Definitions, ways to reduce your risk and what to do if you are a victim.













Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know forces you to have sex. Most rapes (over 80%) are acquaintance rapes. The rapist can be a friend, family member, neighbor, or a co-worker.

If someone you are dating forces you to have sex, it is date rape. Date rape can happen on a first date, or when you have been going out for a long time. Date rape is the most common form of acquaintance rape. 57% of all sexual assaults are date rapes.
In West Virginia, the laws are very specific about sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Sexual abuse occurs when a person subjects another person to sexual contact without their consent, and that lack of consent is due to physical force, threat or intimidation.

Sexual assault is vaginal, anal, or oral penetration of a person's body without consent, by any part of another person's body or by an object. The lack of consent is due to force, physical helplessness (which could include being drunk or drugged), or being mentally incapacitated.

West Virginia law specifically states that anyone under the age of 16 is incapable of giving consent.
Force is not always physical. Often the rapist uses a threat or tries to intimidate you. Some examples of this kind of force are:
  • threatening to harm you.
  • having sex with you when you're too drunk or high to say "no."
  • not taking "no" for an answer.
  • threatening to harm a friend or family member.
  • implying that something even worse will happen if you don't give in.
  • saying things such as, "If you don't, I'll hurt myself."
You always have the right to say "no," even if:
  • you have been drinking or taking drugs.
  • you are wearing sexy clothes.
  • you agreed to go to a secluded place.
  • you agreed at first and then changed your mind.
  • you have had sex before.
  • your date has spent a lot of money.
  • you think your date will get mad.
  • you have been going out for a long time.
If you decide you do not want to have sex, you have the right to say "no." Your body belongs to you and you alone.
If someone is pressuring you to have sex when you don't want to,
  • say "no" clearly and forcefully.
  • move away from that person.
  • make an excuse to get out of the room - "I have to go to the bathroom" - then leave and call for help.
  • fight back if you feel you can.
  • yell loudly for help. Don't be afraid to yell "rape!".
  • get away as soon as you can.
Do not go off alone with someone you do not know well or who makes you feel uncomfortable.
Trust your instincts. Go out with a group, or to a public place, or double date.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid isolated situations.


Monitor drinking and drug use of those around you. In reported rapes 75% of males and 55% of females had been drinking or taking drugs.


Staying in charge means saying what you want and knowing what you are doing. Avoid drinking and using drugs. They make it difficult to resist physical force or to say "no."
Do not leave beverages unattended or accept drinks from anyone you don't know well or trust.



Always carry money for cab fare and change for a phone call. Call your family or a trusted friend to come and get you if you feel unsafe. Remember, it is better to get into trouble for being somewhere you shouldn't be than to be raped.
Communicate your limits clearly and directly. Insist on being treated with respect.
Most importantly, remember that you are the victim. It is not your fault. Seek help.
Reporting is your choice. If you decide to report the crime, call 911. Reporting as soon as possible may preserve evidence.


If you are thinking about reporting, do not wash, douche, or change clothes until you have been examined medically. Doing so may alter valuable evidence that could be used if the case is prosecuted.


Go to a hospital emergency room for assistance and treatment. Ask if your community has a rape crisis program that allows an advocate to be with you to provide support and information.
Get support. Rape crisis centers can provide referral information and confidential support services.




Whether or not you report the attack to law enforcement, you should still protect your health. It is best to be treated for sexually transmitted diseases within the first 72 hours after being assaulted. Consult your health care provider for information about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE

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