Date Rape
However, an alarming trend of false accusations is actually on the rise. This is frequently the case on college campuses and in the bar or club scene. Reasons for false accusations vary. In some cases they may be a type of ‘revenge’ for a breakup or a broken heart. In other cases, the sex could be consensual during the act but one party may lead to regret their actions and often file charges. In some cases, both parties are intoxicated and the act is barely remembered by either person – even though it was consensual.
The rise of false allegations – as well as the increase in cases of true offenses – are on the rise in Boston in particular due to the large influx of college aged students. Date rape often comes down to a ‘he said, she said’ type situation and when these cases go to trial it can be hard for even a jury to determine the right verdict. For every person who is deserving of a prison term for their heinous actions, another person may stand accused of a crime that they didn’t commit. Date rape is actually the one area of sexual assault with the highest percentage of unsubstantiated and false claims.
It’s important to note that rape is a serious offense and a despicable act that can have huge negative impacts on those who are victims of it. But at the same time, false accusations can also destroy one’s life temporarily or even for good. With that in mind, and with the rising number of these false allegations, date rape remains one of the murkiest and most difficult types of criminal accusations to manage.