There are rape laws both at the national and state level to protect the victims of rape. Rape refers to the act of sexual intercourse without consent. While the term "rape" is often used casually, in the law, the term "sexual abuse" is defined as it includes more types of sexual interaction than just intercourse. Sexual acts and contacts defined as part of sexual abuse include:¹

• Any contact between any of the mouth, vulva, anus, and penis
• Penetration of the genitals with any body part or objects
• Intentional touching of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh or buttocks directly or through clothing

Several laws pertain to rape, federally, including:

• Aggravated sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse of a ward or minor
• Sexual abuse resulting in death

Rape Law – Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Aggravated sexual abuse, or aggravated rape, is the most violent type of rape. Aggravated sexual abuse (including rape) includes:

• Forcing another to engage in a sexual act through force against that person or threat that the person or others will be subjected to death, serious bodily injury or kidnapping; or attempts to do so
• Forcing a sex act by rendering the victim unconscious or by drugging the victim
• Engaging in a sexual act with a child who is under the age of 12

Those convicted of aggravated sexual abuse (aggravated rape) can be fined, imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both.

Rape Laws Included Under Sexual Abuse

Laws against rape also exist in standard federal sexual abuse law. Sexual abuse (including rape) includes:

• Forcing another to engage in a sex act by threatening or placing that person in fear
• Engaging in a sex act with another person who either cannot give consent or physically is unable to decline participation

Those convicted of sexual abuse (rape) can be fined, imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both

Sexual Abuse of a Ward or Minor

This section of sexual abuse law includes acts of rape but also other sex acts as the age and position of the victim are the defining factors rather than the specific acts of the assault. Sexual abuse of a ward or minor includes:

• Engaging in a sex act with someone over the age of 11 but under the age of 16 wherein the perpetrator is at least four years older than the victim
• Engaging in a sex act with another person who is in official detention under the custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority of the perpetrator

Sexual abuse of a minor is punishable by a fine and not more than 15 years in jail whereas sexual abuse of a ward is punishable by a fine and a jail term of not more than one year.

Sexual Abuse Resulting in Death

This law pertains to any sexual assault defined elsewhere wherein the sexual assault results in death. Sexual abuse resulting in death (rape resulting in death) is punishable by death, imprisonment of any number of years or life in prison.

State Rape Laws

Laws against rape can also be specified at the state level.

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There are several types of rape. Rape is a violent crime involving sexual acts forced on one person by another. Rape is technically defined as forced penetration (with any body part or object) including anal, vaginal or oral intercourse. Rape is illegal and while the term "rape" specifies penetration, other sexual acts not involving penetration, when forced on someone, are also illegal.

The forms of rape may be specified based on who is committing the rape, who the rape victim is and the specific actions involved in the rape. Some types of rape are considered much more severe than others. For example, any type of rape resulting in someone's death is punishable by death in the United States.

Diminished Capacity Rape

The type of rape known as diminished capacity rape is committed when one person forces sexual penetration on another person who cannot consent to the sex act. People with diminished capacity can't consent to sexual acts due to limited physical or intellectual ability. An example would be a person with an intellectual disability.

Diminished capacity rape also takes place when a person has no ability to consent to sexual acts due to intoxication.¹

Age-Related Rape

Another form of rape is age-related. This type of rape is often known as statutory rape as specified both in federal and state law. In this case, sexual actions with a person below a minimum age is considered illegal in all cases. Often this age is 12. There is often another age, known as the age of consent. Sexual acts with a person above the minimum age but below the age of consent may be considered rape depending on the perpetrator. Specific ages are specified by state.

Incest

Incest is a type of rape dictated by the relationship between the two parties. When the two parties involved in the sex act are closely related (in other words, they are family), it is often rape. Examples of incest include:²

• Parents and children
• Uncles and nieces or nephews
• Aunts and nieces or nephews

Laws vary by state as to specifically what constitutes incest.

