NCJ Number
117724
Journal
Journal of the Center for Women Policy Studies Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1986) Pages: 2-5
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Project on the Status and Education of Women (PSEW) has identified more than 50 incidents of gang rape occurring at a wide range of colleges and universities over a 3-year period.
Abstract
In almost all cases the perpetrators did not consider their behavior as rape, but normal party -- usually, fraternity -- behavior. Acquaintance rape and fraternities and acquaintance gang rape are explored, including the role of alcohol and drugs, as well as pornography, in their occurrence. Among legal remedies for victims is a civil law under which rape victims sue rapists for damages. The standards of proof are less strict for civil cases than in criminal cases. Victims may sue for personal injury and seek compensation for the full range of damages done to them, including pain and suffering. The possibility that victims will bring third-party liability civil suits against institutions is growing, thus, making it possible for students to bring charges against the institution for not warning them against known hazardous situations or not taking actions to correct such situations on campus. Fraternity chapters and national organizations, as well as individual fraternity members, also may be liable to civil suits.