There is no easy explanation as to why rape occurs. FBI statistics confirm that forcible rape is the fastest growing crime in the United States, yet it remains one of the most underreported. Due to the complexity of the crime, it is impossible to adequately explain rape with one simple statement. Men, as well as women, can be violated, and it is not a crime that necessarily strikes any one group of victims. Nobody has the right to demand physical or sexual favors from another person without their consent, regardless of their relationship to them.
Rape exploits one person in order to meet another person's sexual or emotional desires.
Psychologically, it devastates its victims. Economically, it's extremely costly in terms of physical and mental health care, as well as lost time from work or school. Victims of sexual assault often experience fear, anxiety, depression, difficulty in sexual relationships, and many other psychological and physical symptoms. Since research shows that the majority of violent sexual acts are committed primarily against women, and for the sake of brevity, we will use feminine pronouns when referring to the victims of rape. Rape is an expression of violence, not sexual desire.