Things to Try When Confronted with Acquaintance Rape
- STAY CALM.
- Turn the inner voice into a strong voice. TRUST YOUR FEELINGS.
- Appraise your situation, then ACT QUICKLY. Evaluate how much danger you're in, and act accordingly as soon as possible.
- Try to GET AWAY.
- YELL FOR HELP.
- When necessary, ACT FORCEFULLY. Realize, however, that your fighting back might also cause the other person to become violent.
- BUY TIME WITH TALK. Stall the person with conversation. Flatter him or her. When s/he thinks s/he no longer needs to use force, s/he may ease up on his guard. That's a good time to make a break for the door.
- DESTROY THE IDEA OF A "SEDUCTION." Tell the person that you have a sexually transmitted disease, or if you are a woman that you have your period or are pregnant. Do physical things to turn the person off: urinate on the floor, pick your nose, belch, pass gas, vomit.
REMEMBER THAT GIVING IN IS NOT CONSENT!!!!
Giving in is not something to be ashamed of. The person may threaten you, and be physically violent. He or she may terrify you so that you cannot respond effectively. Going along with the attacker may be the only smart thing to do. Giving in may be a survival strategy.
Do not berate yourself that you "let" the rape happen. A rape-threatening situation is also a life-threatening situation. Your only responsibility as a victim is to yourself. You do not need to sustain injury or death to "prove" you were raped. Stay alive.
Help! Where to find it.
Counseling Services (645-2720)
120 Richmond Quad
Ellicott Complex
Anti-Rape Task Force (829-2584)
Crisis Services (834-3131)
24 hour telephone hotline
Copyright - Counseling Services, State University of New York at Buffalo
