Rape and Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Information
Rape and sexual assault affect everyone. 1 out 4 women and 1
out of 6 men will be assaulted in her or his lifetime. This page
is intended to provide information and resources if you have
questions about rape and sexual assault.
If you have been affected by sexual assault, Rape Response Services
offers a 24 hour, 7 day/week, toll free hotline to offer support,
listen and provide information. Rape Response Services can be
reached at 1-800-310-0000, or locally at 989-5678. Rape Response
Services is also able to provide advocates to accompany you to
the hospital, police or court if requested. Rape Response Services
is located in Bangor, Maine, with outreach offices in East Millinocket
and Dover-Foxcroft.
For information about rape and sexual assault, please click
on to http://www.raperesponseservices.com
Other sites which may be helpful are:
RAINN: Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: http://www.rainn.org/
Voices Against Violence Project at the University of Texas:
http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~vav/
The Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program
at UNH: http://www.unh.edu/student-life/sharpp/
What is a victim/survivor?
Anyone who has been sexually assaulted is a victim. However,
victims are also survivors in that they have survived a traumatic
event. Some people consider themselves to be victims of a crime
rather than a survivor, and others prefer to be referred to as
survivors. In the legal system, a victim/survivor is referred
to as a victim.
Where does sexual assault occur?
Sexual assault can happen anywhere. Most often, the assailant
is known to the victim/survivor. Sexual assaults frequently occur
in the home of the assailant or the victim/survivor. Rape is
not just perpetuated by men attacking women. Men can rape men
and women, and women can rape women and men.
What is victim blaming?
Victim blaming is holding the victim responsible for what has
happened to her/him. One way in which victim blaming is perpetuated
is through rape myths. Rape myths allow us to blame the victim
and are often common false beliefs. Some examples of victim blaming
and rape myths are:
- She got what she deserved after dressing like
that and acting like that at the bar.
- I paid for dinner so she owes it to me.
- Men can't be raped by women. What guy would
not want sex?
- Rape only happens when you're by yourself at
night and you're attacked by a stranger.
Some facts...
- No one ever asks to be raped and no one ever
deserves to be assaulted-regardless of what she was wearing,
how much he was drinking, how she was dancing.
- It is ok to stop any sexual activity which
you don't want. You don't "owe" anyone sex if you've
been treated to dinner or taken out.
- Over 80% of victims know their attackers. This
is commonly referred to as acquaintance rape.
How can I get involved?
Rape Response Services offers a twice a year volunteer training
program, in the spring and fall. Support groups that offer education
and information for people who have experienced sexual violence
are provided throughout the year. Feel free to contact Rape Response
Services for more information. 989-5678/1-800-310-0000.
The Safe Campus Project has opportunities in which you can become
involved in promoting awareness of violence against women. Please
feel free to contact Carey Nason, Project Coordinator at 581-2515.
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