Rape is a serious problem and its numbers are increasing. It is defined as “forced sexual intercourse with a person who does not give consent” (Santrock, 2012). However, the legal definition of rape differs from state to state (Santrock, 2012). According to the National Rape, Abuse, and Incest Network, RAINN, in 2014, there were an average of 237,868 victims of rape and sexual assault each year (RAINN, 2014). With 525,600 minutes per year, a person is raped every 2 minutes. These numbers are staggering! However, they are largely under-represented since 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Rape or sexual assault can happen to anyone, including women, children, and men, gay or straight. RAPE AMONG WOMEN Rape is a very traumatic experience for victims. One in six American women will be victims of sexual assault or rape (RAINN, 2014). Women, just like men, commonly suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, drug addiction, pregnancy and many more (RAINN, 2003). Additionally, victims “may suffer negative emotional consequences, including feelings of ongoing fear, low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, guilt, and shock” (Branch et. all, 2013). Additionally, the largest group of people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are survivors of sexual assault (Reid-Cunningham, 2009). Even more shocking is the statistic that “15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 12; 29% are between 12 and 17 years old; 44% are under 18 years old and 80% are under 30 years old (USDOJ). Ages 12-34 are the years most at risk (USDOJ). Additionally, intimate partner violence causes American women to collectively lose approximately $727 million in wages due to approximately 8 million days missed from work (“Violence Facts”). While violence in the w...... middle of paper......October 10). Against his will: Rape between women and men. CNN. Accessed April 29, 2014, from http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/09/living/chris-brown-female-on-male-rape/Male Survivors - Rape survivors' message board and chat room and sexual abuse. (nd). Male Survivors - Message board and chat room for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Retrieved April 30, 2014 from http://www.aftersilence.org/male-survivors.phpReid-Cunningham, AR (2009). Parent-child relationship and maternal sexual abuse history. Violence Against Women,15(8), 920-932.Santrock, J.W. (2002). A current approach to development throughout life. Boston: McGraw-Hill. USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. (nd). USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. Accessed May 1, 2014, from http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/Understanding the Perpetrator. (nd).Welcome. Retrieved May 1, 2014 from http://sapac.umich.edu/article/196