It is one of the most vicious crimes imaginable.
Its perpetrators are traditionally viewed as cold, calculating and utterly cruel, snatching people into darkened alleyways or secluded bushes.
But now, a senior Tayside police officer has warned that many of the area’s youngsters could be unwittingly committing rape.
Fuelled by alcohol and drugs, young adults could be left facing a lifetime of consequences if they fail to understand the laws of consent.
Detective Chief Inspector Bobby Dow has launched a bold move to define rape and make sure youngsters know that sex must only take place if there is “free agreement”.
In an exclusive interview with The Courier, Mr Dow said the force was working to educate people about consent and that they were particularly targeting Tayside’s young adults.
He said the We Can Stop It campaign aims to tackle “five myths” surrounding consent, two of which are causing particular problems today.
Mr Dow believes that the perception that someone has consented to sex because of what they wear, that they have been affectionate or are drunk, had largely been tackled.
But he warned that many people still believe that consent exists because they are in a relationship or because they are asleep.
“We want to get the message out that without consent, it is rape,” said Mr Dow.
The campaign will include posters in pubs and clubs, and YouTube videos.