Rape, in a nutshell, is any form of sexual intercourse without consent. It doesn’t have to involve penetration. As long as you say no, it’s rape. Even if you’re in a position where you can’t say no (like being unconscious, for example, or blackmailed), it’s rape.
Rape is sex against your will.
Rape comes in many forms:
It could be vaginal rape. It could be anal rape. It could even be oral rape.
In the end, it is still rape.
Here’s a tip:
It’s still rape even if you first say “yes”, but then say “no”. Anything that happens after you’ve withdrawn consent is rape[1].
It is a sexual assault.
Rape and sexual assault take a devastating toll on a woman.
At its core, rape is very much less about sex, and more about power over the victim. This violation of the human body is often so deep, it leaves physical, mental, psychological and in rare cases, biological scars.
Here are some of the effects rape has on a woman[2]:
Physically:
Psychologically:
Not all victims experience these effects. Some may seem to be cool and calm, unaffected by the rape.
Rape can fall into various categories:
What is Date Rape?
Date rape is rape by someone you’ve just met or known, though it may also apply to situations where you’re out on a date with someone.
It is sexual intercourse without consent. As long as there is no consent (being unable to say no is not considered as consent) then it is rape.
How can I avoid Date Rape?[3]
What is Drug Rape?
Drug rape is usually committed by the rapist putting a tablet or pill into her drink without her knowledge. There are various types of drugs used.
Currently the most common is Rohypnol (also known as “roofies”)[4] – which works by sedating the victim.
Rohypnol is a very potent tranquiliser similar in nature to Valium, but many times stronger. The drug produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and a slowing of psychomotor responses; making the survivor dizzy, unusually drowsy, having problems with coordination and appearing drunk.
This occurs about 20-30 minutes after you have taken the drug and lasts for several hours.
The effects of the drug only stays in the body system for a short period of time, so if you suspect that you have been a victim to drug rape, go to the hospital or police station as soon as possible and ask to be tested.
Because drugs such as Rohypnol affect memory, sometimes survivors have difficulty recollecting what happened or who the perpetrator(s) was.
The drug leaves the body system very fast. If you think you have been raped, make a police report, go to the hospital or call a women’s helpline.
What is Marital Rape?
Marital rape may happen within a marriage. It is forcing a spouse/partner to engage in sexual activities against their will.
What should I know about Marital Rape?[5]
What is War Rape?
War rape is essentially rape and sexual assault committed during war or armed conflicts.
Victims can be male or female, but like rape outside of war, the end result is to show dominance over other human beings.
War rapes can be committed by the invading army, gangs, anyone during wars and armed conflicts against others.
Why is rape used as a weapon of war?
The basic aim of rape is to subjugate and dominate its victim.
In this case, war rapes are used:
War rape is still happening on the battlefields today. Some places with ongoing war rapes still happening to this day include the Rwandan Genocide, the Serbian-Bosnia conflict, Congo and the Darfur region in Sudan.
Consequences of Rape as a war crime
Rape as a war crime has a devastating effect not just on a woman personally, but on the country as a whole. It is often used as a tool of genocide, subjecting the women to pregnancy in an effort to “destroy” the other group completely[8].
Women who have been raped in war suffer far more extensive injuries than normal rape. They may suffer from[9]:
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a start. If you think you’ve been raped or know someone who has been raped, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. For a list of resources, go here.
Find someone close to you now according to your country.
For a basic guide to taking action and helping the victim in your capacity as a family member, friend or acquaintance, check out our Getting Help section.
Basic information courtesy of Women’s Aid Organisation, Malaysia.
