REPORT ACQUAINTANCE RAPE QUICKLY

Dear Abby: You were correct to advise "Survivor in San Francisco" that
acquaintance rape must be reported as soon as possible. Drug rapes can be
difficult to prove. GHB (a common incapacitating drug) leaves the victim's
body in 12 hours without a trace. Filing charges immediately enables police
to obtain a search warrant to look for evidence that supports the charges
- -- such as vials of drugs, or drug residue in a glass.

A friend of mine was drugged and raped last summer. After the rapist was
arrested, other victims came forward. No one knows for sure how many
victims there are, but it's alleged that he had been drugging and raping
for years.

I believe that failure to report such a crime makes one an accomplice. The
price of freedom is eternal vigilance; part of one's responsibility as a
citizen is to fight for justice. If any of the previous victims had
reported their rape, perhaps my friend might not have been raped.

I'd also like to begin a campaign to eliminate from the lexicon the words
"date rape" and "acquaintance rape." "Incapacitation rape" is more
appropriate. Criminals should be reported, tried and punished accordingly
if found guilty. Angry Boyfriend in Vermont

Angry Boyfriend: I agree. It is unfortunate that in cases of sexual
assault, many people still tend to blame the victim. And because of that
mind-set, many rape victims also blame themselves for what happened to
them. Until that attitude changes, and until parents get the message across
to their children of both sexes that women have the right to say no to sex,
sexual assaults will continue. Victims must find the courage to report
these crimes.