What is Rape?
Rape is a heinous act performed when one party wishes to exact complete power and control over another. The definition of rape, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network is:1
". . . forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Penetration may be by a body part or an object."
Rape is often known as "sexual assault" or "sexual abuse," particularly in the law. However, sexual assault and sexual abuse are defined more broadly whereas the term rape specifies intercourse.
Threats of violence or weapons may be used during rape but in about 8-out-of-10 cases, nothing but the physical force is used. Weapons or threats are not required for an act to be considered rape.
It is important to know that either gender can be the perpetrator or the victim of rape. Additionally, both heterosexual and homosexual rapes take place both inside and outside of relationships. It's critical to understand that rape is never okay and that no matter the circumstance, rape is never the victim's fault (healthyplace.com)
Ways to Avoid/Prevent Rape
There is no one right or wrong way to act in order to avoid rape. But there are some things a woman can do that may make her less likely to suffer from being a victim of rape. What a woman does depends on how well she knows the man, how afraid she is, and how much danger she thinks she is in. Remember, if a woman is raped, it is not because she failed to avoid the rape, but because someone stronger forced himself on her.
Women can learn about rape prevention and use this knowledge to help them stay safe in many situations where sexual assault could occur. You can help prevent rape by taking these steps
Never walk alone; Try not to walk alone, especially at night. If you must go alone, hold your head up and act as though you feel confident. Most rapists will look for a woman who looks easy to attack. If you think you are being followed, try walking in another direction, or go up to another person, a house, or a store. Or, turn around and ask him very loudly what he wants. (en.hesperian.org)
Listen to your intuition when alone – Although you can never fully protect yourself from potential sexual assault, it's important that you avoid dangerous situations. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated public areas, walk with determination even if you're lost, trust your gut, keep your cell phone charged and with you, avoid going somewhere alone with a person you don't know well, don't use music headphones when walking alone.
Reduce risk in social situations – Go to parties and social events with a group of friends and stay with the group. Do not leave your drink unattended. This leaves a potential rapist an opportunity to slip a date rape drug in it. Take it with you to go to the ladies’ room or anywhere else, even for a short time. If you do leave it, just get a new drink. Do not accept drinks from a stranger or someone you just met.
Don't reveal too much on social media – Some social media platforms, such as Foursquare and others, use GPS locating service to tell friends where to find you. But think about it, would-be sexual predators can use these tools to find you as well. Turn off the location feature of these mobile apps on your cell phone before going out. (healthyplace.com)
Date Smart: Don't go on dates alone, you could be attacked. Don't go on dates in groups because then you could be attacked by a number of people. But don't decline date offers either -- insulting a potential suitor is just asking for trouble.
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