Rape does not happen very often. Rape is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States. Most rapes are committed by a stranger in a dark place, at night. It is estimated that 50 to 70 percent of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Nearly half of all assaults occur in the victim's home.
Many acquaintance rapes occur in the context of a dating relationship.
Rape is the victim's fault. Women provoke rape by how they behave, dress, or where they choose to go. If a woman wants to be involved sexually with a man, force or threats of physical violence would not be necessary. This myth has been perpetrated to deny the man's responsibility. Women report rapes to get even with men or to protect their reputations.