NCJ Number
137763
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 61-75
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the extent of rape in the United States includes a critical analysis of Federal and independent sources of incidence data.
Abstract
Rape incidence estimates derived from the National Crime Survey (NCS) are flawed because of measurement methods that undermine full disclosure of victimization. Women in the United States are raped considerably more often than Federal statistics reflect. Further, rape is more likely to involve victims and offenders who are acquaintances than previously believed. An accumulation of independent data sources suggests that rape incidence may be 6 to 10 times higher than current NCS estimates and that women are as much as 4 times more likely to be raped by someone they know than by a stranger. The extensive revisions on the part of NCS in the content of questioning about rape are concrete steps toward improvement in rape detection. 45 references (Author abstract modified)