Rape

Rape is an act of violence—a desire to demonstrate power over a victim by using sex as the weapon.  Approximately 66% of rapes are perpetrated by someone whom the victim knows and possibly trusts (National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of justice, 2000).  Because the victim’s trust and confidence are violated, she or he will experience highly traumatic effects, often long after the crime occurred. 

Society often revictimizes survivors by placing blame on the victim instead of the perpetrator.  This happens when the victim’s credibility is questioned, such as “How were you dressed?”, “How much did you have to drink?”, or “Why were you in his room?”  Because of attitudes like these, rape often goes unreported.

If someone you know is raped, the following information will help you provide support to the victim.

Give the victim the opportunity to establish control regarding the talking environment by asking where she/he may like to sit or inquiring about the temperature of the room.    Keep in mind that the victim may feel uncomfortable with physical contact.  Do not sit between the victim and the door.  Never criticize choices that the victim may have made at the time of the incident, before or after.  The victim may decide whether or not to tell anyone else about the assault based on your reactions. 

After the victim has told her/his story, offer to take her/him to the emergency room.  In addition to unknown physical injuries, there is the threat of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and/or pregnancy.  It is important to note that often, rape survivors wait a significant amount of time to tell their story.  If the rape occurred within 72 hours, the victim has the option of having a rape kit completed at the hospital.   A rape kit is used to gather physical evidence, and is necessary if the victim wants to pursue criminal charges.  After 72 hours, a rape kit is not necessary as evidence has been destroyed.  However, it is still important to test for STDs, pregnancy and possible internal injuries.

If the victim wants to go to the hospital, offer to call a sexual assault advocate to meet with the victim at the hospital.  The advocate will explain hospital procedures and will also supply the victim with additional options for police reporting.  The advocate will provide the victim with much needed emotional support.

Encourage the victim to preserve evidence, even if she/he is unsure of reporting the incident to the police.  You can assist by advising the victim to keep the clothing worn at the time of the rape and to place the articles in separate paper bags.  Do not use plastic bags as the plastic may cause the evidence to break down.  Seal and label each bag and bring them to the hospital with the victim.  Also, encourage the victim not to engage in any personal hygiene, such as showering, brushing hair, or using the restroom, as this will destroy evidence. 

At the emergency room, the victim has the option of reporting the incident to the police.  If the incident is reported, the police will request that a rape kit be done. 

Be aware that victims often experience symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome, such as shock, humiliation, shame, guilt, anger, and flashbacks.  More dramatic reactions are loss of self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and behavioral changes.

In order to heal, the victim must regain her/his self-esteem.  She/he must feel believed and her/his experience must be validated.