1. Get to a safe place 3/4 survival is a priority at this time.
2. Contact someone who can help you 3/4 police, friend, family, Lighthouse Sexual Assault Program.
3. Get medical treatment 3/4 rape victims are not billed for rape exams per Alabama State law (Section 15-23-5) passed in 1995.
4. Seek counseling
1. Examination and treatment for any injuries.
2. Testing and treatment for possible exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Discuss the risk of pregnancy and talk about options in case you are pregnant.
4. Collection of medical evidence should you now or later decide to report the assault to the police for criminal prosecution of the rapist.
Change clothes Bathe
Douche Drink
Chew Gum Smoke
Urinate Defecate
Gargle with Mouthwash Brush Teeth
* Crisis intervention to adult victims of rape and assault
* 24 hour crisis line for immediate access to services
* Victim advocacy throughout the investigative, criminal justice and corrections process
* Post arrest client services to protect the adult victims of rape and sexual assault and assist them with victim compensation applications.
* On-going assistance during recorvery period by providing victim assistance such as transportation, referrals for property repairs and replacement, etc.
* Emotional support and assessment
*Information and referrals
* Community education
* On-going assistance during recovery period by providing victim assistance such as transportation, referrals for property repairs and replacement, etc.
Myth: “The assault did not occur if it was not immediately reported to police.”
Fact: Rape is rarely reported. Victims may be afraid of the offender, intimidated, or not believed.
Myth: “If they recant, they are admitting they made the assault up.”
Fact: Many victims recant due to mistreatment experienced throughout the judicial process.
Myth: “If there is no physical evidence, rape did not occur.”
Fact: Physical evidence is not always likely to be found, even after an evidence collection kit is used.
Myth: “Rape occurs because women turn men on.”
Fact: Rapists often are not aroused when they perpetrate. Rape is not an act of sexual desire, but an act of violence.
Myth: “Only young women who flirt and are dressed provocatively are raped.”
Fact: Rape can happen to anyone of any appearance, race, age, gender, and socio-economic background.
Myth: “Women cannot rape men.”
Fact: A person of any gender can be targeted by a person of any gender.
Myth: “Rapists are sex crazed and cannot help themselves.”
Fact: Most offenders are determined to be of sound mind and criminally liable for their actions.
Myth: “Legalizing prostitution would reduce rates of rape.”
Fact: Rapists have access to safe and legal sex. Many rapists are in relationships at the time they offend.
Myth: “If a woman agrees to intimacy, she is agreeing to intercourse.”
Fact: Consent to one action does not mean consent is given for all acts.
Myth: “After someone says yes, they cannot change their mind and say no.”
Fact: Consent is ongoing and can be revoked at any time for any reason.
Myth: “Sexual assault usually occurs among strangers.”
Fact: Most sexual assaults occur by someone they are acquainted with or knew and trusted.
Myth: “Rape cannot occur in marriage or a relationship.”
Fact: A common form of intimate partner abuse is sexual.
Myth: “Most people who say they were raped are lying.”
Fact: Only around 2%-8% of reports of rape are determined to be false.
Myth: “Rape is just bad sex the woman regretted.”
Fact: Rape is a violent, criminal act and not “bad sex.”
Myth: “Rape happens because people decide to drink and make bad decisions.”
Fact: Completed with alcohol facilitation is often a planned act.
Myth: “Women want to be raped if they fantasize about it.”
Fact: The desire to be out of control in fantasy or role play is not a desire to be raped in real life.
Myth: “Some women enjoy being raped.”
Fact: Physiological response to sexual contact does not equate to enjoyment.
Myth: “If they did not fight off the attacker, they weren’t really raped.”
Fact: It is common to experience “frozen fright” response during a traumatic incident. Many victims also often do not fight back due to fear of further harm.
THE ASSAULT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT - RAPE IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RAPIST.
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