Rape is a sexual crime, impulsively committed by a man for sexual gratification. Rape is a crime of violence and aggression. It is intended to overpower, degrade, and humiliate the victim. 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.