Reported decrease in rape prompts debate

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- U.S. crime data show an 85 percent drop in the number of rapes since the 1970s, but some analysts question the validity of those numbers.

Rates of other violent crimes have increased, prompting some critics to wonder about the accuracy of the rape numbers, The Washington Post reported.

The Justice Department estimated there were an average of 2.8 rapes per 1,000 people in 1979 -- and an average of 0.4 per 1,000 in 2004.

While many experts do doubt the accuracy of such numbers, National Organization for Women president Kim Gandy told the Post there is little doubt there has been a decline in rape over the past 10 to 20 years.

"It's very liberating for women, in terms of now being able to be more free and more safe," she said.