April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Rape And Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are different kinds of sexual violence, including but not restricted to; completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim's will or involve a victim who is unable to consent, rape by an unknown person, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within marriage / relationships, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking, sexual exploitation,

and ritual abuse.

Sexual violence can be perpetrated by a complete stranger, or by someone known and even trusted, such as a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner. Sexual violence can happen to anyone. No-one ever deserves or asks for it to happen. Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given.

100% of the responsibility for any act of sexual violence lies with its perpetrator. There is no excuse for sexual violence and it can never be justified, it can never be explained away and there is no context in which it is valid, understandable or acceptable.

If you have been raped or experienced any other kind of sexual violence, no matter where you were, what you were doing, what you were wearing, what you were saying, if you were drunk or under the influence of drugs, just know that it was not your fault and you did not deserve this.

Sexual violence is a very serious public problem that affects millions of women and men. For instance statistics shows that in the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives.

Approximately 1 in 21 men have been made to penetrate someone else, and 13% of women and 6% of men are sexually coerced in their lifetimes. The ultimate goal is to call attention to and stop sexual violence before it begins and to start conversations about how to prevent sexual violence.

Many Victims do not Disclose Sexual Violence

Statistics also underestimates the problem because many victims do not come out to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Awareness and education are the most effective and meaningful ways to prevent rape. The number of forcible rapes will decrease only when women realize that rape can happen to them and when men understand what constitutes rape. The assailant may view the lack of awareness on the part of the victim as inviting, coercive behavior. (Only two out of ten rapes are reported).

In the following safety guidelines, the main emphasis is focused on the concept of "divert and flee," and stressing the importance of common sense.

Acquaintance rape is forced sexual intercourse by someone the victim knows. The perpetrator gains the victim's trust, then violates the victim's personal space (i.e. a hand on thigh, a hug, a kiss). If the victim does not react negatively and does not sense potential danger, the victim may be viewed as an "easy" target. The couple end up in a secluded place, usually with loud music and alcohol then the perpetrator rapes the victim.

Warning Signals;

Be aware of men who force you to use intoxicating substances. Be aware of men who ignore your requests, and don't listen to you when you talk. Don't trust acquaintances too quickly. As soon as you sense an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, get to a safe place.

Preventive Measures;

Establish good communication in relationships. Completely avoid alchohol and do not leave your drinks unattended. Be assertive. Say NO when you mean NO. Be aware of your non-verbal signals. Respect others' rights. If yours are violated, state your objection. Trust your instincts and look for the warning signals. Understand that someone you admire may force you to have sex with him. Be prepared to defend yourself.

Ways to Avoid Rape in Social Situations;

Do not accept a ride from someone you have just met, no matter how nice he may seem. 

Sex-role stereotypes of passivity, submissiveness and coyness are dangerous and can create a climate for sexual aggression. 

Believe in your right to express your feelings and learn to do so assertively. 

Introduce the person you are leaving with to a friend or family member. Let somebody know who you are with at any given time.

Tips To Avoid Being Raped By A Stranger;

Use good security devices. 

Do not open doors to strangers. 

Keep windows covered at night and watchful during the day. If you hear or see something suspicious, call for help immediately. 

Never disclose personal information about yourself to unknown callers or people. 

Don’t walk alone in dark or lonely areas. 

Never hitchhike. 

Always lock vehicle doors when driving or parked. 

Park your cars in well-lighted or populated areas; check inside/under and around your car when returning. 

Check ID of any salesmen; call their company to verify. 

Do not trust your plumber, electrician, mechanic or even your security man. Be extra vigilant.

Defense Methods;

No defense method is 100% guaranteed but taking action quickly increases your chances of survival. 

Common sense is valuable. Practice the defensive techniques you choose to use. Anticipate as many scenarios as you can think of. Your action should be decisive and instinctive. If confronted, make as much noise as possible; scream, shout "HELP," etc. Run away, preferably toward people. If you must fight, aim for the face, eyes, throat, or groin. These areas are usually unprotected and will cause immediate disability. Strike with maximum force. Remember your well being depends on your determination. Report all assaults or rapes to the police.

If You Have Been Raped

Get to a safe place. Call the police, a friend, or relative for transportation to a hospital. Go to a hospital for treatment of external and/or internal injuries, tests for VD and AIDS and evidence collection.

Remember... Don't shower, bathe, douche, change clothes, or straighten up the area. You may destroy evidence. Reporting to the police is your choice, and we recommend doing so but make sure someone is aware of your ordeal.

What Men Can do About Rape; 

Respect the rights of women. 

Offer your acquaintance the opportunity to take control of part of the relationship. 

Stop when a woman says NO. 

Do not persist and try to talk her into it. 

Communicate with others and let them know your expectations and intentions. 

Do not believe that women "owe" you sex for taking them out. 

Do not condone men who might be talking derogatorily about women and sex. 

Don't make rape jokes and confront those who do. Rape is a violent crime, and should not be tolerated. 

Help to eliminate the stereotypical attitude that women are sex objects and men have the right to take whatever they please, especially in a dating situation. 

If someone you care for has been raped, be supportive and understanding. If you are confused or upset, seek counseling. Let Women Know That You Are Not a Rapist.

When approaching women on the streets keep your hands visible. Walk so women have a clear path. 

Confront potential rape scenes. When you see a man verbally hassling a women on the street, stand by to see if she needs help. If a man is hitting or holding a women against her will, act immediately. If you feel confident enough, offer direct aid by speaking out, yelling, or physical intervention. AT LEAST CALL THE POLICE FOR HELP.