Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Rape

Table of Contents

Date rape occurs when someone forces another person they are dating or spending time with to have sex. Date rape may involve the use of drugs such as flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).

Rape is a violent act, and is most often committed by a male upon a female. However, some cases of rape have been reported in which a woman has raped a man.

  • Rape also may occur between members of the same sex. This is more common in places such as prisons, military settings, and single-sex schools.
  • Those with physical or mental disabilities or limited language skills are also at higher risk, as are prostitutes.

The best response when being attacked may depend on both the victim and the situation. Attempting to get away and yelling for help is a good first step in most situations. Whether to fight back may depend on the size and behavior of the attacker, as well as whether he is armed.

AFTER A RAPE HAS OCCURRED

The victim may be acquainted or even live or work with a person who committed sexual assault. It is essential that rape victims be placed in an environment afterwards where they feel safe.

Victims of rape should be helped to understand that nothing about what happened was their fault. Nothing that they did should have allowed someone to have sex with them against their will. This includes dressing suggestively, or even kissing or performing other physically intimate activities with the person. Any fault or blame is solely on the rapist.

People who are raped may or may not be able to say that they were raped or seek help. Some may seek medical help for a different complaint, such as headaches, eating problems, pain, and sleep problems.

Emotional reactions differ greatly and may include:

  • Confusion or loss of emotional control
  • Crying or feeling numb
  • Fear, anger, and hostility
  • Nervousness or inappropriate laughter
  • Not eating or sleeping well
  • Tightly controlled behavior
  • Withdrawal from family or friends

Other physical problems are often present as well. Emergency room staff are specially trained to deal with all of these situations.

MEDICAL EXAMS AND TESTS AFTER RAPE

Seeking medical care after a rape is important. This should be done without changing clothes, showering, douching, or urinating.

Some people may wish to report the rape as a crime, while others may not want to report it. This can be a difficult decision, and no one should be forced into making a choice right away. Some people will change their minds about reporting the rape as a crime in the future.

In many cities, rape cases are referred to specific emergency rooms. This provides more specialized care, and assures that proper procedures are followed to maintain the "chain of evidence" necessary for a case that may go to trial. Most state laws require that the person be evaluated in the emergency room before the rape is officially reported.

Review Date: 03/30/2010
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)