Acquaintance rape is sexual assault against a woman committed by someone the woman knows. He could also be someone with whom the victim is acquainted, such as a classmate, her date, or a neighbor. He could also be someone she just met at a party or drinking establishment. The rapist may be perceived by others as a nice guy.
Acquaintance rape violates a woman s personal rights.
Physical and psychological effects can be very deep and long lasting. The victim may lose her ability to trust others or her confidence in her own judgment. A victim of acquaintance rape may find herself afraid of men, of being alone, of going out on dates, or of dark places. Often a victim of acquaintance rape will try to blame herself. Rape is never the woman s fault.