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REMEMBER
Sex without consent is rape whether the offender is a stranger,
a friend or your partner. Rape can happen to anyone: males, females,
sisters, girlfriends, mothers, brothers, fathers,
grandparents--anyone. Know the risks, the facts, and where you can
get help. Knowledge is power. |
WHAT IS RAPE?
WHO ARE THE VICTIMS OF RAPE?
WHO IS A RAPIST?
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE RAPED?
WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND IS
RAPED?
WHAT IS
RAPE?
Rape is the act of forced
intercourse, which includes vaginal, anal, and digital penetration without
your consent. In West Virginia, a victim can be a person who is less than
16 years old, mentally challenged, under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, or unconscious.
WHO ARE
THE VICTIMS OF RAPE?
Both males and females can be
raped. It happens to people of any age, race, sex, and socioeconomic
group. One in every three women and one in every seven men are victims of
rape. Be aware that everyone is a potential victim of rape.
WHO IS A
RAPIST?
In 80 percent of all rapes, the
perpetrator was an acquaintance/friend of the victim. Rapes are committed
by boyfriends, girlfriends, friends, acquaintances, family, lovers,
partners and strangers. Date rape, however,
is the most common form of acquaintance rape, accounting for 57 percent of
sexual assaults. A rapist can be anyone!
WHAT TO DO
YOU DO IF YOU ARE RAPED?
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Get to a safe place.
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Remember, the rape was not
your fault, no matter who attacked you or where you were.
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GET SUPPORT-tell a friend, a
relative, or call CONTACT's hotline (304) 399-1111
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It is best not to shower,
smoke, eat, douche, go to the bathroom, or change clothes until you
receive medical attention. During a medical examination, in addition to
providing treatment, medical staff can collect evidence from your body and
clothes.
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Go to a hospital as soon as
possible for medical treatment of injuries, possible transmission of STD's
(sexually transmitted diseases), HIV, pregnancy, and evidence collection.
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If you
suspect you were given any type of drug you should be tested ideally
within 24 hours of ingestion.
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Call the police immediately.
Just because you report a crime does not mean that you have to press
charges. If you want, you can make a report without giving your name. This
is called a blind report. Legally, you have three years
to file a civil suit and 15 years to file a criminal suit.
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Our trained volunteers and
staff will take your call on the 24 hour hotline whether you want to
report the crime or not. They can provide you with emotional support and
information that may help you decide what your options are and help and
support you if you choose to seek medical attention or file charges.
WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND IS RAPED?
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Believe them--give them
comfort and support.
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Listen without judging.
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Tell them you are glad that
they told you and you will help them.
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Tell a responsible adult
about what happened to your friend. (Even though you may have promised
silence, an adult can get him/her help and may prevent this from happening
again.)
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Tell your friend that no one
deserves to be raped, no matter what.
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