Rape

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Though most rapes (80-90% according to most estimates) are not reported to authorities, one rape is reported every 6 to 7 minutes in the United States. Current trends project that 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted at some point during her life.

The typical rape victim is a 16-24 year-old woman -- however, anyone, man or woman, adult or child, can be the victim of rape. Most commonly, the assailant is a 25-44 year-old man who premeditates his attack. He usually choses a woman of the same race; nearly half of the time the rapist is known to the victim, at least casually, or works or lives near the victim. Alcohol is involved more than 1 out of 3 times.

Over 50% of rapes occur in the victim's home with the rapist either breaking into the home or gaining access under false pretenses (such as asking to use the phone, posing as a repairman or salesman).

Rape is usually a violent act by a male upon a female; however, some cases of rape have been reported where the woman is the rapist and the man is the victim. Rape may occur between members of the same sex. This is more prevalent in situations where access to the opposite sex is restricted (such as prisons, military settings, and single sex schools).

Rape is not primarily about sex. It is a violent crime linked to feelings of rage or hatred in the assaillant.

People who are targeted for some form of discrimination (including racial discrimination) are believed to be at higher risk for sexual assault. This may be attributed to increased vulnerability because of decreased ability to call for help (for example, those with limited language skills or disabilities), decreased "perceived" credibility (prostitutes or convicted prisoners), and any women whose "male protectors" are either nonexistent, less socially powerful, or not readily visible.

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