RAPE IS SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A FEMALE NOT THE WIFE OF THE PERPETRATOR WHEN VIOLENCE OR THREAT OF VIOLENCE IS PRESENT, THE WOMAN GIVES NO CONSENT, OR SUBMITS BELIEVING THAT THE PERSON COMMITING THE ACT IS HER HUSBAND. THE ROOT CAUSE OF RAPE IS THE WISH TO HUMILIATE OR DOMINATE, AND INVOLVES NOT ONLY SEXUALITY BUT POWER AND ANGER. RAPE IS USUALLY PLANNED; OPPORTUNITY AND THE VULNERABILITY OF THE VICTIM CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS. OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS, PERSONALITY, LIFESTYLE AND THE USE OF ALCOHOL. SOME OF THE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WHY RAPE OCCURS ARE DISCUSSED. THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MUST RESPOND TO, AND SUPPORT THE RAPE VICTIM. INVESTIGATIVE, TRIAL, AND CORRECTIONAL PROCEDURES ARE OUTLINED, AND THE OPTIONS OPEN TO RAPE VICTIMS ARE OUTLINED. THESE RANGE FROM DOING AND REPORTING NOTHING TO REPORTING THE CRIME WITH INTENT TO PROSECUTE. SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS FOR PREVENTION ARE MADE FOR THE HOME, DRIVING, WALKING, AND HITCHHIKING. RAPE CRISIS CENTER ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS IN CALIFORNIA ARE LISTED. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED. (RFC)