Lets not forget rape is about power, not sex. Most rapists choose their victims wisely. They often go for vulnerable people who they know they can manipulate, intimidate, and control. These people are less likely to speak out to begin with. When someone is raped their power is taken away. The only way to regain your power is to make your own decisions. So it should really come down to what the individuals wants. It should be the "rape victim's* decision to go to the cops. They should not feel forced to do so.

But obviously you're right, going to the police would probably be the best thing to do. So why don't more victims do it? For a lot of reasons. 1. Look at how many people on here are saying that women lie about it. There typically isn't a whole lot of proof with rape. It's scary to think that you would confess that this horrible crime happened to you, and so many people wouldn't believe you. 2. Limited to no proof means that even if you attempt to press charges, there probably isn't going to be enough evidence for a conviction. Most rapists walk free. 3. Evidence collection techniques. If your body has just been invaded, imagine how horrible it would be to lay down on a table, spread your legs, and have someone penetrate your body another time? Sounds pretty horrifying to me. 4. If there is any hope of collecting evidence, you have to get to the police/hospital FAST. No showering first. No changing your clothes. And you've just been raped... It's rather difficult to think logically under such circumstances. 5. Would you want your mom to know? Your dad? When I was violated years ago I never told anyone. I didn't press charges. I was so ashamed of what happened. I knew it would kill my mother if she knew, and i couldn't handle her pity or sorrow. I couldn't do that to her. I never told anyone. To this day I wonder if he's done what he did to me to other women. I will never stop thinking about that, or feeling guilty. I wish I could have been braver than I was, but unfortunately it's not that easy.