NCJ Number
185156
Editor(s)
Adam Graycar Dr.
Date Published
June 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Despite an increasing awareness of the problem of sexual violence in Australia, there is still reluctance in some quarters for date rape to be considered criminal or even unacceptable behavior, and this is due partly to the hidden nature of the crime and the complicated issue of sexual consent.
Abstract
Numerous Australian women have experienced date rape. Because of low reporting, however, it is difficult to establish an accurate measure of the extent of the problem of date rape, thus reducing the possibility of identifying appropriate responses for preventing and treating both victims and perpetrators. Victims who do not recognize forced sex as unacceptable are unlikely to seek help, despite the potential impact of date rape being just as severe and traumatic as other types of rape. Date rape is explained in relation to rape myths, sexual consent and coercion, date rape drugs, the role of alcohol, and the impact of date rape. Prevention measures range from a change in the formulation of Rohypnol which has been misused as a "date rape drug" through school and community activities concerned with the prevention of violence. Specific attention is paid in the discussion of date rape prevention to criminal justice system and police responses, legislative changes, treatment, and rape crisis centers. The author concludes that date rape is a complex problem that is difficult to define, measure, and prevent. 22 references and 1 table