SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS
Rape is not just a woman's problem. Nor is rape something that happens to someone else, somewhere else. It happens everywhere, every day, and every minute to girls and women of all ages. Family and friends of victims are also affected. We are all affected: rape is the result of a culture that promotes male dominance and views women as inferior beings. It's the extreme expression of a continuum of sexist behaviors that inhibit women from having equal access to opportunities; these behaviors range from sex-role stereotyping and sexist remarks and jokes to sex-based discrimination and, ultimately, to actual sexual harassment and violence against women. On Campuses: Rape is a significant problem on college campuses across the nation, where most victims are acquainted with their assailants. A major research study has shown that one in eight college women is the victim of rape during her college years, while one in four is the victim of attempted rape. Most of the women (84%) knew the men who raped them and 57% of them were on dates. 95% did not report the rape to officials; 42% of the victims told no one (Koss, M. "Scope of Rape." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1987.) The effects of rape on these student victims can be devastating, creating emotional, trauma-related difficulties and, consequently, disrupting or ending their academic careers. Because rape is everyone's problem, we can solve it only through the efforts of women and men working together. Take the time now to learn the facts about rape and what you can do.
LEGAL INFORMATION: WHAT IS THE CRIME OF RAPE? According to Pennsylvania law, rape, (a first-degree felony), is sexual intercourse obtained:
"Forcible Compulsion" is defined as "compulsion by use of physical, intellectual, moral, emotional, or psychological force, either express or implied," and does not require that the victim resist the offender. Sexual assault, (a second-degree felony), consists of non-consensual sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There must be some penetration, however slight, but ejaculation is not necessary. Aggravated indecent assault, (also a second-degree felony), consists of penetration of the genitals or anus by a part of the offender's body without consent. Indecent assault is unwanted touching or intimate parts of the body and is a second-degree misdemeanor. A stranger, acquaintance, close friend, relative, date, or a spouse can commit rape and sexual assault. Alcohol or other drug use can impair and individual's ability to give consent. The penalties range from imprisonment for up to two years for indecent assault to imprisonment for up to ten years for sexual assault and twenty years for rape, in addition to fines and restitution. The statute of limitations for reporting rape, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault is five years and two years for reporting indecent assault. WHAT IS PENN STATE DOING ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT? Penn State is committed to supporting victims of relationship, domestic, and sexual violence, and to encourage an environment that is intolerant of acts of violence. Victims have been traumatized and, as a result, require sensitive care for their medical, psychological, and legal needs following victimization. Within the University community, it is imperative to support victims in their recovery from the trauma of relationship, domestic, and sexual violence and to do so with an attitude of concern and non-judgmental regard. The following is a summary of Penn State's procedures and services for victims of relationship, domestic, and sexual violence:
For more information about Penn State's
protocols to help assault victims, see the For more information about Penn State's
protocols to help stalking victims, see the
If you are a victim of sexual assault and are concerned about becoming pregnant, you may be able to take advantage of emergency contraceptive services. If the assault has occurred in the past 120 hours (5 days), you are a candidate for the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). The earlier ECP is taken, the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy. Please call 814-949-5540 and ask for a same day appointment. Women And Men:
Women:
Use common sense to avoid stranger attacks:
Men:
Learn the Facts Myths about rape are pervasive in our culture. They function to discredit victims and make them feel personally responsible so they will not report the rape. Myths also give women a false sense of security and dis-inhibit the behavior of rapists. Replacing myths with facts is the first step in altering the conditions that lead to rape. MYTH: Rape is a sexual crime, impulsively committed by a man for sexual gratification. FACT: Rape is a crime of violence and aggression. Its intent is to overpower, degrade, and humiliate the victim. MYTH: Rape can't happen to me or someone I know. FACT: Rape victims come from all socioeconomic classes and ethnic backgrounds and range in age from 3 months to 97 years. Men and boys can be victims too. The highest rape victimization rate is for women between the ages of 16 and 19; the second highest is for women between the ages of 20 and 24. MYTH: Most rapes are committed by strangers in a dark place at night. FACT: It is estimated that as many as 80% of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Rape can take place anywhere, at any time. Many acquaintance rapes occur in the context of a dating relationship and typically take place on the man's turf. For college women, their normal social environment - a party where alcohol is used - involves more of a risk for sexual victimization than does walking alone down a dark street. MYTH: Women provoke rape by how they behave, dress, or where they choose to go. Rape is the victim's fault. FACT: Rape is never the victim's fault. If a woman wants to be involved sexually with a man, it would not be necessary for him to use force or threats of physical violence. Research shows that rapists look for available women they perceive as vulnerable. MYTH: In a dating situation, when a woman says "no" she really means "yes". FACT: "No" means NO. MYTH: Women report rapes to get even with men or to protect their reputations. FACT: According to the BI, fewer than 2% or reports are false, which is the same percentage for the false reporting of other crimes. In fact, anywhere from 50% to 90% of all rapes are not reported to police. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS RAPED No matter how careful you or your friends are, it may not be possible to prevent a rape. Then it becomes important to know what to do to help yourself or a friend feel safe again. Remember that it is not your fault or her fault. No one asks to be raped, and no one deserves it. Female Victims: After a rape occurs, female victims should:
As a friend of a victim, there are things you can do to help. The kind of support she gets determines how quickly she will heal from the rape.
Most likely you will be affected too, take care of yourself and your own needs as well. Male Victims: While most victims of sexual assault are women, men can be victims too. At Penn State the same medical, emotional, and legal services are available to men. Health care is provided through Penn State Altoona Health and Wellness Center or Altoona Regional Health Services.
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