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.
The woman may feel intense shame about the rape. Victims of acquaintance rape may experience bouts of depression and anger after the rape. Some women have difficulties enjoying sexual intimacy after being raped. Loss of sense of control . Some women lose a basic sense of security and feel they have no control over their own lives.