• Family members account for 7% of rapists

Partner Rape

Partner rape, also known as spousal rape or marital rape, is a type of rape involving a person's partner or previous partner (no matter whether the partners are married). There are three types of partner rape:

• Battering rape – involving both physical and sexual violence
• Force-only rape – involving the imposition of power and control over another
• Obsessive/Sadistic rape – involving torture and perverse sexual acts

Acquaintance Rape

This type of rape happens between two people that know each other. Often acquaintance rape is known as "date rape" as the two people involved may be in a social relationship at the time. Some victims don't recognize acquaintance rape as rape but it's important to remember that consent for sexual activity can be revoked at any time and a prior relationship does not mean that rape cannot occur.

• Two-out-of-three sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows

Aggravated Rape

Aggravated rape is a type of rape defined in the law. Aggravated rape involves:

• Forced sex acts by the threat of death or serious bodily injury
• Forced sex acts involving an unconscious or drugged victim
• Sex acts with children under the age of 12

Other Types of Rape

Rape can occur in many other ways as well, including by strangers or in conjunction with a hate crime. However, it's critical to remember that whatever form of rape occurs, it is always the fault of the rapist and never the fault of the victim.

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Marital rape, also known as spousal rape or partner rape, is a type of rape that happens between two people who are married or in another type of intimate relationship. This type of rape is defined by the Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network as:

". . . sexual acts committed without a person's consent and/or against a person's will when the perpetrator is the individual's current partner (married or not), previous partner, or co-habitator."

Some marital rape victims don't realize they have been raped as they are under the mistaken impression that partners cannot rape each other. This is false, however, and sexual acts without consent – even among intimate partners – still constitute rape.

• Intimate partners account for 28% of rapists

Types of Marital Rape

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, there are three types of marital rape:¹

• Battering rape – battering rape occurs when physical and sexual violence occur together. Victims may experience the physical and sexual violence at the same time or one may occur after another. The rape may occur after physical violence as an attempt to "make up."
• Force-only rape – this type of rape happens when physical violence is not present. As with all rape, this type of spousal rape is spurred by a desire to exert power and control over another person. This desire manifests in acting as if sex is an entitlement to one party from another.
• Obsessive/Sadistic rape – obsessive or sadistic rape is rape that involves torture or perverse sexual acts. This type of marital rape tends to be very violent and result in physical injuries.

Emotional and Physical Reactions to Spousal Rape

Research shows that spousal rape victims are more likely to be raped multiple times. This, unfortunately, means that victims of marital rape may suffer the most long-term effects psychologically and sometimes physically. Spousal rape can also be difficult to prosecute and this puts additional stress on victims.

The physical effects of spousal rape are the same effects suffered by any rape victim including:

• Injuries to the vaginal and anal areas
• Scrapes, cuts
• Bruises and soreness
• Torn muscles
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Broken bones
• Injuries caused by weapons
• Miscarriages or stillbirths
• Contraction of sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV

Emotional reactions to marital rape can be very dramatic and severe as the sense of betrayal is profound after being raped by an intimate partner. Emotional reactions to spousal rape include:

• Shock, anxiety and intense fear
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Acute and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• A fundamental loss of trust

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Understanding what to do if you are raped is something no one wants to know. However, the steps in reporting rape are important to know in case that worst case scenario ever happens to you.

Knowing what to do if you are raped is critical in order to ensure your safety, preserve evidence and increase the likelihood that the rapist is successfully prosecuted. Even though the evidence might be the last thing on your mind directly after a rape, it is something you will likely think about for a long time to come; so taking steps now can help you out in the long run.

Ensuring Your Safety After a Rape

The most important thing to do after rape is to ensure your own safety and get medical attention. The first obvious step is to find a safe environment away from the attacker. This could be your home, car or a hospital. Wherever you choose to go, consider calling a friend to come with you to offer moral support. What has just happened to you is not your fault and you do not need to go through it alone.¹

• Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE can provide you with information on what to do if you have been raped. It is free and available 24 hours a day.

