When most people think about rape they imagine a creepy stranger jumping out from a dark place and sexually assaulting someone. That does happen sometimes, but most of the time (4 out of 5 times) the attacker knows or recognizes the victim. When forced sex happens between two people who already know each other it’s called date rape or acquaintance rape.

Most friendships or dating relationships never involve sexual violence but, unfortunately, it can happen. But remember – it doesn’t matter if you know the attacker, are dating him, or even if you have consented to having sex with him before. No one has a right to force a sexual act of any kind on you against your will. That includes intercourse, oral sex, unwanted touching, or any other sexual activity you don’t want to participate in. Being forced to have sex against your will is rape.

This section will help you understand more about date rape and what you can do if it happens to you. It will also describe ways you can help prevent sexual assault in our communities.

For more information about sexual assault, check out the Sexual Assault section of our website.