Lets talk about a sensitive issue - Rape - Information for teens
This is a topic that we do not really want to talk about and pray that it never happens to us, but the reality is it can happen to boys, girls, men and women.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines rape as: "The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."
Most people have the idea that rape is about sex, but it is not. It is about power. The power that the rapist have over a victim. The rapist will use force or threats in order to get the victim in his power and they can also use drugs to make sure that the victim do not fight back.
No matter how old you are, or who does it to you.... RAPE IS A CRIME and nobody has the right to do that to you. It can be done by a stranger, someone you are going on a date with or even a friend or family. It does not matter, if it is against your will, it is rape and needs to be reported.
A lot of people stay quiet, because they feel ashamed or they may feel that they did something to provoke the attacker. No matter what you did, what you were wearing or how much you drank, if you did not give permission to have sex with someone, it is rape.
If something like this happens, you will be traumatized and you will need help. First you need to report the crime to the police and then you must seek medical help or help from a professional that can help you heal emotionally.
If you keep quiet about this, the feeling of guilt and despair will not just go away by itself. You will stay the victim and never learn that it was not your fault or how to move on with your life. By doing this, you are not looking after yourself and you are causing more harm. It will be difficult to re-tell your story, but in doing so, your healing will start, there will be a chance that the rapist is caught and that way making sure he never hurts someone else.
The two most important things that you need to remember is that you have the right to say NO, even it is your boyfriend. Nobody has the right to sexually abuse you. It is your body and you can decide what you want to do with it.
The other thing is that in many cases, especially when it is someone you know, they will try and convince you that 'you asked for it' or it was your fault. Rape is never your fault. If someone forces them on you, they are the ones to blame, no matter what the situation was.
If you have been raped it is very important that you seek medical attention. It will be difficult, but do not change your clothes or take a shower before you go. It all can be used as evidence against the rapist.
Your doctor will also test you for any STDs and prescribed medicine if needed.
You can get more information here.
If you are under 18 you will have to have an adult present. Maybe you do not want to let your parents know, so find an adult that you trust. If you do not want to tell your parent because you feel ashamed or do not want to hurt them or let them worry, just remember that your parents are there to protect you and they would like to try and help. You will not be judged by them and they would really feel hurt if they found out later that you did not trust them enough to let them in and let them try and get you help to heal.
Rape isn't just physically damaging, it can be emotionally traumatic as well. The right emotional attention, care, and support can help a person begin the healing process and prevent lingering problems later on.
Make sure that if you start getting depressed or scared or anxious that you seek some professional help. You will still have to work through the issues by yourself, but the professional will give you ways in which to deal with your feelings.
People have different ways in dealing with stress or anxiety. If you prefer speaking to someone alone, do that. If you prefer joining a support group, do that. Nobody but you can decide what is best for you and nobody can tell you how fast you need to 'get over it'. You take your time and deal with it in the way that is best for you.
'Prevention is better than cure' but it is not always possible to prevent this from happening to you, but try and stay out of dark alleys, not drink too much, picking up the signs if your date is becoming pushy etc.
Get some more information here.
