This page is to warn and inform the public. People can no longer stick their heads in the sand as ostriches do and deny that it can't happen to you or someone you love, it is a fact of life. Rape happens to the rich, the poor, the young, the old, both men and women alike. It used to be that we weren't so concerned about our sons when it came to sexual assault, but now it is becoming more and more a problem. It is never ok to force someone to have sex with you, male or female. Rape is rape now matter how you categorize it. The only way to make a dent in this problem is Education and Awareness. I have some statistics that will shock you, I am sure, I know it did me. FACTS ABOUT RAPE • Rape is an act of violence, not a crime of passion. • Rape is not about sex, it is about power, control and domination. • Approximately one in three women and one in seven men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. • Only 16% of rapes are reported to the police, making it the most under-reported violent crime. • Unreported crimes leave the rapists free to commit rape again and never suffer the consequences of their terrible acts. • It is never the victim's fault, no one wants to be raped. • A woman is raped every 6 minutes in the United States. • Rape can be committed by anyone, often it is someone you know, a date, friend, neighbor, family member, or boss. • Rapists commit their crime again and again, until they are caught. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO TRY AND PREVENT RAPE Sometime there is nothing you could have done to prevent a rape. However, knowledge may give you an advantage. Rape and other sexual assaults are more likely to take place between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. than during daylight hours. About 12% of rapes take place in the victim's home, but the remainder occur in a variety of locations ranging from parks, to parking lots, to commercial buildings, to friends' homes. • Always be aware of your surroundings. Walk with confidence and purpose. • Travel with trusted friends and family. Avoid jogging by yourself. • Stay in populated areas. Avoid dimly lit and isolated locations. • Don't let alcohol or drugs cloud your judgment or make you easy prey. • Always watch your drink while being poured and do not leave it unattended. The date rape pill is very popular. • Trust your instinct. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave immediately. • If you think your being followed, head directly to a populated area. Do not go into your car or home! • Have your key ready before you reach your car or home. • Examine your car and home for illegal entry before entering. • Watch your children's whereabouts closely, even around other family members. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BEING RAPED How should you handle a rape attempt? It depends on your physical and emotional state, the situation, the rapist's personality. There are no hard and fast, right or wrong answers. Surviving is the goal. • Try to escape. Scream. Be rude. Make noise to discourage your attacker. • Talk, stall for time, and assess your options. • If the rapist has a weapon or is using force, you may have no choice but to submit. Do whatever it takes to survive. • If you decide to fight back, you must be quick, determined, and effective. Target the eyes or groin and run to safety. • Try and get a good look at your attacker and the clothes he/she is wearing. You may be the only one that can ensure the attacker does not strike again. • If you feel a lot more intoxicated than usual, you may have been drugged. Seek assistance immediately WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN RAPED • Go to a safe place. Do not bathe or urinate because you may wash away important evidence. • Call law enforcement authorities. Although you may be reluctant to call the police, rape is a violent crime and another attack on someone else may occur. • Get a medical exam immediately, for treatment of injuries and preventive measures for pregnancy and disease. If you choose, a medical exam can also be used to gather evidence. • If you think you've been drugged, request a toxicology test. Try and retrieve the glass you were drinking from. • Find understanding people - friends, relatives, counselors - and talk to them. A list of contacts is provided below. WHAT TO DO IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN RAPED • Believe what he/she is telling you. • Ask him/her how you can help; don't assume you know. • Don't blame him/her for what happened. Don't question his/her behavior or reasons. • Encourage your friend to go to a hospital for an exam to get treatment for injuries, pregnancy test, or tests for sexually transmitted infections. • Rape is a crime.... Encourage your friend to report it. • Encourage him/her to talk with a counselor. • Don't pressure or force a friend to do anything... he/she needs to feel in charge of decisions. • Find someone you feel comfortable talking with... you need support too. SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER • You are a good person. There is nothing to be ashamed about. • The rape was not your fault. • You have a right to cry, scream, and be angry. • Your safety is a right, not a privilege. • If tragedy strikes, there are people who can help you and places to turn. You are not alone. Contact the organizations listed in the hotlines. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. People who have been raped face an enormous uphill emotional battle to regain self-respect, self-esteem, self-assurance, and self-control. It is a battle that can be won with the help of caring and supportive friends, family, counselors, and physicians. These facts and awareness tips provided by: The Tamar Fund, Inc. OTHER LINKS ON RAPE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION: Rape Network Rape Drug Awareness List For Nice Guys Male Awareness Greek Advocates Promote Rape Awareness