Rape, also called sexual assault, is forced, unwanted sexual intercourse. It 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.
No matter how it happened, rape is frightening and traumatizing. People who have been raped need care, comfort, and a way to heal.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice:
- One of every four rapes take place in a public area or in a parking garage.
- 28% of female victims reported that the offender was a stranger.
- 70% of rapes occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- At least 48% of rapists were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- In 30% of rapes, the offender used a weapon.
- In 47% of rapes, the victim sustained injuries other than rape injuries.
- 75% of female rape victims require medical care after the attack.
(All statistics are taken from: Violence against Women, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 2001.)
