College Date Rape: Incidence and Reporting

Abstract

The present survey based on 70% returns ( N=140) of a random sample of 200 women at one college indicated that, although 5% had been date raped, none reported the rapes to authorities due to feelings of self-blame and embarrassment. That rapes are not reported perpetuates a self-fulfilling prophecy that rapes do not occur. A victim of rape may feel she is the only one and may be reluctant to become the exception who reports. This denial by both college authorities and victims does not encourage programs for prevention and treatment.