A criminal offence in which sexual intercourse takes place with an unwilling partner, female or male, under threat of force or violence. Reported rape cases have increased in number in recent years, but it is hard to know whether this is because the incidence of rape has increased or because victims are more willing to report the crime. A more sympathetic and understanding approach by the police, courts and society generally has resulted in the provision of greater support for victims who are usually severely traumatised psychologically as well as possibly injured physically. It is argued that rape is motivated by a desire to dominate rather than simply an attempt to achieve sexual gratification. The majority of rapes are probably unreported because of the victims’ shame, anxiety about publicity and fear that the rapist will take reprisals.

Anxiety, DEPRESSION and POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) are common after rape: many victims are now given help by rape crisis counselling.