The interviews consisted of questions and answers, responses to hypothetical rape vignettes, and the administration of attitude scales to measure attitudes toward rape and heterosexual relationships. Rapists were generally viewed as abnormal strangers, and forced sex by an acquaintance in a social situation was not perceived as rape. Respondents anticipated more positive reactions from friends than from parents to assaults by a stranger and an acquaintance. Lack of awareness was the major barrier to the use of sexual assault treatment centers. The boys perceived sexual assault as more stigmatizing than did the girls, and boys would be less likely to tell anyone about the assault. Among males, rape tolerance was related to 'male chauvinist' attitudes. Adolescents should be made aware that rape can be perpetrated by a normal acquaintance and should be reported to the police. Adolsecents should receive information on rape treatment centers, appropriate responses to male sexual victimization, and equality and sensitivity in heterosexual relationships. 34 tables, study instruments, and 32 references.