 |
Rape Facts |
| |
|
| |
Definition of Rape |
| |
|
| |
Fact: Rape is a violent and serious crime. Rape is sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) without consent. Rape is not about sexual attraction, but rather desire for power over another person. The victim is not at fault. Offenders use drugs, alcohol, physical violence or threats to force another person to have unwanted sexual intercourse. No one owes anyone sex. Rapists do not always hide in the dark alleys—they are neighbors, they are your relatives, they are people that you trust. Women ages 16 to 24 are 4 times more likely to raped and 85% of the victims know their attackers. Acquaintance rape is committed by a person that the victim knows. |
| |
|
| |
What to do if you are a victim of rape |
| |
|
| |
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the Philadelphia area, free medical treatment is provided to rape victims at Episcopal and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. |
| |
|
| |
Do not shower, eat, or smoke. These actions can destroy evidence of the attack. |
| |
|
| |
Report the crime. A victim is not requited to report the incident, but it is highly recommended to prevent future attacks by the perpetrator. |
| |
|
| |
Women Organized Against Rape is an organization, which provides a 24-hour hotline service (215) 985-3333. Our hotline is staffed with trained crisis counselors, that you can call any time. |
| |
|
| |
Defusing the situation |
| |
|
| |
Stay calm. Remain secure in your ability to control the situation the best you can. |
| |
|
| |
Weigh you options. It is important to fight off your attacker (fight, scream, claw kick, punch, strike your attacker and gouge). However, fighting back can only cause more danger if the rapist has a weapon. |
| |
|
| |
Say “NO”. Try to make it clear that you do not want to have sex; using the word “NO” is a clear way to communicate this lack of desire. |
| |
|
| |
Use the word “RAPE.” This may alert your attacker to the seriousness of the offense. |
| |
|
| |
Act quickly. |
| |
|
| |
Assess the situation. Look for an escape. |
| |
|
| |
Remember—no matter what you do or do not do, no one deserves rape. If the sex was unwanted, especially if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you were raped.
|
| |
|
