What is acquaintance rape?

• A. Rape by a stranger
• B. Rape by a relative
• C. Rape by a person who is known to the victim
• D. Date rape

Answer: (C)

Acquaintance rape means sexual assault committed by someone the survivor knows, such as a friend, classmate, coworker, neighbor, or relative. Consent must be freely given, ongoing, and cannot be assumed because you know the person or have a relationship with them. This differs from rape by a stranger. While “date rape” can describe a dating situation, acquaintance rape is the broader term that includes any non-stranger relationship. So the best description is that it’s rape by a person who is known to the victim. If you or someone you know is in this situation, it’s important to seek help from trusted authorities or support services.