Do not brush your teeth, bathe or change clothes until medical professionals have had a chance to properly collect evidence.

Medical Attention After a Rape

Once you are safe, ensure you get medical attention – whether you feel you have been hurt or not. Call the police or 911. Medical attention will ensure that you are physically okay and can assess the risk for things like sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Even if you never intend to report the rape, it's critical to get medical help for your own safety.

Tell the hospital that you have been raped so that they can conduct a rape kit. This ensures that forensic evidence can be properly preserved. If you feel that you may have been drugged, make sure to give a urine sample so that a lab can analyze it for further evidence.

Reporting a Rape

Once your safety is assured and you receive medical attention, writing down the details of the rape is important. It's critical to get as much information down as possible while the memory is fresh.

• Write down everything that happened
• Write down everything you remember about the attacker

While this can seem like the last thing you want to do, this can be crucial evidence in prosecuting your rapist; and bringing your attacker to justice may be one of the key steps in your rape recovery efforts. If you aren't sure what to do, it's still best to report now and decide later. Most rape crisis centers have professionals who can help you through the rape reporting process.

It is never too late to report a rape although some prosecutions are barred after a certain number of years, depending on the state. Ideally, a report will be made right after it happens and while medical attention is being given, but days or even months later a rape can still legally be reported and prosecuted.

Remember:

• Attempted rape is still a crime and should be reported
• You do not need to be physically injured for it to be rape – most rapes don't result in physical injuries
• It is still rape even if you know the attacker
• The police take rape very seriously and want to help you
• The rape is not your fault. No matter the circumstance, you did nothing wrong.

One final note, many states have victim compensation programs which provide victims money for rape therapy. However, most states require rape victims to report the crime to police in order to qualify for the funds.

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Rape recovery is possible. Recovery from rape takes time and effort but you can not only survive the rape but continue to thrive afterward.

If you've been unfortunate enough to experience rape, you are not alone, and you should know that rape is not the end of your wellness, your sex life or any other part of you.

First Step in Recovery From Rape

It's important that the first step in your rape recovery plan be medical treatment. This treatment can screen for sexually transmitted diseases or infections as well as assess the risk for pregnancy and treat any physical injuries. It's important to get medical care as soon as possible to avoid larger problems in the future. Medical treatment providers can also typically refer you to other providers who can help you to recover from rape.

Rape Recovery Treatment

Rape recovery can involve many things and part of this may be formal treatment. Not all people who have been raped feel the need for professional help, but this help can often aid and speed the recovery from rape. Formal treatment is particularly important if you find effects of the rape distressing. These effects might include:¹

• Flashbacks of the rape
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Feeling guilty or responsible
• Feeling out of control
• Unexplained fear or anxiety
• Feeling depressed or hopeless
• Changes in your attitudes towards men
• Fear of your partner
• Changes in your sexual responses (e.g., lack of desire, lack of orgasm, painful intercourse, etc.)
• Wanting to talk to someone about the rape and/or your feelings

Rape recovery treatment typically involves rape therapy. This therapy is delivered one-on-one or in a group. You may also wish to go to couple's counseling so that you and your partner can work through the rape's effects on your relationship.

Local rape crisis centers often provide counseling or can connect you with a provider. Call 1-800-656-HOPE or go to http://centers.rainn.org/ to find a center near you.

Coping with Being Raped

A large part of coping with being raped is learning to again care for yourself after the traumatic event. Rape survivors often feel dirty or guilty, and while rape survivors should never feel these things, these feelings are real and can prevent someone from taking good care of themselves. Good self-care can be an important part of rape recovery.

