Stranger Vs. Acquaintance Rape
Circumstances Surrounding the Rape
Stranger
Frequently the victim is threatened with force and weapons
Identity of the rapist is unknown to victim
Perpetrator may disguise appearance
Victim senses danger immediately
Acquaintance
Perpetrator uses verbal intimidation or physical force
Identity of perpetrator is known to the victim and has had a prior relationship with the rapist
Victim had no reason to fear the rapist before the attack, danger was not sensed until force was used.
Reporting Patterns(According to FBI statistics, only about 1 in 10 rapes are reported)
Stranger
Community support of victims because the rape was considered a "random act of violence"
Community more likely to encourage law enforcement and policy makers to prosecute the rapist
Acquaintance
Significantly more under-reported
Survivors remain silent due to feelings of shame, fears about retaliation by the rapist
Survivor is concerned that nobody will believe them
Survivors frequently blamed for putting themselves in a vulnerable situation
Survivors frequently blame themselves
Survivor and rapist share friends or social circles
Fear of public scrutiny of their behavior and character
Mr. Smith: A Story
