Rape an offense of secrecy; victim usually the only witness

Rape is essentially an offense of secrecy, not generally attempted except in dark or deserted and secluded places away from prying eyes, and the crime usually commences solely upon the word of the offended woman herself and conviction invariably turns upon her credibility, as the People's single witness of the actual occurrence. [G.R. No. 117217. December 2, 1996]