U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Rape in Arkansas, 1993

NCJ Number
150959
Date Published
June 1994
Annotation
Data in this report come from the 1993 Arkansas Uniform Crime Reporting program and a special supplement that allows collection of additional information on each rape and attempted rape.
Abstract

The definitions of "rape" in Arkansas law and the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program differ significantly; this report uses the UCR definition: "Forcible rape is the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Assaults to commit forcible rape are also included; however, statutory rape (without force) is not counted in this category." There were 1,026 rapes and attempted rapes in Arkansas reported through the 1993 UCR program. Of these, 911 were rapes and 115 were attempted rapes reported by law enforcement agencies. This is a 4-percent decrease from 1992, but is still 32 percent higher than 5 years ago and 48 percent higher than in 1982. When time of day was known, 42 percent of all rapes occurred during the 6-hour period between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. The most common 2-hour period was from midnight to 2:00 a.m. The least likely 2- hour period was from 10:00 a.m. until noon. When day of the week was known, 38 percent of the rapes were committed on Saturday or Sunday. For the first time since 1986, more rapes were committed on Sunday than on Friday. More rapes occurred in August than any other month. There were 12 percent more white rape victims than black victims in 1993 than in 1992 and 46 percent more than 5 years ago. The number of black victims has increased 15 percent in the last 5 years. Forty-four percent of the victims were younger than 18 years old, and two of every three victims were younger than 25 years old. A weapon other than hands, fists, and verbal threats was used in only 15 percent of the rapes, compared to 20 percent in 1992. Data are also provided on victim-offender race relationship, relationship of offender to victim, rapes involving family members, location of rapes, rape reporting time lapse, number of offenders per rape, race and age of offenders, and medical attention for victims. The number of rapes and attempted rapes for each county is presented.

Date Published: June 1, 1994