Thus, college students are a population at risk. The most prevalent form of rape on college campuses is acquaintance rape. The acquaintance may be a date or friend of the victim, or someone the victim knows only casually, from a residence hall, a class, or through mutual friends. Regardless of the relationship between them, if one person uses force to coerce another into submitting to sexual behaviors, or if consent is not given by the other party, the act is unlawful. The same criminal laws and penalties apply in cases of acquaintance rape and stranger rape, and other forms of sexual assaults.
Many acquaintance rapes involving college students follow similar patterns.
Acquaintance rapes often occur at parties or in residential settings. Frequently, the students involved in these assaults have been drinking heavily or using drugs. Detailed UB crime reports and prevention information can be obtained from the Department of University Police. Assailants are less likely to target a person who appears assertive and difficult to intimidate. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.