Rape
Rape is non-consensual sex by description and is often accompanied by violence. Rape isn’t always committed by a stranger, often a rapist will know their victim, and in some cases rape can even happen within a relationship or marriage. Some people find this hard to understand; they ask how it can be rape when a person is usually willing to have consensual sex with that person – the fact is, regardless of your relationship with someone, if you say no to sex, and they persist – it is rape.
Rape affects both men and women. It can be happen between a man and a woman, between two men and between two women.
Rape and HIV associated risk
Rape can often take place without a condom, therefore there is a chance that you may be infected with HIV. If you are raped you must go to your local health centre or doctor as soon as possible after the attack - they will be able to run tests on you and even take samples for use in evidence against the rapist, if you decide to take it to court. In some countries a treatment called PEP which stands for Post-exposure prophylaxis – if it is taken within 72 hours of exposure can significantly reduce your chance of being infected.
Many people who are raped find it very difficult to get over and for some people it will affect them for the rest of their lives – it is such a massive invasion of a person’s personal space and body – it’s easy to understand why. If you have been raped you must seek medical attention immediately. It’s a good idea, when you’re ready, to talk about how you’re feeling, whether to a family member, friend or counsellor – they‘ll be able to offer support and guidance.
If you suspect that a friend has been a victim of rape, sensitively try and talk to them and get them to seek the correct help.
Coercion includes rape and also other forms of sexual abuse, an example of coercion is when somebody pressures you into agreeing to sex – they might threaten you with violence or blackmail should you not agree. Some people see arranged marriages and some extremist religions and cults involving sexual practices as coercion too. Again if yourself or anyone you know find yourself in a position like this – talk to someone as soon as possible.
Rape, of all forms is a criminal offence and the rapist can go to jail for a long time. No one deserves to be raped, sometimes people will try and assign blame to the victim – through their behaviour or dressing – but rape is an act of violence, of aggression and has nothing to with passion or sexual feelings, just a person wanting to feel more powerful than someone else.
You shouldn’t have to live with the consequences of rape on your own, talk to someone you trust. It’s also your decision whether you pursue a criminal case against the rapist, but no one has the right to hurt you in that way.
