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RapeYou may scroll the entire text or jump to a rape topic directly by clicking on the desired topic within the index items listed below. Index of Rape Topics Basic Information about Sexual Assault Common Reactions to Rape/Sexual Assault Helping Someone Who Has Been Raped Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or SANE Facility How to Report a Sexual Assault Sexual Assault and Alabama Law
For Answers To Questions Frequently Asked About
Sexual Assault and Rape Rape is a very real and prevalent problem in our midst. Every year, about 1,500 cases of rape are reported to law enforcement agencies in Alabama. Thousands of innocent victims are among us…suffering in silence from the life-changing after effects of this violent, despicable crime. Where can they turn for understanding? Or for confidential medical assistance…counseling…legal advocacy…and the long-term support they so vitally need? Who can they call for help…with the anger, anxiety, embarrassment, depression, guilt, shame, or fear that they may be feeling? Since 1975, the answer has been Rape Response…a 24-hour-a-day, comprehensive program of the Birmingham Crisis Center. Rape Response was founded on the principle that intervention and counseling – in a safe, non-judgmental environment – can be powerful deterrents to the physical, emotional, and psychological problems that victims may develop following sexual assault. Professionally trained Rape Response volunteers are available around the clock to provide assistance to victims when they call our crisis line…as well as whenever a rape is reported to the police, an emergency room, or the Crisis Center’s SANE facility. “SANE” stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The SANE program functions in tandem with Rape Response by offering a private, low-profile clinic, staffed with specially trained registered nurses, who provide free, expedient, and confidential medical care to victims of sexual assault, and also collect forensic evidence for use by law enforcement. Rape Response. It’s free. It’s confidential. For more information, call the Crisis Center Rape response line at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273 Basic Information About Sexual Assault Sexual assault is a broad category of actions in which sexual acts are performed without consent or upon a person who is not able to give consent. Sexual assault is an act of aggression, power and violence. Sexual assault includes such terms as incest, sexual abuse, molestation, rape, and sodomy. One in six women and one in thirty-three men report experiencing a completed or attempted rape sometime in their lifetime. Nearly half of all reports of rape in Alabama involve victims under the age of 18. There are many myths about sexual assault. Here are some of the facts: Sexual assault is most often committed by someone the victim knows, not by a stranger. Most sexual assaults occur in the victim’s own home, rather than in dark alleyways. Many sexual assaults involve alcohol or other drugs. Sexual assault is about power, not sex or sexual attraction. Any person can be sexually assaulted, even males. No one asks to be sexually assaulted… it is never the victim’s fault, no matter what. Although sexual assault can happen to anyone at anytime, there are certain things you can do to help reduce the risk. It is important to remember, however, that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault – regardless of anything he or she has or has not done. Observe your environment. Trust your feelings. If something doesn’t feel right or if you feel pressured or frightened, listen to yourself and get out of that situation. Do not be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings or cause a scene. Your safety is always the number one priority. Be assertive. Stand up for yourself. It’s okay to get angry or to confront someone who is pressuring you. Never accept a drink from someone you don’t trust. Never leave your drink unattended. Use the “buddy system” if you choose to use alcohol or drugs. If you or someone you know is raped, try to remain calm. While some victims may be hysterical, others are in a state of shock. It is important to get to a safe place and call the police. Although it is scary to do this because the victim may be scared, embarrassed, confused, and might not want anyone to know what happened, it is important to file an initial police report. This report allows the police to secure the area and help the victim access the appropriate medical care and be eligible for crime victim’s compensation. Although shame is a normal reaction, this is a serious crime and is not the victim’s fault. If you have been physically injured and you need medical attention, call 911 or go to a hospital immediately. Evidence is best collected within the first 72 hours (or 3 days) following the assault. If possible, do not bathe, shower, change clothes, go to the bathroom, or eat or drink anything. This could destroy some of the evidence. You can have the evidence collected in one of two places…. The SANE facility for those victims who are 13 and older and who have filed a police report, or at any hospital emergency room. To access SANE, call the Crisis center's Rape Response line at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273. Common Reactions to Rape/Sexual Assault Survivors of sexual assault will have a wide range of feelings, some of them conflicting with each other, but over time they will become more manageable and occur less often. It is important to remember the reactions are normal and do not mean the person is "going crazy." Survivors of sexual violence may experience reactions such as increased fear and anxiety. They may check the doors and windows in their home several times a day. They may also be afraid to go anywhere alone. They may avoid anything that reminds them of the assault. Many