Sexual Assault Awareness

BE AWARE: DATE & ACQUAINTANCE RAPE
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ACQUAINTANCE RAPE

It was Friday night and you looked forward to your date with John. He was fun to be with, even though he was more persistent and aggressive on the last date. He seemed like a nice enough guy and he did sort of apologize. It happened again! John threatened to dump you if you did not have sex with him that night., You thought he was so nice but that night he seemed like a different person. Suddenly, this nice guy came on real strong and forced you to have sex. He even physically hurt you. You can not stop wondering if it was your fault. Thinking you did something to lead him on. Wishing you had dressed differently or not allowed him to start kissing you. Your mind continues to replay the scene to find out what you did to provoke him.

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

If so, then you have been date raped and the answers to those never ending questions are simple: YOU did not do anything wrong. Dating is a way to get to know someone and perhaps fall in love. Everybody does it. Tragically, a rite of passage that we anticipate and enjoy has turned into a nightmare for so many dating girls and women. Date rape is a violent crime, an act of hostility and force intended to humiliate. Date rape victims feel dirty, used, guilty and humiliated, but sadly they often do not recognize that what happened was rape and a punishable crime. Most date rape victims blame themselves for trusting the person in the first place. Sometimes even the guy does not realize that he has raped.

WHAT TO DO: Get help immediately. Call the police and/or Go to the Emergency Room. A special Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner will collect evidence and address physical injuries, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy prevention. A rape crisis advocate will be there to support you and your loved ones. Even if you do not decide to report, it is important to seek medical attention. If you are not sure what to do, call Rape Crisis CONTACT at 1-800-656-HOPE, our specially trained advocates will listen and talk to you about your options and it's confidential.

HOW TO PREVENT IT:

• Know your self-worth. Have confidence in your principles and choices about sexual activity. Let there be no misunderstanding your intentions or desires.
    
  
• Listen to your inner voice that warns you about people, places or situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Leave the situation as quickly and safely as you can. 
   
  
• Carry money with you on a date. Offer to share the expenses. Do not allow a date to tell you that you owe them. Be involved in planning the date and stick to it!! For the first few dates offer to drive.
    
  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. They impair your judgment, resistance and ability to react. Know that an intoxicated person is unable to give consent. Being drunk does not make it your fault. 
   
  
• Know that you have a right to aggressively protect your person - shout, push, kick, scream, scratch, vomit, strike vulnerable points, or persuade—do whatever it takes to get away. 
   
  
• Once you have gotten to a safe place, do not get talked back out of it until a friend or the police have come to help you. 
   
  
• Talk to and learn from your friends, dating partners, siblings and parents. 

THE DEFINITION: Sexual contact between two people who are voluntary social companions, but without the consent of one party. Violence or extreme force does not have to be a factor. A physical or emotional threat real enough to make a reasonable person comply is enough.
IF ANY AMOUNT OR TYPE OF PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL COERCION HAS BEEN USED THERE IS NO CONSENT.

• The age of consent is 16.
   
• 12-15 year olds may give consent only to a partner who is not more than 4 years older.
   
• Anyone under age 12 can not give consent.
   
• Both parties should state their intentions clearly.
   
• "No's" should be heard and respected.
   
• Having sex with someone without their consent is a crime with serious consequences - so make sure you have your partner's consent.

  FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DELAWARE

• 1 in 4 Women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime
  
• 82% of all victims know their attacker
  
• An average of 600 sexual assaults are reported each year
  
• Victims are chosen because they are vulnerable - they are all ages, races, and genders.
  
• The majority of rapists are ordinary guys who believe in myths of the stereotypical male.

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