JHU Violence | Acquaintance Rape

Rape occurs when someone forces another person to have sexual intercourse of any kind. Rape can occur between opposite or same sex persons. Few issues on campuses alarm students more than acquaintance rape; it is one of the most common violent crimes on college campuses today. In the case of acquaintance rape, the rapist and the victim know each other. Rape or forced sex can occur as part of an ongoing intimate relationship, even when most of the time the sex is not forced. Whatever the relationship, rape is always a crime. In cases of rape and sexual assault, alcohol often plays a role. Drinking alcohol reduces four skills that can protect you. These skills form the word RAPE.

R ealize situations that place you in danger of raping or being raped.

A void and manage conflicts with others including intimates.

P erceive clearly what others are doing.

E stablish and communicate your desires and limits regarding sex.

What to do in case of rape?

If you have been raped, you may be confused. Here are some things you can do:

Remember that it is not your fault.

Seek medical attention. If you go to a hospital emergency room within 72 hours, the hospital can collect evidence of the assault. The hospital can call a volunteer who has rape crisis training to come and be with you during the exam. Regardless of when you go to the hospital, you should be examined for injuries and tested for infections and pregnancy.

Most people find it helpful to talk to a professional counselor about the assault. Contact the appropriate campus resource or your local sexual assault center for counseling and support. You can go for counseling even long after the rape has occurred, and it will still be helpful.

Report the crime to campus personnel or to the police and follow through with prosecution after determining what is in your best interest.

If someone you know has been raped, there are ways you can help:

Be supportive. Do not blame the victim for what has happened.

Listen. Respond to what the victim needs not what you think the victim needs.

Encourage the victim to get medical attention and to call appropriate campus authorities, or the sexual assault center.

Offer to help by making phone calls, and going with the victim to the police station, hospital, counselor, or sexual assault center.

Stay during the interviews and examination if the victim so requests.