Let’s talk a little bit about rape. I believe that everyone knows rape is nonconsensual sex.  It is sexual assault, a violent act.  It is often stems from rage and anger.  It gives the rapist complete domination over the person that is the victim. 

            The victim is not always known by the rapist.  They are often simply in the proximity of one another when the event occurs and when opportunity presents itself.

            There is also the event now known as date rape.  Sometimes the victim is drugged, or taken advantage of while in a weakened state, such as after a drinking spree.  This usually happens when the victim is known to the rapist, at least somewhat, but is unwilling to allow intercourse. 

            When the victim, presumably a woman, says no and the other person refuses to  accept that for an answer, rape is quite often the outcome.  If the woman is lucid, and fights back, she may be beaten or threatened with a knife or other object.  The rapist may use a gun or verbal threats to subdue the woman in order to gain her cooperation.

            A woman alone at night in a parking lot or even on a deserted street is a prime target, especially at night.  Sometimes this situation is unavoidable, such as when leaving work at night, or coming from a class or activity after dark.  Always think ahead when parking your vehicle with the possibility that you will be leaving alone and after dark.

                Women must be vigilant in knowing where they are, who they are with and being aware of their surroundings.  It is also important that they make their friends and family aware of where they are going and with whom. 

            Meeting someone new, as on a blind date?  The best strategy would be to never meet someone you don’t know without having friends accompany you and meeting in a public place.  There truly is safety in numbers.  Once you have met the other person, don’t dismiss your companions too fast.  The person in front of you may not be as nice as they appear to be.  Remember Ted Bundy?  He appeared to be an  upstanding young man.

            If you have a cell phone, make sure you have it with you, fully charged and within easy reach at all times.

            Don’t allow your judgment to be impaired by drinking heavily.  People make very foolish choices when in a drunken state.  I shouldn’t have to say it, but do not do any form of drugs, and don’t pick up strangers in bars.

What do you do if you are raped?

              First, make as much noise as you can if attacked.  Scream “FIRE!” or “CALL 911!”, hit, kick,  or what ever you can safely do to attract attention.  Second, the incident MUST be reported immediately, even if you succeed in fighting an attacker off. The police need to be aware that this person is in the area, if only to save other women from the fight.

For more information or to get help, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline:  1-800-656-hope