ACQUAINTANCE RAPE

Acquaintance Rape

Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know forces you to have sexual intercourse against your will-whether you are passed out, too drunk to refuse, too scared to consent, or for some other reason do not say yes. It is a form of sexual assault-a crime. It victimizes women and men-whether straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

Individuals often make assumptions about sexual behavior. A man, for example, may say, "I could tell she wanted it.because she wore a short skirt, was already kissing me, came back to my place, etc." Women may think if they know the attacker it can't be rape or that it must be their fault. Issues of anger and power may lead to action-forcing sex to get back at a person or to confirm one's own idea of sexuality. Books, movies and TV ads may suggest domination is OK, but it is not-forcing someone to have sex is always wrong.

Alcohol and drugs are often involved. In most incidents of acquaintance rape, both people had been drinking and/or using drugs. Two drugs referred to as "date rape" drugs, Rohypnol and GHB, cause sleep and amnesia-like symptoms, and are sometimes used in acquaintance rape situations. Both are more potent when combined with alcohol, and cannot be detected by taste or smell.

When possible, reduce the risk of rape before you get into a sexual situation: Know and communicate your desires and limits clearly; don't assume a person wants to have sex because they are dressed a certain way, are flirting or have been drinking; avoid excessive drinking and drug use. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, pay attention to that feeling and do something about it.

What if you're raped?

• Go to a safe place.
• Don't blame yourself-you are the victim of a crime.
• Seek help from someone-it's important to have support.
• Seek medical help-you may be at risk for sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy and medical evidence will be needed if you decide to press charges.
• Talk to someone trained to help-friends and family may not always understand.
• Consider reporting the assault-don't shower, bathe, or douche and preserve other physical evidence such as clothing.

Recovery from rape is a difficult process. Survivors of sexual violence often experience a variety of emotional and medical consequences-fear for personal safety; shock and disbelief, the desire to forget all about it.

If you know someone who has been raped provide support by listening and believing. Do not judge. Encourage the person to seek help from qualified professionals.

For further information about acquaintance rape or other health concerns, contact the personnel at the Student Health Center 784-6598. Other resources include the Counseling Center 784-4648 and Crisis Call Center 329-4150 or go to Northern Nevada Medical Center.

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