Rape - Prevention & Guide

What is Rape?
A Special Note:
On college campuses, at least one out of four female students are victims of rape or attempted rape. If you are reading this because you have just been sexually assaulted, get yourself to a safe place and call the University Police Department, or, if you live off campus, call the Albany Police. Both can be reached by dialing 911. Seek medical treatment immediately. Save any medical evidence in the event that you should later decide to prosecute.

Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence; they are not about sex, but about power, control and anger. Rape is intercourse by force, be it physical force or psychological force, such as intimidation, threat or coercion. The Community Rights and Responsibilities of the University defines two types of sexual assault.

Sexual Assault I is rape, forcible sodomy, forcible sexual penetration, however slight, of another person's oral, anal or genital opening with any object. These acts must be committed without consent, by force, threat, intimidation, or through the use of the victim's mental or physical helplessness of which the accused was aware or should have been aware. This would include the inability to consent due to excessive alcohol or drug use.

Sexual Assault II is touching an unwilling person's intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them) or forcing an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts for the purpose of gratifying the sexual desire of either party. These acts must be committed without consent, by force, threat, intimidation or through the use of the victim's mental or physical helplessness of which the accused was aware or should have been aware. This would include the inability to consent due to excessive alcohol or drug use.

There are many myths associated with rape. These include:
MYTH: "No" means "Yes".
FACT: Television often sends mixed messages or romanticizes scenes with women saying "no", but, after some coaxing from the men, eventually say "yes". Scenes such as the one described are not only inaccurate portrayals of what is romantic, but are also irresponsible. They offer legitimacy to the general thinking that women don't know what they want and can't make up their minds. It is vitally important for it to be known that "no", under any circumstances, means "no".


MYTH: Stranger rapes occur at night.
FACT: Most rapes of a female by an unknown male happen during the daytime while date or acquaintance rapes usually occur on weekend nights.


MYTH: Rapes only occur in out of the way places.
FACT: The victim's home is the most probable location for a rape to occur with the assailant's home coming in a close second. The majority of date rapes happen at the assailant's place of residence.


MYTH: Most rapes are committed by strangers.
FACT: On college campuses, in particular, the victim usually knows the rapist. Date or acquaintance rape is the most prevalent type.


MYTH: Rape victims always know that they have been raped.
FACT: Since rape is often times committed by someone the victim knows, the victim may feel confused about what happened and feel angry with himself or herself or feel that he or she allowed it to happen.


MYTH: Rape victims are dressed provocatively or are very attractive.
FACT: Rape is not based on how the victim looks or is dressed, but on how vulnerable the victim is perceived to be by the assailant. Claiming that the way a woman looks or is dressed excuses the behavior of a rapist is only one way that society and our justice system attempt to place blame on the victim.


MYTH: Rape is an impulsive and unplanned act.
FACT: The act of rape itself is usually premeditated in terms of time and place. The rapist may not yet have chosen a victim. Again, victims are chosen based on perceived vulnerability. Nearly all gang rapes have been planned in advance.


MYTH: All rapists want is sex.
FACT: Rape is about power, control and anger. Many rapists have wives or girlfriends with which they have sex. Rapists want to dominate and humiliate - this is not sex, this is violence.


MYTH: If you are dating someone then it's not rape.
FACT: You may be on the date by choice but you have not chosen to have sex with this person. Forced sex is rape, whether it is your first or your fiftieth date.


MYTH: If the victim is too drunk or stoned to know what is happening then it's not rape.
FACT: If the victim is under the influence of drugs or alcohol she or her cannot give consent. If consent has not been given, then it is rape.


MYTH: If you are married, forced sex is acceptable behavior.
FACT: Marital rape is a crime in several states.


MYTH: Force is required for it to be considered rape.
FACT: If intimidation, threats or coercion of any kind is used for the purpose of attaining sexual relations with an unwilling participant, it is rape.


MYTH: Rapists are provoked by their victims.
FACT: Nobody wants to be raped.


MYTH: Only women are raped.
FACT: Both men and women can be victims of rape, however, the overwhelming majority of rape victims are female. This was written with that in mind.


