SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DATING RELATIONSHIPS

This article focuses on acquaintance rape, which under Canadian law co nstitutes a form of sexual assault. Frequency of acquaintance rape oft en is underestimated due to under-reporting, resulting in a local perc eption that acquaintance rape rarely occurs in a small Canadian commun ity. A survey was conducted to determine whether acquaintance rape doe s occur in this community. One hundred sixty-four male and female stud ents from grades 8-12 completed a questionnaire. Twenty-six percent of respondents reported being forced into some type of sexual activity. Based on the survey, this article explores the type of force used, the relationship, between acquaintance rape and use of alcohol and drugs, and the relationship between acquaintance rape and the ability to ind icate to a partner to stop a behavior. Results confirmed a need to dev elop programs to prevent rather than merely respond to issues of sexua l assault on a date.