Teen Violence

When it comes to rape statistics, the numbers are still startling high and that is just the number of rape or sexual assault incidents that are even reported. Rape statistics may not even be the most accurate because so many victims are hestitant to report the event.

According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), there is a sexual assault every two minutes throughout the United States. Over the course of a year, there are about 213,000 victims of sexual assault, according to RAINN rape statistics. However, these are just the numbers that are reported, which is why a total estimated amount of about 60 sexual assaults are not reported to the police. An even greater tragedy, about 15 of 16 rapists will never spend a day in jail to pay for their crime. One good number from the rape statistics is that rape has decreased by 60 percent since 1993. However, there are still too many reported and unreported rapes going on each day.

What is Rape?

Rape takes place when sex, or unwanted sexual intercourse, is forced upon an unwilling person. It is also sometimes called sexual assault because it can also take place without intercourse, but with other forced sex acts. This is a crime that can happen to both men and women of any age. Rape generally is a power or violent act rather than being associated with the actual act of sex. The idea behind rape is to take control over another person. This is why many rapists will tie up or drug the person so they cannot fight back. Rape is a crime regardless of the circumstances, who commits the act or why. The majority of victims of rape find that they need help in coping with the incident either by getting justice and persecuting the rapist and/or by getting additional emotional support and assistance through therapy and support groups. 

Rape Statistics:

When it comes to rape statistics, some of the numbers may seem surprising. While many may picture rape assailants being scary men hiding in a bush waiting to attack an unsuspecting woman, this is not the majority of rape cases. About two-thirds of sexual assaults are actually committed by someone who knew the victim. Taking that number even further, about 38 percent of all rapists are friends or an acquaintance of the victim. Also according to these rape statistics, about 44 percent of all sexual assault victims are under age 18, and 80 percent are under age 30. This is why girls, teens and young women need to know how to protect themselves against cases of rape, date rape, or sexual assault. 

How to Deal With Rape:

Once a woman, or man, for that matter has experienced the victimizing end of a rape, it can be a very physically and emotionally traumatic experience with scars that can last for years. This is why it is important to report the crime as soon as possible. Many victims worry about reporting the crime because of threats the rapist has made, but it is important for the victim to understand that once the authorities are aware of the dangerous nature of the rapist, they will do everything they can to protect those loved ones and friends. Many victims might also feel ashamed, embarrassed or at fault for what happened. This is not the case. Rape is no one's fault except for the person that committed the crime. This is why it is important to report the incident so the perpetrator does not harm anyone else. Following the incident, do not be afraid to seek counseling and other forms of emotional support. Talking to someone who understands will provide a strong basis to help you move on from the traumatic incident. 

How to Prevent Rape:

While there is only so much one can do to prevent being raped, there are ways to try and make yourself as safe as possible. First of all, stay away from mind-altering substances like alcohol and drugs because rape and sexual assault become more and more likely when the victim is intoxicated and unable to fight the rapist. Persons under the influence might also struggle with making decisions and might go off to a secluded spot with a dangerous person that could hurt them. Keeping self-defense tools and skills handy are also good to have if done legally to protect yourself. 

According to recent rape statistics, the numbers are going down, but millions of rape victims are emerging each year. This is why it is important to reduce the risk of rape and to be knowledgeable about how to protect yourself. 

Sources: rainn.org, kidshealth.org