FALSE ALLEGATION: A Concept in the Context of Rape

Abstract

"False allegation" is an imprecise term that is frequently used, but does not convey the same meaning to everyone. False allegations are statements that are unproven and untrue in the spirit of deliberateness or deceit. False allegations of sexual assault are relatively rare occurrences. For an allegation to be false, there first must be the motivation to deceive. There then must be unproven, untrue statements about the perpetrator(s), act(s), and/or setting that are either false accusations of false denials. It is recommended that false allegations be expressed using the following format: False allegation = false accusation/denial with respect to perpetrator(s)/act(s)/setting.