Rape is never the victim’s Fault. Never.
Rape can be committed by a stranger, a date, a partner, a family member and even a spouse.  It is against the law to force someone else to have sex regardless of your relationship to them.

Know that silence does not equal consent. Consensual sex is not the absence of “no;” it is the presence of “yes.”

If you are raped or sexually assaulted it is NOT your fault.

Don’t blame rape survivors for the violence perpetrated against them. Listen and be supportive if someone tells you she or he has been raped.

Facts about Rape

People who rape want to have power over the other person.  Rape is a violent act in which verbal abuse, threats, coercion, physical force or alcohol or drugs are all used as ways to force someone to have sex.

1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim.

73% of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a non-stranger.

38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance (www.rainn.org).

If you’re raped

After the crime

• You are a victim of crime.  Don’t blame yourself.
• Get medical attention right away.  Go to the hospital.  DVSAC advocates can meet you at the hospital to support you and be there with you call DVSAC crisis line 530-272-3467.
• Seek help and support from people you trust.

These people can help

• A friend or family member.
• Advocates at DVSAC.
• School counselors.
• Rape Hotlines.  DVSAC 530-272-3467.  1-800-656-HOPE
• Emergency room staff, doctors, nurses, other health care providers.
• Police are trained to help rape victims and will call a DVSAC advocate to be there with you.

Reporting a Rape: Deciding to report a rape is a very personal decision.

• Some people want to report.  It may help them feel safer.  They may feel it is the right thing to do.
• Other people are not sure.  They may not want to tell anyone.  They may not trust the reporting system.

Your Rights as a Sexual Assault Survivor

You have the right to:

• Determine whether or not you want to report the sexual assault to law enforcement.
• Be treated with respect by law enforcement and prosecution personnel.
• Report the attack to law enforcement and expect that all avenues within the law will be pursued to apprehend and convict the offender.
• Not to be exposed to prejudice because of your race, gender, age, class, lifestyle or occupation.
• Be considered a rape survivor regardless of your relationship to the perpetrator.
• Be loved- you have done nothing wrong.
• To refuse the collection of medical evidence at the hospital (SART exam) and still request STD testing and a pregnancy test.
• Have a medical examination without a parent or guardian present.
• Request a friend, family member or rape crisis counselor accompany you in the examination room.
• Confidentiality.
• Go through the common reactions to rape sleepiness, nightmares, anxiety and fear.
• Check with DVSAC and/or Nevada County Victim Witness for possible funds for help with medical, re-location or therapy costs.
• Attend all proceedings that are not closed to you as a witness or to the public.
• Have a friend, family member or DVSAC Advocate with you at police and court proceedings.
• Request everything you need in making the transition from victim to survivor.

Sexual Assault Violence That’s Not About Sex

Date Rape: The Importance of Consent