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Rape

Rape is forced, unwanted sexual intercourse. Rape, sometimes also called sexual assault, can happen to both men and women of any age.

Rape is about power, not sex. A rapist uses actual force or violence — or the threat of it — to take control over another human being. Some rapists use drugs to take away a person's ability to fight back. Rape is a crime, whether the person committing it is a stranger, a date, an acquaintance, or a family member.

If you have been a victim of rape take care of yourself the best way you can first. If you want to report the rape then do so, but if you don't feel comfortable then don't but make sure you seek medical help to make sure you are ok. Just remember that it's not your fault and that no one has the right to have sex with you against your own will, no one. Some rapist will try to make you feel like it is your fault by saying, "you wanted it" or other things like that but it is just another way of taking control of you. The truth is, what a person wears, says or how they act is never a justification for rape.

Most victims know their rapist personally and feel that they shouldn't say anything to protect them, but make protecting yourself your first priority. Do whatever makes you feel safe.

The first thing you need to do if you have been raped is to seek medical help. Most hospital facilities have trained doctors and counselors to take care of someone who has been raped. You want to make sure that you haven't contracted any STD's or have any internal damage. There are also sexual assault hotlines that you can call to ask where to go for medical help. If you are under 18 and scared that your parents will find out ask a rape crisis center about the laws in you area because now most cases are confidential, but some places do require that a parent or guardian be notified.

You should get medical help before changing your clothes, showering, or anything no matter how much you want to because it ensures that you get proper medical treatment. Even if you don't get examined right away, you can go in for a check-up later to make sure you haven;t contracted and STD's.

It can be hard to think or talk about a frightening experience, especially something as personal as rape. People who have been raped sometimes avoid seeking help because they're afraid that talking about it will bring back memories or feelings that are too painful. But this can actually do more harm than good.

Talking about rape in a safe environment with the help and support of a trained professional is the best way to ensure long-term healing. Working through the pain sooner rather than later can help reduce symptoms like nightmares and flashbacks. It can also help people avoid potentially harmful behaviors and emotions, like major depression or self-injury.

Every rape survivor works through his or her feelings differently. Some people feel most comfortable talking one-on-one with a therapist. Others find that joining a support group where they can be with other survivors helps them to feel better, get their power back, and move on with their lives. In a support group, you can get help and support as well as give it. Your experiences and ideas may help others heal.