Physical self-care means caring for your physical needs and is something many people may forget. Physical self-care includes:²

• Diet – while everyone forgets to eat healthily sometimes, it's important when healing from trauma to take the time to ensure proper nutrition. If your body feels good, it's more likely that your mind will too.
• Exercise – exercise can help combat the feelings of stress, fatigue, and depression. Even a midday walk can help you mentally and physically.
• Sleep – many people are chronically sleep deprived and this can contribute to ill feelings. Most adults need 7-10 hours of sleep to function properly.

Getting over being raped also means caring for yourself emotionally. Emotional self-care includes:

• Counseling – seeing a therapist, counselor or psychologist can be a big part of rape recovery
• Journaling – some people find journaling, writing down their thoughts and feelings, helpful
• Meditation or relaxation exercises

Also, keep in mind that self-care for rape recovery also involves choosing the right people with which to surround yourself. Choose people who are supportive and don't only call when they want something. Make spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself a priority.

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While many rape victims heal from rape without the aid of therapy, it is also common to receive professional rape therapy. In fact, many therapies have been studied in rape treatment for decades. Therapy for rape victims can include one-on-one therapy, group therapy and even, in some cases, pharmacotherapy (medication) used alongside other therapies.

The type of rape therapy used depends a lot on the individual and their circumstance but common rape therapies include:¹

• Stress inoculation therapy
• Prolonged exposure therapy
• Cognitive processing therapy
• Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR)
• Supportive counseling

Stress inoculation therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy are all considered cognitive behavioral therapies.

Many treatments for rape victims focus on treating the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as that is what women typically suffer from if trauma from sexual assault is experienced long-term.

Types of Rape Therapy for Treatment of Rape

Stress Inoculation Rape Therapy

Stress inoculation rape therapy was developed to treat those with elevated fear and anxiety as well as specific avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding walking in the dark). Stress inoculation rape therapy includes three phases:²

• Education – explains that fear is a normal response to trauma. Also teaches about cues that may trigger fear (such as places that remind the victim of the rape).
• Skill building – rape victims are taught to control their fear reactions physically and psychologically. This includes cognitive behavioral techniques like thought stopping, mental rehearsal and guided self-talk.
• Application – victims now use their new skills to engage in fearful behavior. They are also taught to avoid self-criticism and manage avoidance behavior as well as reward themselves for their progress.

Stress inoculation therapy has been shown to be successful in treating the symptoms of PTSD in rape victims.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure rape therapy is also known as flooding and is a way of desensitizing a person to the trauma of rape through repeated exposures to memories of the traumatic event. In prolonged exposure therapy, victims are asked to repeatedly recount their rape as well as confront situations in real life that remind them of the rape. Victims also listen to tape-recorded sessions telling of the rape to increase exposure.

Prolonged exposure rape therapy has been found to treat PTSD as well as feelings of depression and guilt associated with the trauma.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing rape therapy is designed to help people suffering from PTSD and depression. In this rape treatment, education, exposure, and cognitive techniques are used. Victims are encouraged to identify parts of the trauma with "inadequately processed emotions" associated with them, known as "stuck points."

Cognitive processing rape therapy has been shown to effectively treat PTSD, depression, and guilt as well as other feelings associated with the rape.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization reprocessing is a therapy specifically designed to address trauma survivors. EMDR involves exposure therapy alongside cognitive techniques. During an EMDR session, a rape victim recounts the sexual assault scene while focused on the movement of a physical object like the therapist's finger. The external attention required is theorized to allow the reprocessing of the event.

EMDR is a somewhat controversial treatment in that some feel the eye movement is unnecessary but in small studies, it appears that EMDR can be used to treat PTSD and depression in assault victims.

Supportive Counseling Rape Therapy

Supportive counseling rape therapy is used in many rape crisis intervention centers. The therapist provides unconditional positive regard, active listening, and general support. While this type of therapy may be appropriate immediately after a trauma, in comparison studies, cognitive behavioral therapies are generally more effective.

