Module 11
How Accurate Language About Sexual Assault Supports Victims in the Criminal Justice System

Rapes Do Not “Occur,” They Are Deliberately Committed

A related and equally misused term is “occur.” For example, social science researchers typically report that most rapes “occur” at certain hours in certain places. But, like hurricanes, rapes do not “occur” out of the blue. Rapes are deliberate acts and there are perpetrators with agency to be held accountable.

Accurate language is “most rapes are perpetrated in [location]….”

 

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