn't care what sex their victim was; they raped both men and women.