Paying for Rape Therapy

It is worth noting that many states have victim's compensation programs that may allow for payment of the therapy for rape victims. Generally, this requires reporting the rape to the police and then applying to the program. Your local police will have more information on this program.

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There are many kinds of help for rape victims. If you have been raped and are reaching out for rape victim support, you should know that you are not alone and that resources exist to help rape victims. There is online rape victims support available as well as telephone support and, of course, in person support.

If you have just been through rape, it's important that you get medical help for rape victims. Even if you don't think you're physically hurt, medical help is still critical to assess risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Medical personnel can also guide you to local rape survivors support.

If you don't know where to start, a good place is the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call them at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Online Rape Support

There are many types of online rape support available. This rape victim's support ranges from stories from other rape victims, educational material and support groups for rape victims. Online rape support has the advantage of being accessible from anywhere, at any time, and does not require the face-to-face interaction that may cause anxiety for some. Rape support online may be the first step in accepting what has happened and in getting in-person support.

• An online rape support hotline is available through the Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network

The online rape support hotline will put you in touch with a trained volunteer to talk to via instant messenger. The online rape support hotline can provide:

• Crisis intervention and support
• Answers to your questions about recovering from sexual assault
• Information about medical issues
• Explanations of the criminal justice system, and what to expect when you report the crime to the police
• Referrals to resources in your area
• Information for family and friends of victims

More sources of online rape support include:

• After Silence – provides education, an online support group, message board, and chat room
• Daily Strength – a rape support group

Finding In Person Rape Victim Support

Often the best way of finding help as a rape victim is through your local rape crisis center. These centers provide free services and are dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence. Rape crisis centers often provide:

• Counseling and support groups (more info on Rape Therapy)
• Crisis intervention
• Legal information and advocacy
• Medical information, services, and advocacy
• Educational materials and courses
• Community outreach services

To find your local rape crisis center, call your local police department or hospital emergency room, the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

The National Center for Victims of Crime may also be of help. Contact this rape victim support at 1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255) or through their website.

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It's incredibly painful to watch a person you love go through a trauma like rape and you might not know how to support a rape victim. Supporting a rape victim can be challenging but it is worth it to know that you are helping someone who has gone through something so unthinkable. Both men and women can be victims of rape and both men and women can support the victim. Gender is not relevant here but support is. (The gender "she" is used in this article for the victim, however, this is not always the case.)

How to Support a Rape Victim

There are many things you can do to support a rape victim. It starts with how you approach the victim. It's important not to judge the rape victim and to listen to her and let her know that you are there for support. And keep in mind that it takes time for a rape victim to heal. Part of supporting a rape victim is not trying to rush them and understanding that they will heal in their own time.

According to the Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, there are other things you can do to support a rape victim:¹

• Help empower your loved one by respecting their choices and not pressuring them to do things for which they aren't ready
• If the rape victim is considering suicide, get them help immediately and check in with them frequently
• Encourage the rape victim to report the crime but understand it is ultimately her decision
• Encourage the rape victim to get professional help when needed
• Support the rape victim by going with her to medical or legal appointments (see Rape Law: What Are the Laws Against Rape?)

And remember that while supporting a rape victim, it's also important to care for yourself too. If you're not well, you can't hope to help anyone else. You may also need professional rape support for yourself.

• Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE for information on professional help for the rape victim and those around her.

Dating a Rape Victim

While dating a rape victim can seem daunting, it's worth remembering that in the United States someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes. If you haven't dated a rape victim yet, you likely will.

Dating a rape victim can bring about many feelings in you as well as your partner. You may feel angry about the rape, overly protective of the victim and vengeance towards the rapist. These feelings are normal and should be discussed with your partner or with a professional.

It's important to understand that while you may feel that your support isn't enough, indeed your support of the rape victim is appreciated even if she can't always express it.

