[Markme]

In some cases of sexual assault, the predator is a man the woman is dating. This is commonly called Date Rape or Acquaintance Rape. These are the most common type of rape committed. Most people think of rape as a random attack, happening in a dark corner at night or in an empty parking lots. Although this is a tragic reality for some women, the majority of rapes occur when there is some degree of trust.....yet less then 5% of date rape are ever reported. One of the reasons might be the fact that blaming the victim seems to be a prevalent reaction to date rape...."If she agreed to go to his house...she asked for it".

Self-blame and shame are also recurring feelings that prevent many women from reporting the rape.
When a woman knows her assailant, her feelings of self-blame, isolation, and distress may be particularly increased as she is often reluctant to discuss her feelings for fear that she may not be believed. Long-term consequences of date rape often include fear of intimacy, difficulty establishing trusting relationships, and anger. These reactions can last from months to years after the assault.

What To Do If You Experience Acquaintance Rape:

• <LI type=circle>Tell someone. Go to a friend's or any place where you can get emotional support, or call a rape hotline.
  
• Go to a doctor or hospital for treatment of injuries and for tests that could be important evidence. Do not bathe, shower or change clothes before you go.
  
• It's YOUR decision about to report the rape.
  
• Seek counseling, either at the Counseling Center, Rape Crisis Center, or with a private therapist.

How to Help Prevent Acquaintance Rape:

• Meet at a public place until you know someone well. Do not leave a bar, party, concert or game with someone you just met.
  
• Do not drink to excess or get high.
  
• Assume control of the date and take care of yourself. Carry enough money to get home on your own.

• Think about your own sexual limits, decide how far you want to go before you go out on a date. Be aware of the stereotypes that prevent you from acting the way you want to.
  
• Recognize when someone intrudes on your limits, and communicate clearly that intrusion is not acceptable.
  Act immediately if someone ignores the limits you have clearly expressed. It is most desirable to try to get away. If that is not feasible, try to attract attention by yelling "police, fire or help." In general, attempting to reason with the attacker has not been as effective as other strategies. Going along with the attack, in some cases, may be a survival strategy.
  
• Within your relationships, discuss your sexual attitudes and needs.

What to do if Someone You Know Experiences Acquaintance Rape:

• BELIEVE them. If you find it difficult to believe a claim of acquaintance rape, it might be useful to examine your own attitudes about rape.
  
• LISTEN. Let the victim express her feelings. Don't be critical or judgmental.
  Let her know how much support you are able to give, and DO NOT promise more than you can give.
  
• DO NOT assume the she can get over the experience quickly. Rape takes a long time to work through, and different responses may continue to come up for months.
  
• Encourage her to get counseling.