frequently asked questions

According to the Florida Statute 794.011(H), sexual assault or rape is defined as "oral, anal, or vaginal penetration or union with the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, this does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose. In other words, when someone violates another person in the ways described above, the crime of sexual assault has been committed.

Although rape involves the sexual organs of two or more people, it is never about sex. Rape is an 
act of violence. It is about the rapist’s desire to physically overpower and/or control the victim by using manipulation or force. Usually rapists prey on vulnerable, unsuspecting victim.

A rapist can be anyone: male or female, young or old, any race, religious background, sexual orientation, and from any socioeconomic class.

A victim can turn to anyone with whom she/he feels safe and secure. Although it may be very 
scary to talk with someone about your rape experience, it can also be empowering and healing. 
A few examples of people who can help include a trusted friend, a companion, an adult, a parent, 
a victim advocate, or a law enforcement officer. It's important to know that help is available when 
you need it.

Rape is a crime against the victim/survivor. It is, in most cases it is the victim's decision whether 
to report the crime to the police or not. You have the right to be informed of your options before making decisions.  However, if you are a minor, adults may have a legal obligation to report your rape to the police. (This is required by law in the state of Florida.) Please refer to your state’s 
sexual assault coalition for further information about reporting laws in your state.  (If you have any questions, please go to our online support option at the bottom of this page.)

Can someone who chooses not to report a rape get immediate medical attention?

All victims can and should get immediate medical attention from their local hospital, medical 
clinic, personal doctor, or gynecologist. Many areas have Planned Parenthood locations that 
can provide confidential medical exams including STD screening, pregnancy testing, and 
confidential HIV/AIDS testing. In Florida, if a victim is under 18 years old, an adult may be 
mandated to report the rape even without the victim’s consent. If you disclose your rape to professionals or other adults, they may be required to report this crime with or without your 
consent.

Rape is a conscious choice or planned act of violence. A rapist consciously decides and plans 
an attack before he consciously carries it out. It could be planned anywhere from a few seconds 
to hours or days before a rape actually takes place, but the fact still remains that it is a 
conscious decision, plan, and attack on the part of the rapist.

Rape is never the victim’s fault and support is available. A victim is not alone in his/her experience and that help is available. There are resources out there to support a person through their recovery process and to help them find available services.

The only person who can prevent a rape from happening is the rapist. However, there are safety precautions that teens can use in their daily lives to reduce the likelihood of being raped.  See 
"Be Aware and Stay Safe."

Through education we can hope to lower the incidence of rape and someday wipe out sexual violence altogether. Education can teach the public about prevention as well as make resources 
and services available to people affected by rape.

Only 16% of rapes are reported. The source of this statistic is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN).

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Anyone, (male or female, young or old) can be raped. Rape is a genderless crime. Although we 
may hear more about women as victims of sexual assault, guys are raped every day. Remember, 1 in 7 guys will be a victim of sexual violence in his lifetime.

If a guy is raped, does that mean that he’s homosexual or gay?

No. If anyone is a victim of rape, it is because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time 
and has nothing to do with their sexual orientation. Guys who are sexually assaulted by other 
guys often worry about becoming gay. Rape doesn’t change your sexual preferences.

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Alcohol or any other drug that is used recreationally are potential "date rape drugs" or "sedating substances." GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine are just some of the most commonly used rape 
drugs.  For effects of these drugs, see "Rape Drugs".

Drug-related rape involves the use of recreational drugs that may be dangerously combined with alcohol or other drugs to commit the crime of rape (i.e. via "spiking" a person's drink).

What should I do if I think I have been given a date rape drug?

Try not to urinate and get help immediately (call the police, seek medical attention, tell a parent or trusted friend).

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Consent is freely and voluntarily agreeing to do something.

Cooperation is a mutual agreement by both parties to engage in an act willingly.

Force is the aggressive use of power to make a person do something they do not want to do physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Repeated retelling of a person’s rape can emotionally painful. It may trigger emotions that a victim/survivor may not know how to deal with. It is important for a victim to know that immediate help is available by calling her/his local rape crisis center or by contacting RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE or on the internet at www.rainn.org.  For more definitions, see what is "Sexual Violence".

What can guys do?

• LISTEN. "Yes" means "yes." Everything else means "no!" If she says "no," that means  "no."

• BE RESPONSIBLE. A date who is drunk or passed out is not an invitation for sex. Take responsibility for your actions.

• ASK. Communicate with your date. Clearly ask, "Do you want to have sex with me?"

• HELP. If you see a girl in trouble, it’s cool to help her out.

• SUPPORT. If a friend tells you she has been raped, believe her and offer your support.

• CORRECT. If you hear rape jokes, let people know they aren’t cool. Rape is a serious 
  crime.

• EDUCATE. Learn about sexual violence issues and educate others.

• ADVOCATE. Be an advocate for your own rights and privileges against sexual violence. Support the cause in your community