MYTH: If a woman has no cuts, scrapes, bruises or broken bones then it's not rape.
FACT: Many times a victim is "paralyzed with fear" and cannot fight back. If the assailant hints about having a weapon or actually produces one, the victim may not fight back for fear of being killed. Again, no one wants to be raped; the absence of physical injuries should not be held against the victim.


MYTH: Rape doesn't happen that often.
FACT: Studies show that nearly 25% of women, or 1in 4, have been victims of rape or attempted rape, and 45% knew someone personally who had been raped. Only 10 to 20% of all rapes are reported, making rape the most under reported crime in America. It is estimated that less than one percent of all date rapes are reported, possibly due to the confusion and guilt that the victim may feel after the assault.


You may be feeling really vulnerable right now. It is important that you don't become paranoid but become aware and give thought to your environment and your actions. What follows is what you can do to avoid being a victim:

Be assertive. Consider taking an assertiveness training course.

Look and act confident. Remember victims are chosen based on perceived vulnerability.

Be aware of your nonverbal communication. Make sure it is consistent with your verbal messages.

Avoid potentially dangerous situations like walking to your car alone at night or not having a ride home from the bars.

Be aware of your environment. If you become uncomfortable for any reason, leave. Better safe than sorry.

Think about what you would do if you were confronted by a rapist. It's an unpleasant thought but one that may save your life. Stay as calm as you can and fight dirty. Don't try to kick the assailant in the groin, he's probably expecting that. Act quickly. Yell "NO" or "FIRE".

Know how to use your keys, perfume, pen, pencil or comb as a weapon. For example, carry your keys in your hand with one key extended outward between your thumb and your index finger. This has proven to be an effective weapon when aimed at an attacker's face and eyes.

Trust your instincts and don't be embarrassed to create a scene. Again, it could save your life.

Take a self-defense course. Not only will you learn skills to protect yourself, but you will also gain the confidence that may deter a potential rapist.

Carry an alarm device. The sound of it will not only get you attention, but may surprise the assailant, giving you time to get away.

Don't drink too much. If you are intoxicated you become an easy target. A woman who has been drinking prior to her attack is held more accountable for what happened to her then a woman who has not been drinking. This is not to say that the assault is her fault; but rather our society tends to view women who drink as more promiscuous. Men who are accused of rape and have also been drinking are, to some extent, excused for their behavior because it is that thought they could not control themselves. This double standard is an outrage, but, until such thinking is changed, women must protect themselves.

If you are on a date, let your partner know what your limits are early. Therefore, there can be no confusion later.

Always give the impression you are not alone. Don't open the door to strangers and always ask for identification. Know your neighbors.

Keep at list of important numbers by the phone.

Lock your doors as soon as you enter or leave.

Make sure your doorway is well lit and have your keys out and ready.

Close your blinds and shades at night.

Install a peephole on your door.

Vary your route and schedule.

Always look inside your car before you get in it.

Always carry enough money for a phone call and gas.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, it is important to seek assistance. There are many resources available to you. The University Counseling Center can be reached at 442-5800. Albany County Rape Crisis Center has counselors trained specifically to deal with sexual assault situations and will even meet you at the hospital if you should want them to. Their number is 447-7100. Middle Earth is also available to help.


What to Do After a Rape
Know that each woman reacts differently to trauma; there are no "rights" and "wrongs."

Call your local Rape Crisis Center or Victims Rights Group. A volunteer will accompany you to the hospital.

Your check-up will include evidence collecting, so it's important not to shower before going to the hospital. You may not want to press charges now, but if you change your mind later, it will help your case. You will also receive drugs to prevent pregnancy and STD's.

The hospital should contact the police, if you request. Remember, reporting the crime does not oblige you to press charges or appear in court. Should you choose to wait, a volunteer will still accompany you to the police. It's OK to contact the police even if much time has passed.

Go home, bathe, rest and recover will the love, support and acceptance of people who care. Don't keep this to yourself!

Seek counseling and support for dealing with feelings that may arise weeks, months, or years later.