RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT: OVERCOMING A PERSONAL CRISIS

What is Rape?

• Rape is a violent act
  
  
• Rape is the sexual violation of a woman, man or child
  
  
• Rape is committed against a victim's will
  
  
• Rape may involve vaginal, anal or oral penetration
  
  
• A stranger, friend, acquaintance, date or spouse may commit rape
  
  
• Rape is committed in order to control and humiliate another person; it is not committed for sexual satisfaction

If You Are Raped:

• It is NOT your fault that this happened.
  
  
• Call the Victim Assistance Hotline and a trusted friend.
  
  
• Victim Assistance strongly recommends that you notify the police in order to protect yourself and qualify for victim compensation. This is, however, your decision.
  
  
• Seek immediate medical attention from a hospital emergency room. The municipal government covers the cost of the medical exam. Do not shower or change clothes. Bring a change of clothing to the hospital.
  
  
• If possible, bring a trusted friend to the hospital for emotional support. A Victim Assistance staff person is available to go with you and can be reached on the Hotline.
  
  
• The hospital will notify the legal authorities of all rape reports.
  
  
• The hospital emergency room examination includes pregnancy prevention, evidence collection, treatment of physical injuries and sexually transmitted diseases.
  
  
• A follow-up appointment with your personal physician is strongly recommend.

When Reporting to the Police:

• Victim Assistance can help inform you of what to expect when reporting a rape and will help you all through the process
  
  
• Report the rape immediately for greater chances of apprehension and convictions
  
  
• Provide police officers with as many facts and details as you can recall
  
  
• You may be asked to look at mug shots to try and identify the attacker
  
  
• The police need all the help you can give in order to catch a rapist. They will need to ask you many questions and may repeat questions. Your help will assist them in obtaining justice for you and prevention of future violence to others.
  
  
• You are not responsible for the costs of prosecuting a rapist. You are not required to hire an attorney to press criminal charges.

COMMON REACTIONS AND FEELINGS OF RAPE VICTIMS

Rape victims overcome the crisis by moving through three stages on the map of recovery:

1. The shock stage, which usually leaves the person overwhelmed and drained of feelings.
   
   
2. The recoil stage where some or most of the feelings suddenly flood back.
   
   
3. The final stage of recovery - integration - that involves putting things back in some new order.

SPECIAL RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

Sexual assault and rape are violent crimes that often leave victims feeling alone and frightened. Sexually violent crimes are difficult, in part, because victims must discuss very intimate details of the crime. Knowing what may happen ahead of time can often reduce anxiety and help you get through the process more comfortably.

If medical personnel conduct an exam for the purpose of gathering evidence, the city or county whose police department has jurisdiction to investigate the crime must pay for the exam. You or your insurance company will be responsible for any additional medical treatment.

You may be eligible for compensation for expenses not covered by insurance or other source through Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THERE MANDATORY TESTING OF THE OFFENDER FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES?
Yes. Upon the request of the prosecutor or victim, the law enforcement agency or court with authority will require the alleged offender to be examined for sexually transmitted diseases.

WILL I FIND OUT IF THE OFFENDER HAS ANY SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES?
Yes. The law enforcement agency will notify you if the alleged offender has any sexually transmitted diseases. The results of an examination of the alleged offender for the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) will be given to the court and the court will notify you that the results are available if you ask to see them. If the offender is a child, a probation officer will notify you of any detected sexually transmitted diseases.

HOW CAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE HELP?
With your permission:

• The police department will automatically put a Victim Assistance Staff person in contact with you. Help is confidential and free.
  
  
• Provide you with information on how to press charges.
  
  
• Accompany you to the hospital, police station or court.
  
  
• Provide you with counseling and emotional support.
  
  
• Help you enlist assistance from various community resources.
  
  
• Help you complete and file necessary forms for coverage of medical expenses and Victim Compensation.
  
  
• Help you relate this experience to family and friends who may also experience similar reactions because they care for you.

For Your Protection under Ohio law, if an offender is found to be guilty of a sexually oriented offense, and if the offender has been determined to be a habitual sex offender, or a sexually violent predator by a court, the offender upon release from incarceration must register with the Attorney General's Office. After the released offender has registered, the office will notify the county sheriff that the offender is residing in that county. Upon the request of the victim to the Attorney General's Office, the sheriff of the county where the offender is located will notify the victim of the name and address of the offender within 72 hours of the offender's registration. In addition, the victim will be notified of any other relocations or known additional addresses of the offender. If the victim of a sexually violent predator or habitual sex offender desires to discontinue the notification, the victim must provide the sheriff with a written request.

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