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