Rape

What is rape?

Rape is sexual intercourse done mainly by force or deception without consent. It may involve a stranger or someone you know, as in date rape or domestic or intimate partner violence. All forms of sexual assault are crimes. It's a crime even if the victim was drinking, taking drugs, given drugs, or unconscious.

Each state defines rape differently. Some states substitute the term "aggravated sexual assault" for "rape," and many states include homosexual rape, incest, and other sex offenses in the definition of rape. Statutory rape is intercourse with consent, but the partner is too young to be able to legally consent. An example of this would be a 25-year-old man having intercourse with a 13 year-old girl.

Rape is most often motivated by extreme anger or a need to overpower the victim. The motive is rarely sexual and violence is not always involved. Forced sex is intended to abuse, humiliate, and dehumanize the victim.

What are the effects?

The effects of rape are both physical and psychological.

Physical effects on the victim may include:

• injuries from beating or choking, such as bruises, scratches, cuts, and broken bones
• swelling around the genital area
• bruising around the vagina
• injury to the rectal-vaginal area (for example, tearing of the tissue that connects the anus to the vagina)
• sexually transmitted diseases (such as, herpes, gonorrhea, AIDS, and syphilis)
• possible pregnancy (in a regularly menstruating female)

Psychological effects on the victim may include:

• severe anxiety
• depression
• difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• dreaming about what happened
• inappropriate guilt feelings
• emotional numbness or irritability
• flashbacks
• nightmares
• extreme fear

How is it treated?

If you are sexually assaulted, preserve evidence of the attack. Do not bathe, comb, or clean any part of your body, brush your teeth, or change clothes if possible. If a date rape drug may have been involved, do not urinate before being examined. Do not touch or change anything at the scene of the assault; it is a crime scene. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the attacker.

Call the police to report the incident, then go to a hospital. The healthcare provider will give you a thorough physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to determine the extent of your injuries. The provider will make special note of any cuts, bruises, or other injuries, especially in the genital area.

There may be a rape victim support service in your area. These services are usually available 24 hours a day. They will usually send someone to go with you to the police or emergency room and help you find counseling afterward.

To collect potential evidence to use against the attacker, the provider will look for specimens such as patches of torn clothing, blood, and strands of hair from the attacker. These specimens can be tested against body fluid or skin samples from suspects.

After your examination the provider may recommend that you do the following:

• Seek professional crisis counseling.
• Take antibiotics or other medicine for sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, or pubic lice.
• Find out about the resources available to help you deal with the emotional and physical effects of sexual assault.
• Join a support group for rape victims.
• Take medicines to prevent pregnancy.
• Seek counseling about your alternatives if pregnancy results.

Child victims need to be evaluated by a provider immediately. It is generally recommended that the child see a special counselor trained to work with cases of abused children.

How long will the effects last?

The physical effects of rape can last from a day to a few months, depending on the extent of the injuries involved.

The mental and emotional effects are less predictable. The effects may last a lifetime, but crisis counseling and rape support groups can help reduce long-term effects and help the victim cope with feelings of isolation, guilt, helplessness, depression, or anxiety.

Children are especially vulnerable to long-lasting mental and emotional effects. They frequently need special counseling and care.

How can I take care of myself?

Schedule a follow-up visit so the provider can make sure that any injuries are healing properly. The provider will also want to make sure you are not developing any complications of rape.

It is also important to get emotional and psychological support. Contact a hospital, social worker, or rape crisis center to find out about the resources available to you. You may benefit from a rape support group where you can share your feelings with others who have had a similar traumatic experience. Remember, rape is not the victim's fault.

Do not isolate yourself. Allow family members to provide emotional support. There are family counseling programs for family members who need help dealing with their concerns and increasing their ability to provide emotional support.

For child victims, find a counselor who specializes in working with child abuse and incest cases. This may be critical in reducing long-term emotional effects for the child.

What can be done to help prevent rape?

• Teach your children what to do if approached by a stranger, what behavior to look out for, and what places or situations to avoid (for example, alleys and other secluded areas).
• Avoid carrying large, bulky purses and packages. They make it hard for you to keep your balance or move quickly. Though high-heeled shoes and clogs are fashionable, they will get in your way if you have to react quickly to a dangerous situation.
• Keep your home and car locked and secured.
• Stay away from dark and deserted places when alone.
• Be alert to strangers around you.
• Choose your companions wisely.
• Take a self-defense course.
• Carry a loud whistle and use it to attract attention when in danger.
• Carry a self-defense spray such as pepper spray, if it is legal in your area.