Definition
Rape is a type of sexual assault involving sexual intercourse, or other forms of sexual penetration, carried out against a person without their consent.
Legally rape refers to non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration (oral, vaginal, or anal) achieved through physical force, threats, fraud, or when the victim is unable to consent due to factors such as intoxication, unconsciousness, age, or mental disability.
Types of rape
Friend rape – the perpetrator is usually known to the victim. It occurs when someone engages in non-consensual sexual acts with another person whom they have a platonic, friendly relationship with. There is a pre-existing trust and social connection between the victim and the perpetrator, rather than the use of a weapon or a violent stranger attack.
Date rape– this is usually pre-meditated by acquaintances for a long time. It is a non-consensual, sexual acts committed by someone the victim has voluntarily chosen to spend time with in a romantic or courtship context. There is an implied or anticipated romantic/sexual dynamic of the relationship or the evening. Alcohol consumption can facilitate date rape. These account to 58% of rape cases.
Drug rape – a person is drugged to an unconscious state and then raped. Drug rape often called drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) occurs when a perpetrator administers, coerces, or exploits the consumption of psychoactive substances—most commonly alcohol, to render a victim physically unable to resist, unconscious, or mentally incapable of giving legal consent.
Medical rape – medical personnel can rape a patient. This involves using the pretext of medical treatment to perform non-consensual sexual acts on a patient. The provider deceives the patient that sexual intercourse, penetration, or sexual contact is required for their health. The patient “consents” because they trust the professional’s false claim about it being medically necessary.
Juvenile rape – this is common with children especially those in the streets. Juvenile rape can refer to two distinct situations under the law: a minor who is the victim of rape, and a minor who commits rape. When the victim is a juvenile/minor (typically under 18), the act is often prosecuted under specific child sexual abuse statutes rather than, or in addition to, general rape laws.
When a juvenile (e.g., under 18) commits an act that would be considered rape, most juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than purely punishment. A minor who commits rape is usually adjudicated as a “delinquent” rather than convicted as a criminal
Gang rape – this is common with criminal acts especially in house robberies and carjacking incidents. It is a criminal offense in which two or more individuals participate in the act of non-consensual sexual penetration or sexual contact with a single victim.
Opportunist rape – It is a type of sexual assault committed by an individual who acts on sudden, impulsive sexual urges when a vulnerable situation presents itself. Rather than through a premeditated plan or the use of overwhelming, gratuitous force this is usually not planned by the perpetrator but coincidental. It takes place because an opportunity has presented itself. The victim is usually a loner or caught up in a situation where there is war
Peer group rape – “Peer group rape” refers to a rape is a form of “multiple-perpetrator rape” where the relationship between the perpetrators is characterized by peer dynamics rather than an organized gang hierarchy. It is committed by two or more offenders who are social equals—typically similar in age, social standing, or within the same peer group.. this is common in schools, military camps and in prisons where people are in the same confinement.
Marital rape– this may happen among married people who are also engaging in domestic violence. It is non-consensual sexual act (vaginal, anal, or oral penetration) committed by a person against their husband or wife. Legally, it is identical to rape in any other context, with the only difference being the existence of a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement. A marriage license does not grant a spouse perpetual or automatic consent to sexual activity. Consent must be given for each sexual encounter.
WHAT TO DO IF RAPED
- Go to a safe place- away from the scene of rape
- Go to the nearest hospital for a medical check up. The medical doctors may consider putting the survivor on ARV immediately to prevent possible infection with HIV. If possible visit a government hospital.
- Report to the police station to collect a P3 form and record a statement. Give as much details as possible to the police. The P3 form will be filled by the doctors and certified at a government hospital. If possible before signing the statement make sure you read and confirm the content.
- Take the P3 form from the doctor back to the police station together with the clothes that were worn during the rape incident. These will act as exhibit in courts of laws.
- Identify the accused or perpetrator for arrest if contacted by police
- Attend court procedures when the accused is charged
THE DON’TS
- Do not shower – this helps the doctor get the evidence that may be required in a court of law if the perpetrator is apprehended.
- Do not wash the clothes worn at the time of rape especially the underwear. If you have to change your clothes put the dirty clothes in brown paper or wrap them with newspaper. Never use a polythene paper because it destroys evidence.
Try not to give up, it is doable.
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