What is it?
A sexual assault, usually involving intercourse, on a woman against her will. It is an increasingly common crime in large cities everywhere and in the US it is at epidemic proportions. Any figures as to exactly how often it happens are purely speculative because experts in the field estimate that between 75 and 90 per cent of all rapes go unreported. Most rapes occur at the hands of someone known to the woman and the assault itself often occurs in circumstances which make establishing that the woman really was unwilling very difficult. For example, the claim of a woman that she was raped when hitchhiking alone may be countered by a claim by the car driver that she led him on. A woman may lead a man on sexually and then think better of it before intercourse has taken place-her change of heart does not always get through to the man.
Unfortunately, many rape victims have further unpleasant experiences after the rape itself in the hands of the police: intensive, often sceptical, questioning, disbelief, humiliating gynecological examinations, and so on. For these, and many other reasons, most women do not choose to pursue the charge of rape to the bitter end.
What causes it?
• Most rapists are immature, often violent in other ways and dislike women in general. They have often been intimidated or humiliated by women. Some can only become sexually aroused if the sex act is violent and can’t enjoy or even have sex with a compliant woman.
• Alcohol and rape often go together-partly because an immature man such as this may only be able to bring himself to do anything at all sexually when fortified with alcohol. A US study found that half of all convicted rapists had taken alcohol before committing the crime and that 35 per cent of them were actual alcoholics.
Prevention
• Keep away from lonely areas, especially at night. Go with someone else or wait until someone else comes by and walk a little behind them.
• Avoid areas where there are known to be street gangs.
• Take taxis late at night if at all possible.
• If you think someone is following you run into the middle of the road and stop a car.
• Never get into your parked car at night without first looking in the back seat.
• Park under a light at night.
• Put locks on your doors and windows at home. Never open the front door without using a safety chain.
• Always ask to see the identity cards of workers who come to the house unless you know them.
• If attacked, scream-this can immediately put off many (but not all) rapists. If he does not desist, pull your knee up into his groin and dig him in the eyes with your fingers.
• If the rapist is armed take it quietly and don’t do anything heroic-a combination of a weapon and a few drinks can be lethal. Once you have decided on this passive role talk to your attacker. Some rapists, once they have the realization forced on them that their victim is a person, can’t go any further and run away. Many women have talked a rapist out of the attack at this stage but it may be difficult to remain calm enough for this.
Be careful not to fuel your attacker’s ardor by mentioning the suffering he is causing you-this will usually make matters worse. Try to memorize things about him-his speech, clothes, appearance, and so on-so that you can describe him to the police. If he rapes you act as lifeless as possible and certainly don’t show any emotions or this could make him more violent.
• If you feel that someone you know is likely to rape you contact a local rape crisis centre to discuss it and get their advice. The address can be found in the telephone book. They are also very helpful when it comes to coping with the aftermath of a rape whether or not you report it to the police. If you are raped, contact a centre as soon as you possibly can after the rape occurs.
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