Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know uses force, threats, or intimidation to get you to have sex.  Teenagers and other young women are especially vulnerable to acquaintance rape.  Statistically, your senior year in high school and your freshman year in college are the times when you are most vulnerable to sexual assault.

Many acquaintance rapes begin on the part of the perpetrator, with his/her intention to have sex.  When the victim does not go along with this plan, the perpetrator uses more aggressive measures to assure compliance.

If you say “no” and are forced into sex, it’s rape.  If you decide not to fight back or go along out of fear, this does not mean that you consented.  What you choose to do to get through this assault does not change the fact that sex without consent is still rape.

It is never okay to force sex on someone else.  Even if you used poor judgment you are not responsible for someone else raping you.  You are not at fault if you are raped.

Many victims believe or are encouraged to believe that they should forget about the rape and get on with their lives.  This may work temporarily but seldom works long term.  Eventually, the trauma will impact relationships and a survivor’s ability to go on with life as before.

AVOIDING DATE RAPE

Most women are better prepared to avoid an attack by a stranger than by an acquaintance.  In reality, you’re much more likely to be raped by someone you know.  The following guidelines can reduce your chances of being victimized:

• Communicate assertively and clearly.  Be clear with yourself and the other person about whether you want to have sex.
• Expect respect and avoid those who not show it.
• Know your own sexual limits and communicate them clearly.
• Do not allow a person to touch you if it makes you uncomfortable.
• Avoid excessive drinks or drugs as they impair judgment and communication skills.
• Do not leave drinks unattended, this could provide an opportunity for someone to drug you.
• Do not assume someone else knows what you are thinking or shares you values.
• Try to avoid situations or locations that keep you isolated from others.
• Stay away from men who are overly critical or belittling of women.
• Make a scene if it becomes necessary.  Don’t worry about looking foolish.
• Trust your instincts--they seldom fail you.

KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE RAPED, IT IS NOT YOU FAULT.  YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE BEHAVIOR OF OTHERS.  EVEN POOR JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART DOES NOT MEAN YOU DESERVE TO BE RAPED.

www.taasa.org

For help, please contact:
Ms. Shonte’ Epperson, LVN, EMT
College Nurse
(903) 927-3260
sepperson@wileyc.edu