Gang Rape

Prevalence, Reporting, and Risk Factors

Research has shown estimated rates of gang rape range from under 2% in student populations to up to 26% in police-reported cases. However, according to the Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics, there were 28,350 rapes/sexual assaults in 2005 that involved multiple offenders. That year there were 94,347 forcible rapes known to the police; therefore, approximately 30% of rapes in 2005 were gang or group rapes. Less than one third of rapes overall are reported to police, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey, and only 5% or fewer rapes of college students are reported to police. It is likely that gang rapes are also underre-ported to police, but data on this issue are lacking. Past studies of students and police-reported cases have shown that there is a preponderance of young offenders and victims in gang rapes, and greater levels of violence by offenders and substance use involved in gang rapes. Evidence is mixed about the demographic characteristics of offenders and victims in gang rapes, but some data suggest that victims and offenders in these incidents may more likely be of lower socioeconomic status. Although researchers and journalists have documented gang rape cases occurring in the context of fraternities and sports teams, no statistical evidence exists to show that these contexts pose greater risk of gang rape than other situations.

Comparisons of Gang and Individual Rapes

A few studies have compared gang and individual (e.g., single-offender) rapes, and most research shows that victims experience more completed rape and a greater number of other forced sexual acts in gang rape attacks. Studies have shown either no differences or higher levels of physical injuries for victims of gang rapes. Research on police-reported stranger rapes has found more alcohol and drug involvement, fewer weapons, more attacks at night, and less victim resistance in gang rapes. On the other hand, some research with college students has shown no difference in substance use involvement, but more victim resistance and more offender violence, including weapons, in gang rapes. A recent study of sexual assault victims recruited from the community showed that gang rapes are more likely than single-offender rapes to occur outdoors, be committed by stranger assailants, and involve more offender violence and weapons and greater physical injury to victims. These offenses are also more likely to involve substance use and victim resistance.

Postassault Functioning

Few studies have examined measures of postassault victim functioning. It is unclear whether gang rape victims are more likely than single-offender victims to tell others about their assaults. However, when they do disclose, research shows that gang rape victims are more likely to seek help from police, medical, and rape crisis services than single-offender victims. They also are more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide, have greater likelihood of having posttraumatic stress disorder, and are more likely to seek therapy after the assault than single-offender rape victims. Some research suggests that gang rape victims have greater histories of other traumatic events and child sexual abuse in their lives than single-offender rape victims.

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