Economic stress could be contributing to a sharp increase in rapes this year in Fresno, police said Wednesday.
Fresno police have seen a 33% increase in the number of rapes reported this year. As of Wednesday afternoon, 61 cases had been reported, compared with 46 cases by this time last year.
Police chief Jerry Dyer said most of the victims are 18 or younger, and most know their attacker. He said about half of the cases involve alcohol or drugs, including so-called date-rape drugs.
"There's a lot of stress in our society today," he said, which can lead to more drinking or drug use.
To combat the surge in rapes, Dyer announced a partnership with the Resource Center for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Family Violence.
Read the complete story at fresnobee.com