Think of the word rapist. What comes to mind? If it’s someone who lurks in dark alleyways and carries out violent assaults on strangers, then you’re only considering one type of rapist.
Almost half of all rapists already know their victim. In many cases, they will be close friends or work colleagues that they socialise with. Quite often, the rapist and their victim will have previously had consensual sex. This is acquaintance rape – the unwanted, forced, sexual intercourse with someone you know.
The majority of offenders are young men aged 16 – 24.
The definition by law
Rape is when there is sexual intercourse with another person who is not consenting and the man does not reasonably believe the other person is consenting.
Consent is when a person agrees to have sex and has the freedom and ability to make that decision. Knowing someone, being drunk or on drugs or having been intimate with them before is not an excuse or consent.
Consequences
Have sex with someone who hasn't said yes to it and you could end up going to prison, for rape.
The maximum sentence that a judge can impose is life imprisonment. But even if you don’t receive a sentence of this length, the conviction will remain with you for the rest of your life and you’ll be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
