About Rape
What is rape?
Rape is a violent sexual act committed against a person's will. Thousands are reported each year and thousands more go unreported. Rape is a violent crime.
Rape is a crime that affects everyone. It harms:
Women. Victims of rape suffer physical pain and emotional trauma that may include loss of trust in people, low self-esteem, fear of men, depression.
Men. Husbands, other family members and friends suffer with the victims. Their relationships with the victim may change.
Community. Costs for investigation, arrest and prosecution are high. Rape can also affect the quality of life in a community by creating fear.
Every woman is a potential victim. Rape victims come from all:
Age groups. More than half of all reported rapes involve female victims under 18. However, everyone from young children to elderly women face the risk of rape.
Economic backgrounds. Victims are rich, poor, and middle-class.
Ethinc groups. Rape happens to women of all races and cultural backgrounds.
Rapes occur:
At all times of day, in all seasons.
In all kinds of places --- in cities, towns and rural areas. Rapes may occur in a home, on the street, in a parking lot, office, building, or school, in any place where a woman can be trapped or isolated.
There is no typical rapist:
Rapists come from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. They may be:
Friends, family, acquaintances or dates. Most rapes are committed by people the victims know. This may be a date, acquaintance, coworker, boss, family member, ex-husband, or neighbor. Many rapists are married or have sex partners.
Strangers. Some rapists don't know the women they attack. They may observe potential victims and plan the rape, or choose victims at random.
Young or old. Many rapes are committed by teenagers and young men but men of all ages commit rape.
Some Myths and Facts About Rape:
Myth: Women who wear seductive clothing are asking to be raped. Fact: No woman ever wants to be forced into having sex - no matter how she is dressed.
Myth: Many women falsely report rapes to get back at men. Fact: Usually the opposite is true - rape often goes unreported because women feel embarrassed, ashamed or afraid they won't be believed.
Myth: Women secretly want to be raped. Fact: Rape is a brutal crime. No woman wants the pain, injury or violence involved in rape.
Myth: A rapist wants sexual satisfaction. Fact: Rapists use sex as a way to hurt and humiliate women. Rape is an act of power and generally has little to do with sexual desire.
Myth: Rapists are impulsive and can't control their desires. Fact: Most rapes are planned.
Myth: Rape only happens to single women who are not careful. Fact: All types of women are attacked, in all types of circumstances.
Myth: Women say no when they really mean yes. Fact: The word "no" means NO - it should never be interpreted any other way.
Myth: Women are powerless against the threat of rape. Fact: Although rape is never a woman's fault, there are many things a woman can do to reduce the risk of rape.
Some Ways to Reduce the Risk of Rape:
At home:
Leave the lights on when you are out. Have your keys ready when you return.
Avoid isolated places, such as elevators, laundry rooms, and garages, when you are alone or feel uncomfortable with someone there.
Vary your daily routine if possible, so it is not predictable.
Install and use quality deadbolt locks on all entry doors. Install and use window key locks on windows.
Make friends in your neighborhood. Find out about starting a neighborhood crime-prevention program.
Install a peephole and use it. Do not open the door to strangers. Have police, service people slip identification under the door. Call the station or home office to verify the person's business.
Don't enter your home if it looks like it had been broken into. Call the police from the nearest phone.
On dates or social situations:
Learn about a man's attitudes. His words may reveal hostility toward women.
Make your limits clear before you get into a sexual situation.
Avoid secluded places, such as parks or deserted beaches. Meet in public where help will be nearby.
Don't leave your drink alone or drink something you did not get or open yourself. A man may slip "date rape drugs" into a drink. These can cause intensive drunkenness, difficulty in moving, and memory loss.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs - they can cloud judgement and slow responses. Be aware of your date's use of them too.
Drive yourself, go with another couple, or arrange your own transportation, especially if you do not know your date well.
Walking:
Plan your route and walk confidently.
Don't walk in isolated areas, especially at night.
Never hitchhike.
If you're being followed, go into a store or other area with people, or knock on a door for help.
Driving:
Lock your car when driving and parked.
Avoid isolated or poorly lit parking spots.
Scan the area when approaching your car. Look under your car and in the back seat too.
Have your keys ready when approaching the car.
If your car breaks down, lock the doors and stay inside. Ask anyone who stops to call for help. (Speak through a closed or slightly cracked window).
Public Transportation:
Avoid isolated stations or bus stops.
Avoid empty subway cars.
Wait near others in well-lit areas.
If you feel threatened, move.
Sit near the driver if possible.
If you are attacked:
Trust your instincts and react quickly. There is no single best way to react. Your greatest chance to escape is usually when an attack begins. Depending on your situation, you may decide to run or scream for help (especially if you're near other people), kick, hit, bite, scratch, etc. These actions may let you escape, but be aware that they could lead to further harm.
Remember your goal is survival. If you believe resisting would put your life in danger, cooperate. Don't blame youself later for anything you did or did not do. Rape is never a woman's fault.
About self-defense:
It is not best to carry a weapon unless you are thoroughly trained in its use. Weapons can be turned against you. If you decide to carry a weapon, follow state laws.
A course in self-defense can help you think clearly and react quickly. It can also help identify your strength and limits.
What to do after a rape or assault:
Immediately tell the first person you see and point out the rapist if possible.
Don't shower, douche, change clothes or apply medication. And don't disturb anything in the place where the attack occurred.
Report the rape to the police as soon as possible. If you're of legal age, this decision is yours. Remember that reporting attacks is an important part of ending violence against women but you should be comfortable with whatever decision you make.
Call a friend or rape crisis center, so someone can be with you.
Get medical attention at an emergency room in a medical center. Cooperate with medical personnel and police. They're trying to help you.
Note: Every rape is different and sometimes it is hard for women to decide if they were really raped. If you're confused or frightened by something that happened, talk with a friend or rape crisis counselor.
Later get continued help and support. It is normal to feel confusion, anger, guilt and other strong emotions after a rape. For help in dealing with these feelings, you can contact a rape crisis center, the police department (some have specially trained officers who handle rape cases), a women's counseling center, a victim/witness program (usually available throught the court), a mental health or community center, a social service agency, a campus or school counselor, a religious leader.
How communities can help:
Programs for rape victims. These can provide invaluable help to women recovering from an attack.
Crime-prevention programs. These may include better lighting, neighborhood crime-prevention groups, rides, escorts, and other forms of protection.
Police efforts. Support special programs and the officers who staff them.
Educational programs. Community programs, parent groups and informal discussions can help promote healthy attitudes toward women and discourage violence.
Copyrighted information property of Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. For more information or a copy of this booklet, call (800) 628-7733.