Rape

There are a lot of tough questions, but no easy answers.....It can't happen to me...or could it? Who would believe me? What did I do to turn that nice guy into a sex maniac? Could it have been my fault? Was I too "spaced out"?

As a victim of domestic abuse, rape or forcible sodomy, you have certain rights. These rights are:

• You have the right to request that charges be pressed against your assailant
• You have the right to request protection from any harm or threat of harm arising out of your cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts as far as facilities are available and to be provided with information on the level of protection available;
• You have the right to be informed of financial assistance and other social services available as a result of being a victim, including information on how to apply for the assistance and services;
• If you are a victim of rape or forcible sodomy you also have the right to a free medical examination for the procurement of evidence to aid in the prosecution of your assailant; and,
• If you are a victim of domestic abuse you have the right to file a petition for a protective order or, when the domestic abuse occurs when the court is no open for business, to request an emergency temporary protective order.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE RIGHTS, CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER POLICE DEPARTMENT @ 271-4300, or CALL THE 24-HOUR INFORMATION HOTLINE @ 1-800-522-7233

• Most of us don't want to even think about rape. We say to ourselves, "It's not going to happen to me." But, it can happen - at home, at school, at a party - anywhere.
• A rapist can attack anyone, anytime, anyplace. No one is immune from rape or its shattering aftereffects.
• Don't try to protect yourself from half-truths and myths. PLEASE don't pass them on to your friends. Get the facts! Talk about them! AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP.

The Facts of Life

MYTH - Rape is a crime of passion

FACT - Rape is an act of VIOLENCE, not passion. it is an attempt to hurt and humiliate, using sex as the weapon.

MYTH - Rape only happens to women who ask for it.

FACT - No one asks to be a victim of sexual violence . . . it can happen to anyone (both male and female) - children, grandmothers, students, working women, mothers, wives, the rich and poor. Rapists tend to prey on women who look vulnerable, appear to be easily intimidated, or seem to be daydreaming.

MYTH - Most rapes occur as a "spur of the moment" act in a dark alley by a stranger.

FACT - Rape often occurs in one's home - be it apartment, house or dormitory. Very often the rapist is known by the victim in some way and the rape is carefully planned.

MYTH - Most rapists only rape one time.

FACT - Most rapists rape again, and again, and again - until caught.

What Can I Do

There's no perfect way to protect yourself, but there are simple things you can do to minimize your risk. Just take a minute to think about what you do .

And

REMEMBER- BE ALERT !

Show that you are in control - walk with confidence.

Be aware of your surroundings - who's out there, and what's going on.

Don't let alcohol or other drugs fog your judgment.

Be assertive - don't let anyone violate your space.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS !

Uneasy? Uncomfortable? - Get out!

Don't be embarrassed to make a scene. You know what's best for you.

MAKE IT A HABIT!

Indoors

• Don't prop open self-locking doors ! it may be a hassle, but the security's worth it.
• Lock your door (and your windows), even if you leave for a few minutes. Don't leave an OPEN invitation.
• Watch your keys --- don't lend them - Don't leave them - Don't lose them - and Don't put your name and address on your key ring.
• Watch out for unwanted visitors - know who's on the other side of the door before you open it.
• Watch those isolated spots - labs, locker rooms, pedestrian tunnels, especially late at night. Go with a friend. Call the OU HSC Police at Extension 1+4911, and advise that you are in the building, and you would like to be checked on periodically by an officer, or you would like to have an officer escort you.
• Uninvited guests? Demand they leave, or you leave quickly and call the police.

Outdoors

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route; stay in well-traveled, well lighted areas.
• Have your key ready before you reach the door-home, car, office, or dorm.
• Park your car in a well-lighted area, and lock it - even if your only going to be inside a building for a few minutes.
• Drive on well-traveled streets - with your doors, and windows locked and up.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker - it's very risky business - no matter how nice they seem and look.
• Keep your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank.
• In case of car trouble - on campus use a Lot Telephone, or cellular phone to notify the OU HSC Police - raise the hood, lock the doors - windows up. Off-campus, hood up - doors and windows locked and up - place a "Help, call police" banner in the rear window, then call for assistance if you have a cellular phone.

What If Someone Tries

Use your head to protect your body. Calm down - play for time. Every situation is different - there are no easy answers.

• Know yourself and your capabilities.
• Assess the circumstances - look for an out.
• Try to read the rapist - motivation, personality, what might work to get away.

REMEMBER - ONCE YOU USE VIOLENCE, THERE'S NO PLACE TO GO BUT MORE VIOLENCE.

After an Assault

• Be a good witness - remember every detail you can.
• Do Not shower, bathe or douche, or throw any clothing away.
• Call the police, (on campus, notify the OU HSC Police Department, Extension 1+4911).
• Call a friend, or your rape crisis center.
• Seek medical attention, and counseling.

REMEMBER - IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT.

From Victim to Survivor

Rape is a traumatic experience. The pain may go away, but the mental anguish may linger on . . . Anger, Helplessness, Fear, Shame.

If someone you know has been raped, encourage her to talk, and to seek counseling. The rape victim needs . . . Support, Love and Comfort, from friends,and family to work through the crisis, and emerge a survivor.

 THE FOREGOING INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE, IN BROCHURE FORM, FROM THE OU HSC POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Links

http://justice2.usdoj.gov/vawo

Last Updated: 111605