Because the rapists may have been a part of their lives or someone with whom they socialize, victims often have to face their assailants after the rapes causing distress, fear and humiliation for the victim. Victims of acquaintance rape frequently blame themselves for a violent crime over which they had no control. Because the assailants are previously known to them, many victims hold themselves accountable for not having better judged the character of their perpetrators, or for allowing themselves to be in the situation in which the rape occurred. Acquaintance rape victims also experience an extreme violation of trust because this individual they allowed into their life violated all that trust and committed a horrible crime against them. The trauma caused by acquaintance rape is no less severe than the trauma that is associated with rape by a stranger.
Victims can suffer physically, emotionally and financially.
Many victims suffer from one or several of these symptoms, and some victims are affected for many years. Many acquaintance rape victims never reach out for the services and assistance they need in the aftermath of their victimization. When victims do step forward and report, they are often not believed or experience difficulty in receiving proper services. Acquaintance rape victims have myriad concerns. The fear of being blamed, fear of their families, friends or the general public knowing about their victimization, or a sense of futileness due to the belief that justice will not be served prevent many victims from coming forward.