When people think of rape, they might think of a stranger jumping out of a shadowy place and sexually attacking someone. But it's not only strangers who rape. In fact, over half of all people who are raped know the person who attacked them.

Most friendships, acquaintances, and dates never lead to violence, of course. But, sadly, sometimes it happens. When forced sex occurs between two people who already know each other, it is known as date rape or acquaintance rape.

Even if the two people know each other well, and even if they were intimate or had sex before, no one has the right to force a sexual act on another person against his or her will.

Even though rape involves forced sex, rape is not about sex or passion. Rape has nothing to do with love. Rape is an act of power and control.

Date rape is a crime, the same as rape between strangers. Date rape, acquaintance rape and sexual assault are all terms used to describe rape, attempted rape or any unwanted forced sexual contact:

• between any two people – male or female
• between friends, acquaintances or boyfriend/girlfriend
• between a gang or group and the person they overpower
• at any place – home, a party, on a date, in a car, gym or locker room
• at any time of day
• with or without physical force

Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol is often involved in date rapes. Drinking can loosen inhibitions, dull common sense and, for some people, allow aggressive tendencies to surface.

Drugs may also play a role. You may have heard about "date rape" drugs like rohypnol ("roofies"), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine. Drugs like these can easily be mixed in all kinds of drinks to make a person black out and forget things that happen.

Both girls and guys who have been given these drugs report feeling paralyzed, having blurred vision, and lack of memory. Mixing these drugs with alcohol is highly dangerous and can kill.

Always order your own drinks and watch them being made.  Drugs can be slipped into both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at parties or in bars without a person knowing.  And, don’t drink from your glass if it has been left where you can’t keep an eye on it.