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Four types of rapists have been identified, based on their motivations and behavior patterns. These categories were first described by Dr. A. Nicholas Groth, author of Men Who Rape: The Psychology of the Offender. United States federal and state law enforcement use these categories to prevent rapes and catch rapists.
Rape is considered a loathsome crime in most cultures, and is sometimes severely punished by the law. Castration and so-called chemical castration have been used as a punishment for habitual offenders in some countries. In some countries, rape is punished by death—sometimes by stoning. Social attitudes toward rape and appropriate punishment are a subject of serious ongoing debate in some Western cultures. In the West the crime is usually punished by long-term imprisonment, with life imprisonment often being the maximum punishment. Rape was punishable by death in many US states at the beginning of the 20th century.
According to RAINN statistics, only about 6% of rapists—roughly 1 out of 16—will ever be convicted and spend time in jail.
In some cultures, rape is used as a form of punishment. See, for instance, the case of Mukhtaran Bibi.
As a form of violent assault, rape can be very serious, and many sexual assaults end with the death of the victim. Rape can also result in serious physical injury, as well as in pregnancy, and the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. The most common effects of rape on victims are psychological. In the past, survivors of rape and sexual assault were often diagnosed with Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS), then considered an psychological disorder. RTS is no longer considered a diagnosis, but rather a set of normal psychological and physiological reactions that a survivor is likely to experience. These include, but are not limited to, feelings of guilt and shame, tension, anger, eating disturbances, and sometimes depression. The reactions are very similar to those that would be experienced by a survivor of any other traumatizing experience. The psychological trauma is cited as one of the reasons that rape is usually not reported to the authorities.
In Western countries, rape is considered a medical emergency. Medical and law enforcement professionals strongly recommend that a victim call for help to report this criminal act and medical emergency. It is important that a victim seek medical attention as soon as possible both for prompt treatment for possibly life threatening injuries and disease, and to preserve evidence. Preferably victims should not bathe or clean themselves before the exam not only to prevent the loss of physical evidence but to also not delay medical attention. Physical injuries such as gynecologic,
rectal or internal hemorrhage may have resulted. Additionally, emergency contraception and preventative treatment against sexually transmitted diseases may be required, in particular prophilactic treatments to prevent HIV infection. Emergency medical technicians, emergency room nurses and doctors are trained in how to help rape victims. In many communities emergency rooms have rape kit s which are used to collect evidence. Even if a victim thinks he or she will not participate in a criminal prosecution collection of evidence immediately after the rape preserves options for the victim.Because of the sexual nature of rape crimes, victims often suffer serious psychological trauma. This is especially true in societies with strong sexual customs and taboos. For example, a woman (and especially a virgin) who is raped may be deemed "damaged" by society: She may suffer isolation, may be prohibited to marry, be divorced if she was married or even killed. She may also feel "dirty" or as if the crime was her fault.
The process to denounce and eventually convict an offender is often hindered by similar psychological effects. Victims frequently feel shame when describing what has happened (especially if a female victim must report the incident to a male law officer). Also, the intimate questions and medical examinations required for prosecution can make the victim uncomfortable. In societies that do not accord equal civil rights to women and men, this process is even more difficult for female victims.
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