Many argue that rape is more accurately described as a violent crime rather than as a sex offense. It is also generally recognized that the level of nonreporting for rape offenses is extremely high. The need for the medical examination of rape victims poses particular problems, since such examinations must be conducted by physicians trained in obtaining forensic evidence and must be carried out as early as possible after the rape. Analysis of rapes reported to the police in two London boroughs was conducted to develop a profile of the nature of rape from which preventive strategies might be developed. Of 507 cases reported during the 1984-1986 period, 591 offenses were reported; 84 percent were allegations of rape or attempted rape. Most of the 507 cases involved only one victim, and about 60 percent of the cases involved one sexual act. Actual violence was employed in over a third of the cases, and about 20 percent of the cases involved the use of weapons. About 40 percent of the victims suffered injuries in addition to the rape itself. Most victims ranged in age from 13 to 59 years, most cases involved only one offender, and offenders were predominantly between 16 and 29 years of age. About 40 percent of the cases involved men who were well-known to the victim. With regard to prevention, research findings point to the importance of women reporting rape to the police. The need for vigorous law enforcement seems self-evident, given the fact that the fear of being found out stopped some men from committing rape. The issue of rape reporting and recording is discussed. 48 references, 3 tables.