survivors also describe feeling dirty or damaged and may find themselves taking five or six baths a day. Some survivors may also have trouble sleeping or eating and may spend a lot of time thinking “ if only I had done this or done that.” It is important for survivors to remember that the assault was not their fault. They did not ask for this to happen or deserve for this to happen. The offender chose to commit this crime. One of the most common reactions is to try to forget about the assault completely: to simply put it behind you and move on. While this may seem like a good idea at the time, it only creates further problems down the road. Most people need to talk to someone about this assault. Talking with someone is not a sign of weakness or “craziness”. Sexual assault is just one of those issues that need some outside help. It takes courage to take the first step to call someone, but it is worth the risk. Rape Response provides a place for survivors to come and get more information and share their feelings. No one will judge you or think any less of you. Our staff and volunteers are there to support survivors and the families through the healing process. All of our services are free and confidential. So whether the assault happened yesterday or three years ago, Rape Response is here to help. Call us at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273. Helping Someone Who Has Been RapedFinding out that a friend or loved one has been raped can be an overwhelming experience. You may feel shocked, confused and unsure of what needs to be done. For victims to overcome sexual assault, they need empathy, understanding and emotional support. It is important to remember that individuals react differently to trauma, but the following steps can help you when facing such a situation. Remain Calm. It is normal to feel shock or anger, but expressing these to the victim may worsen their trauma, and they may feel that your anger is directed at them personally. Take necessary steps to get the victim to safety. The best way to do this is by calling your local law enforcement department. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if there is no outward sign of injury, encourage going to the local emergency department or the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Facility. Some injuries may not be noticeable or obvious. Also, evidence can be collected during an exam that may be needed if a future decision is made to prosecute. Let the person who has been victimized express their feelings. It may be hard to listen to what has happened, but this is an important step in the healing process. However, if the victim wishes to remain silent, do not force discussion. And remember, if you don’t know what to say, that’s OK. Let the victim know you believe them and offer non-judgmental support. Many victims may feel blame toward themselves for what has happened, or may fear that no one would believe them. Believing and providing unconditional support is one of the most important things you can do for someone who has been raped. After all, they have been through one of the most horrible things that can happen to a person, and survived. Here are some things you can say: “I believe you” “You survived, and did what you had to do to survive” “It is not your fault, and nothing you did could possibly justify what happened” “This does not change how I care and feel about you” Refer your friend for professional assistance, and seek help for yourself. The crime of sexual assault can have psychological impact on family and friends as well. You may be likely to experience strong reactions when you hear of the assault, such as rage, helplessness, and a desire for revenge. Counseling is available to help you through these feelings. For more information on services for friends and family, call Rape Response at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or SANE FacilityFor many victims of sexual assault, reporting the attack and undergoing an exam at a public emergency room can be a frightening process. However, there is a local facility that offers private, individualized care away from the hustle and bustle of a busy emergency department. Known as SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, this facility provides efficient, compassionate and timely treatment at no cost for victims of sexual assault. The comprehensive approach of the SANE Facility is unique in its coordination of forensic medicine, victim’s advocacy and law enforcement personnel in assisting each victim. The SANE exam is paid for by the Alabama Crime Victim’s Compensation Commission. There is no charge to the victim. There are four criteria for a SANE referral: The assault has occurred within the past 72 hours or law enforcement has requested the exam The victim is at least 13 years old The victim is medically stable (nothing broken, bleeding, or pregnant) A police report has been filed or will be filed at the facility If the victim does not meet the above criteria, they can still seek medical services and emotional support at the closest emergency department; Rape Response volunteers are available at emergency rooms as well as SANE. The SANE nurse will perform a pelvic exam to check for injuries and collect physical evidence. This procedure involves collecting samples of body fluids, hair and other materials for later examination by the forensic laboratory. The sooner the exam is conducted after an assault, the more accurate the evidence will be. Medications will also be given to help prevent transmission or to treat most sexually transmitted infections. The Rape Response advocate is specifically trained in crisis intervention and will provide consistent support throughout the medical examination and answer any questions that the victim may have. Additional services are available to the victim at no cost following the medical exam. These services include individual