Questions and Answers

1. What should I do if I'm sexually assaulted?
   
   • Go to a safe place. Call the Rape Crisis Center's 24-Hour Hotline at 1-877-906-7273 for information on what you can do. Call 9-1-1 if you need immediate medical attention.
   • Try not to eat, drink or bathe while you decide whether or not to report. You have up to 96 hours to collect forensic evidence which can be used for future prosecution if you choose to talk with law enforcement.
   • If the assault just happened, try not to use the bathroom, especially if you suspect you have been drugged.
   • If you must change your clothes, put the clothes you were wearing during the assault (including underwear) in a paper bag. If bedding was involved in the assault, do not wash it. If a condom was used, do not throw it away.
   • Go to the emergency department within 96 hours of the assault if you decide to have a medical exam. The Rape Crisis Center partners with St. Thomas Hospital in Akron. They have a specialized sexual assault unit called DOVE (Developing Options For Violent Emergencies) that serves Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties; however, all hospitals in Summit County can do medical exams and rape kits. Having a rape kit done does not mean having to meet with the police or file a report.
   • Call the Rape Crisis Center's 24-Hour Hotline at 1-877-906-7273 for support and/or more information.
2. If I go to the hospital, do I have to report the assault to the police?
   No. Sexual assault survivors do not have to speak to law enforcement.  According to Ohio Department of Health protocol, medical personnel must notify law enforcement that a sexual assault has been reported to the hospital/facility. However, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) #2921.22 states that hospital personnel do not have to provide the name or address of the survivor, just the date and general location of the assault (codes.ohio.gov).
3. What is the legal definition of rape?
   Rape is a sexual assault that includes but is not limited to forced vaginal, anal, and oral penetration. Rape is a violent act. It is not sex or passion. Its purpose is to control, humiliate, and intimidate a victim through the use of force. The rapist's force can be physical or verbal and can occur without use of weapons. Different kinds of rape include acquaintance rape, date rape, marital rape, child molestation, and stranger rape. The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) #2907.02 defines rape in the following manner: "No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another when the offender purposely compels the other person to submit by force or threat of force, the offender substantially impairs the other person's judgment or control by administering any drug or intoxicant to the other person, surreptitiously or by force, threat of force or deception, or when the other person is less than 13 years of age" (codes.ohio.gov).
4. I didn't fight back. I don't know if what happened to me is legally considered rape.
   Rape survivors often don't fight back because they are either too afraid, feel threatened or overpowered by their perpetrator(s), or are incapable of giving informed consent because of age or impairment due to drugs or alcohol. In fact, most rape survivors show no sign of physical injury. This does not mean they gave consent.
5. Why would anyone commit rape?
   No one knows for sure why anyone would commit such a heinous crime.  However, research by psychologists such as Nicholas Groth suggests that rape is most often about power and control, with a smaller number of perpetrators motivated by anger and sadism. Regardless, rape is not about sex. Victims can be babies or the elderly.
6. I feel dirty and disgusting.  How long will it take me to heal?
   It is understandable to wonder how long healing will take. Because everyone is unique, healing is an individual process for every survivor and has its own timeframe. We believe in each individual's strength, creativity, and ability to achieve a resolution. Rape Crisis services such as the hotline, face-to-face sessions, and support groups can help survivors feel less alone. Healing takes time, but it is possible.
7. I spent time with the perpetrator before the assault.  Is it still rape?
   Yes. In fact, most sexual assault survivors know their perpetrators. It is a myth that rapists hide in the bushes and jump out in the dark. While stranger rapes do happen, most assaults take place between acquaintances or dates (rainn.org).
8. Is it true that some people are "asking for it" by their behavior, way they dress, etc.?
   No. Rape is a felony.  It is always the fault of the perpetrator. Everyone has the right to dress as they choose without being raped. We have the right to go out for a drink, dance and have fun, and flirt if we want to without being raped. We can also engage in kissing or other sexual behavior and choose to say "No, I do not want to go further." No means no! Rape is never acceptable under any circumstances.
9. Can men be raped?
   Yes. Men may be less likely to come forward than women and may experience extremely intense feelings of shame. We are still learning about male survivors. However, we do know their perpetrators are often other men or adult women who abused them as boys (rainn.org). Like female survivors, it is never their fault.
10. I suspect my child was sexually abused.  What should I do?
    The first thing is to show your child that you believe him/her and are willing to listen and make sure the abuse stops. Assure the child that it is NOT his/her fault. There are services in our area for sexually abused children.  To access them, contact the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline at 330-434-5437 in Summit County or the Children's Center of Medina County Hotline at 330-722-9300 Ext. 267 or (330) 725-6631 after business hours.