The sample of 513 young women and 460 young men was representative of the Milwaukee area in virtually all characteristics. Respondents thought a rapist more likely to be mentally ill, sexually motivated, and a stranger, contrary to indications of rape statistics. Young women thought that if they were raped, they would experience fear and concerns about pregnancy; they were relatively unaware of other psychological consequences of rape. They also thought that if they were raped, they would receive more positive (sympathetic) reactions from friends than from parents and more positive support from friends and family if assaulted by a stranger on the street than by an acquaintance at a party. Suggestions for rape prevention and education include making adolescents more aware that rapists are as likely to be 'normal' acquaintances as 'abnormal' strangers and that 'acquaintance' rape is as criminal as 'stranger' rape. Findings also suggest the value of peer counseling for rape victims and the importance of educating parents in manifesting a more sympathetic attitude toward the problems of their children. 3 tables, 1 figure, and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)