crisis counseling for the victim as well as family/friends, support group, criminal justice advocacy, and assistance in filing for Alabama Crime Victims Compensation. The SANE program services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To utilize these services, please call Rape Response at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273. How to Report a Sexual Assault If you or a friend has been forced to engage in any form of sexual activity, report the incident to the police immediately. You will need to report the incident to police in the jurisdiction where the assault occurred. There are advantages to reporting a sexual assault. Reporting is the first step in arresting and convicting the assailant. Most sexual assailants are repeat offenders, which means that they usually assault multiple victims. If you report the crime and the offender is apprehended, it could protect you and other potential victims from future harm. Reporting the crime demonstrates the seriousness of the crime because it becomes a statistic and can alert people to how often and where sexual assault occurs. There is no statute of limitation in reporting a rape, which means that you can report it, no matter how long ago it occurred. Remember to always report the assault to police in the area where it occurred. Another advantage of reporting the assault to the police is that you may be eligible for Crime Victim's Compensation. Crime Victim’s Compensation can provide reimbursement for medical expenses, counseling, work loss, moving expenses and replacement services that were a result of being victimized. Once the initial report has been filed, your case will be assigned to a detective who will contact you to get additional information. If the District Attorney decides there is enough evidence to go to trial, there will be several times when you will be called to testify in court. It is important to remember that Rape Response is able to support you through every step of this process. The District Attorney’s Office also has a Victim Service Officer who will support you during the court process. You do not have to do this alone. To request a criminal justice advocate, contact Rape Response at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273. Sexual Assault and Alabama Law According to Alabama law, rape in the first degree is when a person forces another person to engage in sexual intercourse, or when a person engages in sexual intercourse with someone who is considered to be “incapable of giving consent,” or permission. A person is “incapable of giving consent” if he or she has been given alcohol or drugs without his or her consent in order to be taken advantage of or if the person is otherwise physically unable to give their consent. It is also rape in the first degree for someone who is 16 years old or older to have sex with someone who is less than 12 years old. Rape in the 1st degree is punishable by between 10-99 years in a state prison. In Alabama, the legal age for giving consent to sexual intercourse is 16 years old. Rape in the second degree is sometimes known as statutory rape. This is when someone who is 16 years old or older has sexual intercourse with someone who is 13, 14, or 15 years old; provided the offender is at least two years older. For example an if an 18-year-old has sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old that is rape in the second degree which is punishable by between 2-20 years in a state prison. Date Rape DrugsSexual assailants use a variety of methods to take advantage of their victims. One method sometimes used by rapists is to give the victim a so-called “date rape” drug. "Date rape drugs" can be any substance given to a victim to facilitate a sexual assault. Most often, these drugs are secretly put into an individual’s drink. The beverage may or may not be alcoholic. When the drug dissolves in the drink, it is usually colorless, odorless, and in some cases, tasteless. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. It is invisible. After the drug is ingested, it may begin to take effect within minutes, or even seconds. The effects can last up to 24 hours. During this time, the victim may become weak, helpless, or unconscious. When the drug wears off, the victim may not be able to remember what happened, or even who assaulted him or her. The 3 most common date rape drugs are GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine. GHB, known as “liquid ecstasy” or “easy lay,” GHB is extremely dangerous because of the wide variety of homemade recipes. Rohypnol, commonly known as “roofies,” is a very potent sedative, ten times more powerful than Valium. Ketamine, known as “special K,” “K,” or “kitkat,” is an animal tranquilizer. It is important to remember that any drug can be used to facilitate a sexual assault. Signs that you may have been drugged include: Feeling more intoxicated than you feel you should, given the amount of alcohol consumed Feeling “fuzzy,” waking up very hung-over, unable to account for a period of time, or memory loss Feeling as though you had sex with someone but can’t remember any or all of the event Taking a drink from someone but not remembering what happened afterwards How to reduce your risk: Bring your own drink and/or watch your drink being poured If you realize you left your drink unattended, get rid of it Watch out for friends What to do if you suspect you were drugged and sexually assaulted: Get to a safe place Preserve all physical evidence… don’t eat or drink anything, don’t change clothes, don’t shower, don’t go to the bathroom if possible If you have to go the bathroom, urinate in a cup and save to give to the police so your urine can be drug-screened Call the police Seek medical attention if you feel like you are injured Call Rape Response at (205) 323-7273 or (888) 323-7273 for evidence collection |
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