Date Rape

Definition

Date rape refers to forced sexual intercourse without consent that is perpetrated by someone familiar to the victim, usually an acquaintance or date. Although date rape can be perpetrated by women, the typical date rape occurs when a man uses physical or psychological intimidation to force a woman to have intercourse against her will. Date rape also occurs when men have sex with women who have been incapacitated with alcohol or drugs and thus unable to consent to sex. Many social psychological factors influence how date rape is defined, perceived, and experienced by victims and perpetrators. These factors include stereotypes, scripts, gender roles, and elements of the sexual situation.

Stereotypes of rape lead many people to believe that rape occurs when a woman is attacked by ...