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Skidmore college defines sexual assault as “any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature that is committed either by force or through the use of the victim’s mental or physical helplessness.”
Acquaintance rape is a form of sexual assault involving coercive sexual activities perpetrated by an acquaintance of the rape survivor. In over 85% of all rape cases the victim knows the attacker and, unfortunately, acquaintance rape is quite prevalent on college campuses. One in four college women experienced an attempted rape or completed rape.
Common responses to rape include shock, numbness, loss of control, feelings of helplessness, fear, a sense of vulnerability, and feelings of self blame or guilt for “letting this happen”. Some victims feel that these reactions are a sign of weakness but they are not, they are completely normal and okay.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted:
- Find a safe environment away from the attacker. You can ask a friend to stay with you for moral support.
- Don’t bathe or brush your teeth, you need to preserve evidence of the attack.
- Write down all the details that you can remember about the attack and the attacker.
- Get medical attention -- it is important to determine the risks of STIs and pregnancy.
- Remember that it wasn’t your fault.
- Report the rape to the law enforcement authorities.
- Know that healing from a rape takes time. Make sure that you give yourself the time you need.
- It is never too late to seek help or emotional support, even if the attack happened years ago.
If a friend has been raped or sexually assaulted:
- Listen, be there, and don’t pass judgment on your friend.
- Encourage your friend to report the rape.
- Be patient and remember that it will take your friend some time to work through this crime.
- Let your friend know that professional help is available but remember that it is their choice to use it.
To reduce your risk of rape:
- Don’t be alone with someone you don’t know or trust.
- Never leave your drink at a party and don’t accept a drink from an open container.
- Use the buddy system when you go out to parties. Go out and come home together. While you are out, watch out for the safety of your friends.
- Consume alcohol in moderation. 75% of male students and 55% of female students involved in acquaintance rape had been drinking or using drugs prior to the assault.
- Remember that you can take steps to stay safer but if you are raped, it is not your fault.
If you have been a victim of acquaintance rape or if someone you know has been a victim, the college Counseling Center is here to help. Stop by their office on the first floor of Jonsson Tower or call 580-5555 for an appointment.
You can also call the Saratoga Rape Crisis Center, Campus Safety, or stop in to Health Services or the Center for Sex and Gender Relations.
You can also visit the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
