Date rape

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For the song by Sublime, see Date Rape (song).

The term, "date rape" (also called "contact rape" or "acquaintance rape") refers to rape or non-consensual sexual activity between people who are already acquainted, or who know each other socially — friends, acquaintances, people on a date, or even people in an existing romantic relationship — where it is alleged that consent for sexual activity was not given, or was given under duress. In most jurisdictions, there is no legal distinction between rape committed by a stranger, or by an acquaintance, friend or lover, and the term is often used to describe any rape where there is a lack of physical coercion, in contrast to more traditional (although often inaccurate) conceptions of rape.

In some cases, "date rape drugs" such as ketamine, Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, or "roofies") may be used to neutralize resistance or even render the victim unconscious. Such drugs may also affect memory of the event. Alcohol is, however, by far the most widely used drug in rapes. [1]

1 The Social Issue
2 Statistics
- 2.1 In Canada
3 References in popular culture
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] The Social Issue

Understanding Date Rape as a social issue is very difficult due to conceptual differences about even what constitutes "rape". It both reflects and is reflected by political and sociological differences in ways of viewing gender roles, personal responsibility, and social norms. Debates on this topic often reflect polarized opinions in which proponents of differing viewpoints are accused of "radical feminism" or being "misogynistic."

Similarly, institutional responses, including efforts in the criminal justice system have been difficult to establish. Colleges and Universities, settings in which date rape is considered a common problem, have attempted to develop policies and guidelines for prevention and discipline that can be unwieldy and unenforceable. While criminal prosecution of so-called "stranger rape" (eg: no pre-existing relationship, use of physical force or of a weapon)is sufficiently difficult, as the statistics regarding attitudes included below bear out, a situation considered "date rape" can be even more difficult if not impossible.

This is due to the highly subjective components involved in determining consent, and conscious intention, as well as attitudes toward gender, toward sexuality, and individual responsibility. Further, in a society that is both "obsessed" with but uncomfortable with sex and sexuality, direct communication is too frequently lacking, so that expectations and interpretations vary drasitically between the potential "perpertrator" and the potential "victim." Add socially sanctioned use of alcohol (Over 80% of date rapes included the use of alcohol by at least one partner, while over 50% involved the use by both partners)and the and the liklihood of such miscommunication goes even higher.

[edit] Statistics

[edit] In Canada

80% of sexual assault victims are assaulted by men known to them in some capacity. WAVAW
As indicated by a 1992 survey, a surprising number of young people, both male and female, believe that it is acceptable to force a woman to have sex. 31% of males and 22% of females questioned responded yes when asked "If a girl engages in necking or petting and she lets things get out of hand, is it her own fault if her partner forces sex on her?" WAVAW
In a study of 304 high-school students in Toronto, Ontario, one-fifth of young women surveyed had experienced some form of assault in a romantic relationship. WAVAW
On post-secondary campuses, more than 80% of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. 50% of those occur on dates. WAVAW
At least 15% to 30% of university women report having experienced some form of date or acquaintance rape. WAVAW

[edit] References in popular culture

In the movie Broadcast News the main character does a story, that in the plot of the movie appears to be the first popularization of the term.
In 1992 the Long Beach based ska-punk band Sublime featured a track entitled "Date Rape" on the album 40 Oz. to Freedom which gives a surprisingly accurate synopsis of the date rape phenomenon..
In the 1991 song by A Tribe Called Quest, "The Infamous Date Rape", which appeared on The Low End Theory album.
Around the same time, so-called shock rock idol Marilyn Manson also wrote a tune about what happens to a date rapist, titled "Cake And Sodomy" (which hints at the rapist's demise).
The title character of the show Veronica Mars was drugged and raped at a party, an event which forms a significant part of the character and series.
The Prodigy's song "Baby's Got a Temper" contains line "she like rohypnol". Rohypnol is also a date rape drug.
The movie Unbreakable features a scene with a date rape under the influence of alcohol.