Rape Statistics
The United States National Crime Victimization commission of 1999 reported that only 39% of all sexual assaults and rapes were reported to law enforcements agencies. For instances of male rape, that number was less than 10%. The survey bypassed all instances of female-female and female-male rape, altogether- since the number of reported incidents is negligible. The primary reason cited for the low percentage of reported rapes is the perception that rape is a “private affair” or a fear of further attack from the person who committed the rape. A study published in Great Britain (2007) noted that it is estimated that 75% – 95% of all rapes are never brought to the attention of the authorities.
Reporting to Police
Different rape advocacy groups have suggested various means for increasing the percentage of rapes that are reported to the police. These methods can involve dealing with the subsequent trauma suffered in the rape. For example, many law enforcement agencies will take the step of assigning a female officer to head a rape investigation that involves a woman victim.
False Rape Accusation
The advocacy groups also insist on preserving the anonymity of the victim during legal proceedings. However, this approach has come under fire as it may lead to a false rape accusation. Advocacy groups have also pushed for the category of female-male “educational” sexual encounters to be re-defined as cases of rape, as well. The statistics of female-female and female-male rape are rarely considered, as some jurisdictions have no laws to address these forms of encounters. It may even be thought, in some jurisdictions, that female-male rape is impossible.
Percentage of Women
With current data available, a Canadian research specialist came to the conclusion that 1/3 of sexual offenses, in general, involve women perpetrators. Yet, it was also noted that out of 4545 convictions of sexual offenses in 1997, only 0.4% of those convicted and imprisoned were women.
The Effect of Culture
Cultural mores will also play a part in the reluctance of female-male rape victims to report a crime. It is perceived by the general public (and the victim, as well) that there was a conscious choice on the part of the male to willingly participate in the encounter – even if the encounter was coerced by threats (such as loss of employment).
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
For more information, contact Attorney Michael Lowe located in the Dallas, Texas area.