Acquaintance Rape
What is it?
Acquaintance or date rape means being forced or pressured into having sex by someone
you know -- against your will, without having your consent.
How Does it Occur?
Acquaintance rape typically occurs when a woman is alone with a man. Alcohol and drugs
are sometimes a significant factor. Mixed signals are another element.
Effects of Acquaintance Rape
- Fear of being alone
- Fear of men
- Fear of sex
- Depression
- Sleep and eating pattern disturbances
- Feelings of humiliation, self-blame, anger, embarrassment, and helplessness
- Denial
Watch out for someone who:
- Gets hostile when you say "no."
- Ignores your wishes, opinions, and ideas.
- Attempts to make you feel guilty or accuses you of being uptight if you say "no" to sex.
- Displays destructive anger and aggression.
What to do if it happens to you
- Contact police.
- Get medical attention.
- Go to a friend's.
- Do not shower or clean yourself.
- Do not change your clothes.
- Do not blame yourself.
Don't be a victim
- Communicate clearly! Say "no" when you mean no; "yes" when you mean yes.
- Define your limits (handshake, kiss on the cheek, kiss on the mouth, hug, intercourse, no touch).
- Defend the limits you set. You have the right to be respected, to change your mind, to say "no," or just to say, "Because I don't want to."
*Information provided by the Greater New Haven Sexual Assault Crisis Services