Information for Victims, Families and Friends.






.....that happens when you are forced, threatened or manipulated into sexual contact against your will.

Sex without consent is rape, whether the offender is a stranger or someone you know.
  • Eighty percent of all rapes are committed by someone known to the victim - a date, a neighbor, a co-worker, a boyfriend or a family member.
  • Rape can happen to anyone - at any age, at any place, at any time.
  • The way a person dresses or behaves doesn't cause rape. Few convicted rapists remember how the victim was dressed or what the victim looked like.
  • Rape is a crime of violence, power and control. No one "asks" or "deserves" to be raped.
  • Females between the ages of 15-24 are most likely to be the target of acquaintance rape.
  • You can be raped even if you were drinking or taking drugs. Sex without consent is rape.
Sexual assault is never the victim's fault. These tips may reduce your risk of being sexually assaulted, but the ability to prevent rape lies within the offender.
  • Trust your feelings. Leave if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Set your limits. Decide what you are willing to do sexually. Never assume that others know how you feel.
  • Be assertive. Say "no" and "stop" firmly if someone is trying to intimidate or pressure you.
  • Be aware of people who are disrespectful to you. This includes someone who tries to make you feel guilty for saying "no" , doesn't respect your limits, tries to get you drunk or give you drugs.
  • Let someone know where you are going.
  • Initially go out with a group of friends. Find out as much as possible about the person before going out on a date.
  • Meet at a public place.
  • Carry money for a phone call, your own dinner or a cab ride home.
  • Take a cell phone.
  • Be aware of what you drink, how much you drink and the effects of alcohol or drugs.
  • Don't accept drinks from anyone you don't know well and trust.
  • Don't leave your drink unattended.
Go to a safe place. Get help immediately.
  • Call 911.

Tell someone.
  • Talk to a trusted friend, spouse, parent or relative.
  • Call the local rape crisis help center. A victim advocate is trained to help you understand your medical and legal options and provide emotional support.

Go to a hospital emergency room.
  • Get a medical exam. You may have suffered internal injuries, contracted a sexually transmitted disease or become pregnant.

Do not bathe, change your clothes, comb your hair, wipe after urination or douche.
  • Valuable DNA evidence on your body or clothing may help identify the rapist.
  • If you feel you have been drugged prior to the assault, it is important to save your first urine in a clean container. Take it with you to the hospital for drug testing.
Survivors of sexual assault experience a wide variety of reactions. Some indicate that after the assault, emotions go from one extreme to another. There is no standard response to a sexual assault.
  • Nightmares and / or sleeplessness.
  • Inability to express emotions.
  • Drug / alcohol abuse.
  • Shame and guilt.
  • Denial.
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Anger.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Anxiety.
  • Unexplained and unexpected mood swings.
  • Lack of concentration.
  • Unpredictable agitation.
  • Fear.
  • Appetite loss or overeating.
  • Withdrawal from family and friends.
  • Feelings of grief and dispair.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Believe what you hear.
  • Provide comfort and support.
  • Listen without judging.
  • Encourage your friend to talk.
  • Try not to interrupt or ask a lot of questions.
  • Let your friend make his / her own decisions.
  • Offer to go with your friend to the hospital emergency room for help. Even days and weeks after an assault, a medical exam is important.
  • Give your friend the number of the rape crisis help center in your area.
  • Do not tell others what happened without your friend's permission.
  • Tell your friend no one deserves to be raped. It was not his / her fault, no matter what.

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE

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