Date rape is a crime that is difficult to deal with for both the victims and law enforcement workers, a leading Illinois prosecutor said Thursday.

In a speech at DuSable Hall, DeKalb County State’s Attorney Mike Coghlan told more than 100 communications and journalism students about the problems with identifying and convicting date rape criminals.

Among many factors that contribute to pervasiveness of the crime is the belief that it is acceptable for men to dominate women, Coghlan said.

“It is a crime to take physical control over someone. Rape is an act of violence and not of love,” Coghlan said.

Furthermore, date rape is a difficult crime to identify, he said.

Many people are skeptical about the occurrence of date rape when the victim is under the influence of alcohol. Women should try to not be alone with someone who is drinking too much and shouldn’t drink too much alcohol themselves, he said.

If a rape accusation is brought to trial, guilt is hard to prove and the proceedings are difficult experiences for both the offender as well as the victim, he said.

“I hate to try rape cases. In just a couple of minutes the offender’s as well as the victim’s life is ruined,” Coghlan said.

Coghlan said Illinois is unique in the manner rape cases are tried. Illinois tries rape cases even when a “51 percent” probable cause exists, Coghlan said.

Most other states wait until there is almost indisputable evidence of the accused person’s guilt before a case is tried, he said.

“Therefore, I cannot brag about my success rate,” Coghlan said.

Some audience members said that it’s important not to forget men could be raped, too.

One student said a four-year penalty might be a long sentence for the crime, saying it was “one little mistake” and that a woman might have enjoyed the experience.