Gray Rape

Updated: JUNE 13, 2016

Gray rape refers to rape that falls on a gray area, where both denial and some consent are present. This usually happens between acquaintances or during dates. Gray rape has actually been referred to by Cosmopolitan magazine as the “new kind of date rape” in 2007. In a gray rape, a victim may have consented to certain sexual acts, but not to full-on sex. Alcohol is sometimes present. Sexual assault is always involved.

More About Gray Rape

Critics have expressed concerns with the term “gray rape.” According to them, it uses miscommunication as an excuse for sexual violence. It even implies that assault may have been accidental, a by-product of mixed signals and wrong interpretations. To avoid this, getting a partner's consent is crucial, even after a make-out session and especially when they are under the influence of alcohol. Remember that no means no.