… and more often raw intimidation in other countries that have a tradition of “honor killings” such as some in Asia.

I think a lot of the stigma of women being raped by a stranger is gone, but there is still a lot of “she must have led him on” if a woman knows the assailant. The problem with date rape is often the woman was drugged and doesn’t remember exactly who raped her. I know I’d think long and hard about if the headache and character assasination was worth it if something like that ever happened to me – it might be easier to just try to live with it afterwards, depending on a lot of factors. When you toss in homophobia the situation gets even more confused especially where young people are concerned.

I think the most important step would be an awareness of how often it happens, instead of just blocking it out because it’s ugly and makes people uncomfortable. Exploitation has never been wished away before in human history. Maybe as victims realize they aren’t alone, they will find more support in telling the truth because there are others who will understand what they went through. It’s harder to speak up if you think your voice is the only one, and most people don’t have that kind of courage.

It just makes me sick at heart. :(