3 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

used to subdue her. It is these offenders that hope for her to find gratification in the experience and willingly submit to the act once overcome. Part of the fantasy for him is that his powers of persuasion will leave the woman desiring him and they be overcome by the sexual act to the point of response. When this doesn't happen this rapist begins the cycle again seeking the next opportunity. Many serial rapists are this type of offender.

The sadistic rape is the one that receives the most media attention due to the bizarre nature of the perpetrator and the crime itself. These are the men that stalk and plan the crime with great care and detail. For these offenders the actual physical pain inflicted on his victim is the focus. Of all the types of rape this is the most overtly sexual one as his sexual gratification is found in her pain and suffering. Torture, mutilation and restraints are the tools of this offender, and the victim is often murdered as the full expression of his sadism. These are the stalkers, serial rapists and serial killers who will commit the crime over and over again.

Date rape is another type of rape that is not often listed with these others as the motivating factors can be any of the above listed. I believe this is the most unreported of the crimes. Social stigma and the fear of retaliation often prevent women from feeling safe reporting this crime. Being raped by an acquaintance or a friend makes the crime all the more personal and feelings of shame and guilt are frequently more difficult to overcome in these instances. Past rejections often lead to this crime and many times it has elements of power rape.

David Lisak, Ph.D University of Massachusetts Boston states the following. "The vast majority of rapists are never prosecuted for their crimes. The attrition rate between the commission of the crime and the prosecution of it reveals starkly how unpunished is the crime of rape. Approximately 85% of rape victims do not report their victimization to criminal justice authorities. Of the 15% who do report, it is estimated that perhaps 10% result in the filing of charges, and perhaps 40% of those cases result in some sort of conviction." I believe date rape makes up a large number of these unreported crimes. He calls these men the undetected rapists and makes some interesting observations about them. These men are skilled at identifying potential victims and test the intended victims boundaries. These men plan and premeditate their attacks

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The myths and truths about rape?
We want to hear your view. Write now!