Facts: Sex and Violence

Unfortunately, date rape and violence do happen in relationships. As a teenager, there are some important facts you need to know that could possibly save you from being in one of these situations. Here are some definitions that will help you to understand the difference between different acts of violence.

Rape: Any time a person is forced to have sex through verbal or physical coercion or force and their protests or objections are ignored. (Second Step)

Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is any genital, oral or anal penetration by a part of the accused’s body or by an object, using force or without a victim’s consent.

Date Rape: Sexual assault by an individual wit whom the victim has a “dating” relationship and the sexual assault takes place in the context of this relationship. (National Victim Center)

Acquaintance Rape: A sexual assault by an individual known to the victim. (National Victim Center)

Below are some facts about date rape and violence.

In 2001, there were 249,000 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.

Approximately 66% knew their rapist. In these cases 16% were raped by their husband or boyfriend, 48% by acquaintances, or friends and 2% by their relatives.  (NCVS, 2000 National Crime Victimization Surveys)

* If a woman is forced to have sex by her boyfriend or husband, it is still rape. Having the title of being someone’s husband or boyfriend does not give a person the right to force a person into having sex.

* At least 45% of rapists were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed the crime. (Violence Against Women. Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department of Justice, 1994. available:  Rape Ause and Incest National Network)

* Teen girls between the ages of 16 and 19 are 4 times more likely than people of any other age to be victims of rape, or to attempt rape or sexual assault.
(National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department of Justice, 2000. available:  Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.)

44% of rape victims were under the age of 18.
(Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. department of Justice, 1997.)

If you or a person you know has been raped, been involved in a rape or has been abused call the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE. The RAINN Hotline offers free and confidential help that is available 24 hours a day. You can also visit their Web site at Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.