Also keep in mind, when dating a rape victim:²

• The victim may lose interest in sex or in certain sexual activities for a while. This is normal and not a rejection of you.
• Your partner may need to suddenly stop in the middle of sexual contact due to unexpected feelings of fear or anxiety. Respect that decision and cease contact immediately. Again, this is not a reflection on you, only on the rape.
• You may also lose interest in sex for a while due to the rape. You may have thoughts that the victim is "dirty" or "contaminated." This is normal and should be discussed with a professional.

In short, a rape can affect both you and your partner significantly, but it is possible to get through those feelings with open lines of communication and possibly with the help of a professional.

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Rape victim stories can be very difficult to read, frightening and emotionally draining for some but stories of rape show other victims that they are not alone in their struggles. Rape stories detail the many abuses that some people suffer and yet survive and go on to succeed in recovering and regaining control of their lives. Rape victim stories can help others to realize that there are other survivors that have been through exactly what they have and come out the other side a whole person.

The following rape stories contain scenes of abuse, sexual assault, incest and violence. The people in these rape victim stories have been badly wounded by these events and yet have the courage to stand up and say what has happened to them. Each of these rape stories speaks to the courage of the person who has shared it.

Rape Stories from Real People

• Sexual Assault, Rape Survivor Stories
• After Life of Sexual Abuse, Going to Police Turns into Nightmare
• Incest Paves the Way for Adult Rape
• A Wife Escapes Her Rapist, Abusive Husband
• Incest Survivor Considers Herself a 'Second Time Virgin'
• Stranger Rape Survivor Tells Others to 'Think Straight'
• Rape Victims Wishes She Had Gone to the Police
• Younger Rapist Terrifies Older Victim Into Silence
• Abusers Induce Multiple Miscarriages After Victim Gets Pregnant
• Incest, Rape Survivor Proclaims She Will Heal From Abuse
• Multiple Rape Survivor Knows She's Strong and Proud
• Young Girl Raped by 'Friend' and Called a Whore
• Rape Survivor Wakes Up and Realizes It Isn't Her Fault
• Survivor Takes Three Years to Tell Date Rape Story
• Rape Survivor Knows It Isn't Her Fault

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The effects of rape can include both the initial physical trauma as well as deep psychological trauma. Although rape victims commonly report injuries and issues with their reproductive health after the sexual assault, rape doesn't always involve physical force. The most common and lasting effects of rape involve mental health concerns and diminished social confidence.

Physical Effects of Rape

Physical effects of rape can arise from both forced sexual assault and those not involving forcible submission, such as drug-assisted date rape. Forced sexual assault frequently causes visible bruising or bleeding in and around the vaginal or anal area and bruises on other parts of the body from coercive violence. But both forced and other types of rape can have many other physical consequences:

• Painful intercourse (with significant other)
• Urinary infections
• Uterine fibroids – non-cancerous tumors in muscle wall
• Pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – HIV, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and others

Psychological Effects of Rape

Victims experience both short and long-term psychological effects of rape. One of the most common psychological consequences of rape is self-blame. Victims use self-blame as an avoidance-based coping tool. Self-blame slows or, in many cases, stops the healing process. Other common emotional and psychological effects of rape include:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – feelings of severe anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Flashbacks – memories of rape as if it is taking place again
• Borderline personality disorder
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Dissociative identity disorder
• Guilt
• Distrust of others – uneasy in everyday social situations
• Anger
• Feelings of personal powerlessness – victims feel the rapist robbed them of control over their bodies

Aftermath of Rape

The aftermath of rape involves a cluster of acute and chronic physical and psychological effects. It's important that victims receive comprehensive care that addresses both the short and long-term effects of rape as they become apparent. Frequently a victim's intimate relationship, if present prior to the assault, disintegrates within one year after the rape. This only adds to the psychological impact of the rape on the victim. Victims of extremely violent rape, or those who were assaulted repeatedly or at a very young age, may need treatment for the rest of their lives. (more information about: Treatment for Rape Victims)

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