Abstract
Acquaintance rape is defined as rape that is perpetrated by an assailant who is known to any degree by the victim. In early studies, acquaintance rape was sometimes termed “hidden” or “unacknowledged” rape due to lack of reporting and documentation of incidents. Studies have repeatedly shown that acquaintance rape is the most common type of rape as it is estimated to make up 60–80% of all rapes. Like stranger rape, acquaintance rape can cause physical injuries and have psychological consequences for victims. There are both criminal and civil remedies for acquaintance rape cases, and restorative justice approaches have also been tested with some evidence of effectiveness. Current research trends in programming to prevent acquaintance rape include bystander intervention, psychoeducational programs targeting boys and men, and resistance skills training for women.
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