Simone,

Human nature is such that people lie. They lie for a variety of reasons, and a quick google search will uncover numerous examples of people spending years in jail for crimes they did not commit.

Sexual assault claims are no different. The G&M discovered that 80% of reports are pursued. That's a substantial number. However, what the underlying message of the article is, is that the number should be much higher.

Based on my experience, that's simply not the case.  If a person finds themselves in an awkward situation of their own making, and they are not willing to take responsibility for it, a common theme is to blame something or someone else. Although you might think it impossible that someone could concoct a false story of rape to cover their actions, it is indeed common. 

My submission is that the reporter(s) should have spent a month with a Sex Crimes unit. They might have come away as shocked as I was the first time I came across a less-than-honest complainant.