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Sexual Assault is an act of violence and hostility
directed toward an innocent victim. It is a violent crime comprised of oral,
anal, and/or vaginal abuse. Sexual assault or rape is an invasion--a frightening experience.
The person who commits sexual assault views his victims as objects upon which to
vent his hostility, aggression, frustration, or insecurity.
Rape has been committed on females of all
ages from one year to over ninety years of age and on males, especially younger
males. Every female is a potential victim of sexual assault. The key factors
that cause someone to become potential victims are vulnerability and opportunity.
Most rapists are emotionally unstable yet deal with life
on a day-to-day basis in a reasonably normal and competent manner.
They come from all walks of life, are usually young, and many of them are married.
It is the use of force, not the sex act itself that seems to relieve the tension with the rapist and satisfy him.
All rapists have the potential to be violent.
The assailant is most often a:
- friend
- date
- relative
- co-worker
- casual acquaintance
(Winters Communication, INC., 1007 Samy Dr., Tampa, FL. 33613)
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WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ATTACK:
Do not douche, bathe, or cleanse
in any way. This could destroy vital evidence.
If you are raped someplace other than your home, try to remember everything
you can about the setting.
Preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash your clothing.
Do not touch any object handled by the rapist.
Do not rearrange the scene of the crime.
Take a change of clothing to the hospital since the clothes you wore during
the attack will be kept as evidence.
If you are raped, your immediate concern will be in obtaining medical help.
It is important NOT TO BLAME YOURSELF. The rapist has committed a crime, not you.
Tell the first person you meet, a friend, or rape crisis center, and immediately
call the police.
It is important to notify the police as soon as possible before the rapist can
escape the area. If you do not want to report the incident to the police,
remember the rapist is still out there somewhere and is free to rape another woman.
Even if you do not want to press charges reporting the crime will allow the
police to investigate and perhaps prevent the rapist from attacking anyone else. Your attacker will not know that you have filed a report because of confidentiality laws designed to protect you.
Medical Help: You should think about getting immediate medical attention. Most hospitals will examine you and treat any visible injuries. You can request pregnancy prevention and get follow-up tests for sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, andother infections. If necessary, a complete internal examination will be performed by a physcian. This is to establish the extent of any injuries as well as collect any specimens should you decide to prosecute.
Police Reporting: It may be a good idea to bring another woman with you for support should you decide to report to the police. Request that a female officer speak with you. However, if a policewoman is not available, it should be noted that police sensitivity to the trauma of rape has greatly improved over the years. They can provide reassurance and protection for you.
Try to remember everything you can about the rapist, speech, hair, clothes,
scars, height, tattoos, smells,etc.
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WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS RAPED!!
If someone you love is raped remember, IT IS NOT HER/HIS FAULT. They did not cause the attack by what she/he was wearing, or where she/he was, or even who she/he was with.
Rape is a very painful experience that will require your understanding and support. Many victims will need help in deciding what they need to do. The victim will have to work through the crisis, and will be very confused. They may blame themselves and you will have to remind them that they are not to blame and are not at fault. They will at first will be in a state of shock, disbelief, incoherence, helplessness, and fear. Then they may go through a phase of withdrawal, indifference, denial, let you believe she is recovering from the incident. Other common emotions for a person who has been raped is depression, bitterness, and anger. The victim may turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape or may even have suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The victim may have considerale difficulty with disorganized sleep patterns and nightmares. The victim may experience a decrease in appetite.
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~~REMEMBER~~
Remember it is not your fault.
Remember you are not alone.
Remember, regarless of what others think, you know whether or not you have been raped.
Remember, men do not rape women because they suddenly and desperetly need sexual gratification.
Remember, no woman deserves to be raped.
Remember, It is natural for you to feel upset.
Remember, you must learn not to feel guilty.
Remember, you have a right to survive.
Remember, you will recover in your own way and at your own pace.
Remember, it is important for you to resume your regular routine as soon as possible.
Remember, it is important for you to share your feelings.
Remember, rape is no less serious just because you know the person who raped you.
Remember, previous sexual relations with the person who raped you do not excuse the crime.
Remember, just because you were raped by someone you know does not mean that you are a poor judge of character.
Remember, most people can still be trusted.
Remember, your family and friends are there for you.
Remember, there are also counselors that can help.
Remember, YOU ARE IN CONTROL.
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~ ~ ~ MYTHS ABOUT RAPE ~ ~ ~
Myth-The assailant, for sexual gratification, perpetrates the act of rape.
Myth-A woman who dresses or acts in a seductive manner is most likely to be raped.
Myth-Women really want to be raped.
Myth-The victim is always young and attractive.
Myth-Rape is most often committed by a stranger.
Myth-Rape most often occurs on the streets or in public places.
Myth-Rape is the theft of another man's property.
Myth-Black men's goals are to rape white women.
Myth-Castration is the solution to rape.
Myth-One way to stop rapr is to legalize prostitution.
Myth-Pornography causes rape.
Myth-Drugs and alcohol causes rape.
Myth-Most attacks take place in lower class neighborhoods.
Myth-Rapists usually retaliate by further injuring the victim if the police are notified.
Myth-In order to prove their manhood, men go out and rape.
Myth-Only "bad" girls are raped.
Myth- Men can not rape their wives.
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Classification of Rapists
Anger Rapist
Power Rapist
Macho Rapist
Power Reassurance Rapist
Sadistic Rapist
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