Assessing the Impact of Acquaintance Rape

Abstract

This is a study consisting of in-depth interviews with 12 women who were victims/survivors of acquaintance rape while attending a university in the Northeast. The interviews focused on research questions concerning actions taken by the victim/survivor after the assault, reactions to her disclosure of the assault, and the impact of assault. It was found that a majority of the women did not seek professional services (medical, legal, counseling). All of the women had disclosed prior to participation, and had received varied reactions to disclosure, ranging from very supportive to complete disbelief. The rape had impacted all of the women quite dramatically; all cited consequential negative effects, while a few noted some positive effects as well. Implications for colleges and universities are discussed.

Key Words:

• Acquaintance rape
• impact of sexual assault
• college women