What is Rape?

Sexual Assault & Rape

Rape Crisis 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-265-0415 or 406-827-3745

Sexual assault is an act, verbal and/or physical, which can include several kinds of kinds of crimes such as rape, incest, fondling, sexual harassment, date and acquaintance rape, child molestation, marital rape, sexual exploitation of clients by professional, exposure, and voyeurism. Sexual assaults are acts of violence which are motivated primarily out of anger and/or a need to feel powerful by controlling, dominating, or humiliating the victim. Victims/survivors of sexual assault are forced, coerced, and/or manipulated to participate in unwanted sexual activity. Victims/Survivors do not cause their assaults and are not to blame. Offenders are responsible for the assaults.

Every minute in the United States, there are 1.3 forcible rapes of adult women; 78 women are forcibly raped each hour. Every day 1,871 women are forcibly raped, equating to 56,916 forcible rapes each month. (National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992)

Approximately 1,555,600 adult American Women have been victims of one or more forcible rapes by their husbands. (Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992)

Department of Justice estimates there were nearly one-half million sexual assaults in 1993. (Batian, 1994)

According to a 1995 Department of Defense survey, 4%of all female soldiers said they had been a victim of a completed or attempted rape or sexual assault during their military service. (High, 1997, from the National Victim Center Statistical Overview, 1998)

In 1995 for every 1,000 persons age 12 or older, there occurred 2 rapes or attempted rapes. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victims Survey, 1995)

In 1994, the rape/sexual assault rate for females was 3.7 per 1,000 persons age 12 or older. The rape/sexual assault rate for males was .2 per 1,000 persons age 12 or older (Bureau of Justice Statistics Criminal Victimization, 1997)

There were approximately 20,000 sexual assaults of males ages 12 and over in the United States in 1991. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992)

The most recent National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) by the Federal Government, for 1994, counts a total of 167,530 completed rapes of those age 12 and over; 162,640 of women and 4,890 of men. There were a total of 432,700 rapes, both completed and attempted, and sexual assaults of both genders, 35.8% were strangers and 64.2% were non-strangers. (Maquire and Pastore, 1996)

In 1995 an estimated 72 of every 100,000 females in the country were reported rape victims. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Report, 1995)

Results from the National Women's Study show that 26.6% of women suffering from bulimia nervosa were raped at some point in their lives while only 13.3% of women who do not have binge eating disorders or bulimia nervosa have been raped. (Dansky, et al, 1997 from the National Victim Center Statistical Overview, 1998)

84% of rape survivors were less than 25 years old; nearly on-third (32%) were between the ages of 11 and 17; slightly more than one in five rapes (22%) occurred between the ages of 18 and 24. (National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research, 1992)

Date Rape

Acquaintance/Date Rape is any sexual act that is forced upon you by someone you know.

Rape is NOT an expression of sexual desire but of other non-sexual needs. Rape is being forced to perform a sexual act against your will and without your consent. It is an act of violence, intimidation, power, aggression, and control.

Rape is sudden and terrifying. It happens to both women and men. It occurs in all neighborhoods, social classes, religions and ethnic backgrounds.

Rape can be committed by a stranger, but more often the perpetrator is someone the victim has known and trusted.

Rape can involve force or the very threat of force. Rape can also happen when a person is persuaded or coerced into performing sexual acts. The victim does not have to be threatened with a dangerous weapon or be injured for an incident to be considered rape.

Many statues now define rape as nonconsensual sexual penetration by physical force, by threat of bodily harm, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent by virtue of mental illness, mental retardation, or intoxication. Legally, acquaintance/date rape carries the same penalties as sexual assault committed by a stranger.

Rape causes severe emotional stress. The emotional effects of acquaintance/date rape have devastating effects that may last throughout the survivor's life time. Some of these after-effects include:

Loss of self confidence

Poor concentration

Self-blame

Nightmares

Stress related illness

Fear

Rape can happen to anyone at any time in any place. Date rapes often occur when others are relatively close by. Acquaintance rape at parties may be perpetrated by more than one offender.

Societal views on sexual relationships between men and women play a significant role in acquaintance/date rape. Many young women who are victims of attacks that meet the legal definitions of rape do not think that what happened to them is rape (Warshaw). Men sometimes believe that women say no to sex when they really mean maybe or yes. The best hope of ending acquaintance/date rape is through educational programs in which young people are taught that women and men should be treated with respect and have the right to say "no" to sex in any situation.

KNOW THIS... If you say "NO" and that is not honored, it is rape. YOUR BODY BELONGS TO YOU. YOU DECIDE THE KIND OF PHYSICAL CONTACT YOU HAVE WITH SOMEONE.

Acquaintance/date rape is not simply motivated by passion, sexual desire or miscommunication; it is often an attempt to assert power and/or anger. Although acquaintance rape may be a spontaneous act, most such rapes are planned hours or even days in advance.

Alcohol & Drugs

Using alcohol and/or drugs increases the risk of acquaintance/date rape. Use of alcohol and/or drugs is often used as an excuse for the rapist's behavior; however, the victim is often blamed if she has been using alcohol and/or drugs.

Recently, some powerful, odorless and tasteless drugs have been used to sedate potential rape victims without their knowledge. These so-called "DATE RAPE DRUGS," such as Rohypnol and GHB, also known as "Ruffies, Roachies, LaRocha, Liquiq X, Special K and The Forget Pill" dissolve quickly in drinks and can be consumed without detection. They cause extreme intoxication, reduced inhibitions, and short-term memory loss. For protection, do not take any beverages from anyone you do not know well and trust. At a party, bar or club, do not leave beverages unattended.

How To protect yourself from DATE RAPE DRUGS:

1. Do not drink beverages that you did not open yourself.

2. Do not exchange or share drinks with anyone.

3. Do not take a drink from a punch bowl.

4. Do no drink from a container that is being passed around.

5. Do not leave your drink unattended.

6. Do not drink anything that has an unusual taste, appearance, or unexplained residue.

7. Do not mix alcohol and drugs.

8. If someone offers you a drink from the bar, accompany the person to the bar, watch the drink being poured and carry the drink yourself.

STAY SOBER. Alcohol and drugs correlate highly with rape. If you are assaulted when drunk or high, do not hesitate to get help. It is still not your fault and is a crime.

REDUCING YOUR RISKS

Know that you have the right to say no.

Be aware of and express your feelings assertively.

Say no when you mean no; say yes when you mean yes.

If you feel threatened, take action and get away.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Be alert to what's going on around you.

Develop relationships with people who treat others with respect.

Be aware of the role that alcohol and drugs can play.

Learn and use self-defense techniques. Your chances of preventing rape improve if you resist, scream, fight back, or run.

If you don't resist, scream, fight back, or run, IT IS STILL RAPE!!

Facts

One out of every six American women have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape). A total of 17.7 million women have been victims of these crimes. (Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey, National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998)

In 2002, seven out of every eight rape victims were female. (NCVS 2002)

In 2002, there were 247,730 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. Of these approximately, 248,000 victims, about 87,000 were victims of completed rape, 70,000 were victims of attempted rape, and 91,000 were victims of sexual assault. (2002 NCVS)

In 2001, only 39% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement officials - about 1 in every three. (2002 NCVS)

Age 12 - 34 are the highest risk years. Risk peaks in the late teens: Women 16 to 19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. (2000 NCVS)

More information on acquaintance/date rape can be found on the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault website www.achiever.com/freehmpg/ncas or RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network website www.rainn.org or call SCCFF at 1-800-265-0415

If Your Raped.....

What to do if you were raped.

There are steps you can take if you have been a victim of a sexual assault. Often, these steps can help you regain your sense of control and facilitate the healing process.

1. GO TO A SAFE PLACE. It is important that you protect yourself from further assault.

2. TELL SOMEONE. Tell a trusted friend or family member.

3. DO NOT STRAIGHTEN OR CLEAN THE SCENE of the assault.

4. DO NOT COVER UP A PHYSICAL INJURY or clean yourself up because pictures of you can be taken and submitted to a jury.

5. DO NOT BATHE.

6. DO NOT DOUCHE.

7. DO NOT CHANGE CLOTHES. Evidence can be gathered at the scene by the police to be used in legal proceedings. If you must change your clothing, put the clothing worn at the time of the attack in a paper bag rather than a plastic one and bring it with you.

8. CALL A LOCAL RAPE CRISIS LINE. If in Sanders County, call the Sanders County Coalition for Families at 1-800-265-0415; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can provide important information, assistance and support to you during this difficult time. Advocates are also available to accompany you to the hospital, police department or legal proceedings.

9. CALL THE POLICE 911. Officers have received specialized training in sexual assault and are sensitive to your needs.

10. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Emergency rooms have the evidence collection kits needed if you later decide to prosecute. They will also be able to assist you with any injury you may have received from the rape.

11. OBTAIN COUNSELING. When you are ready, a professional counselor can help you gain a sense of trust in yourself. Counseling can also help you address shock, anger, guilt, adjustment, depression and withdrawal.

Prevention

Strategies For Avoiding Acquaintance/Date Rape

Risks for Females

You may be more vulnerable to rape if:

You are unable to talk about sex with your partner,

Your decisions about sex are based on peer pressure,

You hitchhike,

Your relationship with the opposite sex is unequal,

You drink excessively,

You are unable to say "NO" assertively,

You haven't thought about what you want sexually before you become sexually involved.

Self-Protection Skills for Females

Communicate any discomfort you feel with another person's behavior. Don't make excuses. Respond assertively.

Don't isolate with anyone you just met especially if they behave in a way that signals trouble. Be especially suspicious of someone who tries to get to close and enjoys your discomfort; who stares you down; who blocks your way; who touches you in intimate places "by accident"; someone who acts likes he knows you more intimately than de does on purpose; someone who doesn't listen or respond when you say "NO" or show your discomfort.

Do not get drunk so that you can't handle your own behavior or can't help a friend who may need you.

Always have a way to get home that doesn't isolate you with someone you just met. Don't sleep over because you can't get home. Make a deal with your parents to be able to call home for a ride (no questions asked) if you feel at risk.

Pay attention to what's happening around you and trust your feelings. If you feel "uh - oh I hope this won't happen," then you are feeling vulnerable and need to find a way out of the situation. If it feels like you are being pressured then you are. If a friend tells you she feels uncomfortable about a situation or a person, tell her you believe her and help her to trust her feelings as an early warning sign.

Believe in your right to set sexual limits for yourself. Learn how to communicate these limits and how to assert yourself by saying "NO" assertively when you mean "NO" and "YES" when you mean "YES."

Risks for Males

You may force your partner to have sex although you did not plan to rape if:

You are unable to talk about sex with your partner,

Your decisions about sex are based on peer pressure,

Your relationship with the opposite sex is unequal,

You drink,

You hear "Yes" or "Maybe" when your partner says "NO,"

You do not know what your partner wants sexually before you become sexually involved,

You expect sex because of how your partner dresses, acts, or behaves, because you spent money on her, or had sex with her before.

You did not ask for and receive consent. In Montana, persons under the age of 16 are unable to give their consent to sex.

Prevention Skills for Males

Know your sexual limits. Be aware of the affect peer pressure has on your decision here. Remember it's okay not to have sex.

Accept that "NO" means "NO." Believe in another person's right to say no (even yours).

Don't assume previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation (eliminates force when person is asleep or drunk).

Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs makes guys more sexually aggressive, affects judgment, communication and can lead to gang rape.

Don't assume behavior is a signal for sex. Remember thinking someone wants sex is not the same as knowing for sure.

Don't use peer pressure to reinforce negative behaviors regarding women and sex and discourage friends from sexually aggressive behavior.

Thinking you have more of a right to your desires or you are better than the other person can lead to date rape. Date women as your equal.

Never force a woman to have sex. Know and consider the legal consequences of doing so.

Facts & Myths

RAPE MYTHS & REALITIES

Myth: It could never happen to me.

Reality: Everyone is a potential rape victim: 1 out of 3 women, 2 out of 7 men. Doesn't matter what age (although women 17 to 18, first year out of high school are highest risk), race, class, religion, occupation, education or physical description.

Myth: Most rapes occur as a "spur of the moment" act in a dark alley by a stranger.

Reality: Rape most often occurs in one's home. Very often (60% to 80%) the offender is a relative, friend, neighbor or other acquaintance of the victim. Most rapes are carefully planned and a rapist will rape again and again, generally in the same area of town and in the same manner. 50% of sexual assaults occur in the home and as many occur during the daytime as happen at night.

Myth: Rape is primarily a sexual crime.

Reality: Rape is a violent assault that is acted out, in part, sexually. It is a crime of power and control and dominance. Through psychological and physical abuse it violates the woman's sense of safety and control over her life. Studies indicate the primary motive in rape is aggression; rapist have an abnormal tendency toward violence coupled with an attitude of contempt toward women.

Myth: A rapist is easy to spot in a crowd.

Reality: Most rapists appear to be perfectly normal men. Most are married and young, although they can be any age. They can also be any class, race, education, and profession.

Myth: Rape is a nonviolent crime.

Reality: Rape is a violent crime - 87% of rapists with carry a weapon or threaten the victim with violence or death. Often the actual rape is only a small part of the verbal and physical abuse that can occur during an assault.

Myth: Rape happens only to young women.

Reality: Rape victims range in age from 4 months to 96 years, although women are at their highest risk age 17 to 18, first year out of high school and first year at college. Women of all ages, classes, races, and lifestyles can become victims, as can men and boys.

Myth: Women are "asking for it" by their dress and actions.

Reality: Research shows that rapists look for available targets they perceive as vulnerable, not women who dress in a particular way. When the victims are children, rapist will "groom" them for a long period of time before the actual assault. No person asks to be hurt or degraded, just as no one asks to be robbed because they are carrying money. Rape is the responsibility of the rapist, not the victim.

Myth: No person is ever forced to have sex against her/his will.

Reality: People often react from fear base. The fear of death or injury is often enough to make someone submit.

Myth: There is no way to protect oneself against sexual assault.

Reality: There are ways to reduce the risk of assault by being aware, minimizing the use of alcohol (80% alcohol is involved), take a self-defense course, going out in groups.

Myth: There is a high incidence of false rape reporting because women report rape to get back at men.

Reality: The incidence of false reporting of rape is only 2%, the same as other major violent crimes, according to the FBI.

Male Rape

Myths & Facts

In the past ten years, reports of men being raped have been on the increase. As more male survivors come forward and speak of their experiences, and more articles are published in newspapers and journals, public recognition of male rape has begun to increase and more crisis centers have begun to offer services for male survivors.

Because of the way men are trained / socialized not to ask for help, expect themselves to be in control at all times, and be active in sexual encounters, male survivors are often reluctant to talk to anyone about their victimization, much less report it to the police. A man who openly acknowledges being raped in violating everything we are taught to expect men to be.

The reluctance to report male rape is reinforced by the scanty public awareness of the crimes and scarcity of services for male survivors. Emergency room doctors don't question the source of injuries to male patients. This combination of personal and collective denial creates a circle of silence. Because male rape survivors aren't finding the emotional resources to make their victimization known, people assume they don't exist.

There is the mistaken belief that men and women have different needs after being assaulted. Although it is true that outreach programs specifically tailored to men are needed to reach male survivors, there is a common human response to rape. Shame, guilt, self-hatred, fear, problems with physical intimacy, and anger are common responses of both male and female survivors. All survivors need to know that they are not alone with their pain, that healing is possible, and that whatever the circumstances the rape was not their fault. Survivors need someone to care enough to listen without judging them. As is the case with female survivors, there are many commonly help misconceptions about male rape and its survivors that add to the trauma survivors suffer and that encourage their silence.

Myth: Men can defend them themselves.

Reality: Men are often attacked by gangs, assaulted with weapons, and taken by surprise. Drugs and alcohol are sometimes used to incapacitate victims. Physical strength is not always sufficient protection when faced with what is experienced as a life-threatening situation.

Myth: Male rape is homosexual rape.

Reality: Rape is about power and control, not about sex. Male rape says nothing of the sexual orientation of either the survivor or the perpetrator. Perpetrators of male rape usually identify themselves as heterosexual in their consensual sexual activities.

Myth: Male rape only happens in prison.

Reality: Most male survivors were raped as children or as adults who were no in jail.

Facts

About 3% of American men - a total of 2.78 million men - have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. (Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women 1998) In 2002, one in every eight rape victims were male. (NCVS 2002)