For this reason, we will refer to rape survivors as female and offenders as male. We do recognize, however, that men are sometimes victims of sexual assault, and that men are traumatized by these experiences. Date or acquaintance rape occurs when a person is forced, against her will, to have sex and the assailant is someone she knows. This scenario, however, is the exception rather than the rule.
Most sexual assaults are by perpetrators known to the victim.
Because this experience does not fit the traditional definition or picture of what rape is, survivors of date rape often question whether or not their experience was rape, whether or not to report it to police, and why they are feeling so traumatized. Date rape often creates guilt and self-doubt in survivors, who question their own judgment for spending time with the perpetrator. Because our society seems to see date rape as less ugly, less serious, than rape by a stranger, survivors may receive less support from friends and family. Whether by a stranger or an acquaintance, rape is a violent crime, which leaves lasting wounds for survivors. You may be too ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone.