Crisis > Family Violence Help

Date Rape

What is Acquaintance/Date Rape?

Acquaintance rape is forced, manipulated or coerced sexual intercourse by a friend or acquaintance. It is considered date rape when a woman is raped by someone she has dated or even someone to whom she is engaged or married. It is an act of violence, aggression and power. A woman may be forced to have intercourse through verbal threats, physical threats, physical restraint and/or physical violence. Rape is a violation of a woman's body and her trust.

How Does Acquaintance/Date Rape Occur?

Many rapes are committed by men who know their victims, who often have gone out with them previously and are supposedly their friends. Acquaintance/Date rapes typically occur when a woman is alone with a man; however, it can occur when others are close by. For example, a rape can take place in another room while people are at a party.

• Rape can happen to any woman.
• Rape is a crime.
• Women are in no way responsible for the rape.
• The rapist is solely responsible for his actions.

What are Date Rape Drugs?

Alcohol and drugs are sometimes significant factors in Acquaintance/Date rape. Sometimes victims report that their ability to fully comprehend their surroundings was impaired. Other times a woman passes out and awakens to find a man having sex with her.

Date rape drugs may be put into victims' drinks, food or even chewing gum and are used to make them more vulnerable to rape. The symptoms may include:

• Appearing drunk without excessive alcohol consumption
• Unexplained drowsiness and impaired motor coordination
• Dizziness, confusion, impaired judgment and loss of inhibition
• Impaired ability to remember details

To reduce the risks:

• Do not leave beverages unattended.
• Do not take drinks from strangers.
• Be alert to the behavior of friends and watch out for each other. Anyone extremely intoxicated may be in danger.
• Women should try to leave parties with people they know.

On February 1, 2001, the Sexual Assault Reform Act (SARA), signed by Governor George Pataki of New York, went into effect. SARA classifies GHB - gamma hydroxybutyrate acid - as a controlled substance. It made it a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison for someone convicted of engaging in sex with a victim incapable of controlling her or his actions because of unwittingly taking a controlled substance.

What Should a Woman Do if She is Raped?

• Get medical attention. Do not douche, shower or change clothes.
• Report the attack to the police and, if appropriate, university officials.
• Get help and support, such as counseling.
• Do NOT blame yourself.

What Can Family Members Do to Help?

• Show love.
• Be supportive.
• Listen without asking too many questions.

What are the Reactions a Woman Who Has Been Raped Should Expect to Have?

• Anger
• Mistrust
• Guilt
• Nightmares
• Uncleanliness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Moodiness
• Depression
• Feelings of helplessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of sexual interest
• Fear of men
• Fear of being alone

Additional Information About Acquaintance/Date Rape

Victims Assistance Services (VAS)
http://www.victimassist.org
This website provides information on the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, a program in Westchester county for the care and treatment of victims of sexual assault.

Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN)
http://www.rainn.org
This website is provided through the National Sexual Assault Hotline and provides hotline numbers, information and statistics.

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