Rape Prevention

THE RIGHTS OF THE RAPE VICTIM

To be treated with dignity and respect by institutional and legal personnel
To have as much credibility as a victim of any other crime
To be considered a victim of rape when any unwanted act of sex is forced through any type of coercion, violent or otherwise.
To be asked only those questions that are relevant to a court case or to medical treatment
To choose whether to report the raped to the police
To receive medical and mental health treatment and participate in legal procedures
To receive medical and mental health services whether or not the rape is reported to the police
To not be exposed to prejudice against race, sex, class, age, lifestyle or occupation
To not be asked questions about prior sexual experience
To have access to support persons, such as advocates and peer counselors who are outside of the institutions
To be provided with information about all possible options related to legal and medical procedures
To have his/her name kept out of the media
To be considered a victim of rape regardless of the assailant’s relationship to the victim, such as the victim’s spouse/significant other
To have deterred the assailant by any means necessary. No one should be criminally prosecuted for harming an assailant during a rape or attempted rape

WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND IS RAPED

For a person to go to anyone and report a rape is a tremendous ordeal. Often, character and judgment is the first thing questioned. Don’t let this fear become a reality!
Believe your friend. People rarely lie about rape. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks to be raped. Let him or her know that the blame rests squarely on the rapist not the victim
Encourage them to call the police. Let them know they can request a Victim Advocate. This is a confidential relationship; a victim does not have to give their name, just a phone number where an Advocate can call them back
Be supportive and nonjudgmental. Don’t ask why it happened and don’t assume that not talking about it will make it go away
Regardless of whether they intend to prosecute, a medical evaluation is a necessity. Impress upon them the importance of getting medical help immediately, and assure them they do not have to be alone through this process
Make sure they know what resources are available and allow them to choose. This can be helpful in regaining a sense of control
Do not pressure your friend into making decisions or doing things he or she may not be ready to do. Respect whatever choices they make.
Respect confidentiality. Let your friend decide who to tell about the rape
Don’t expect your friend to “get over it.” Rape is a shattering experience in which a person does not recover from in a hurry. RECOVERY IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT. Allow your friend as much time as they need
Encourage supportive counseling, and let them know it’s not their fault

Rohypnol, which is illegal to own, manufacture or sell in the U.S. is a sedative said to be 10 times stronger than Valium. When dissolved in drinks, it is odorless and tasteless. One of the drug’s effects is that it can cause amnesia in victims for up to 8 hours. Other such drugs are being used. Here are a few tips for avoiding date rape drugs.