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Rape, Date Rape and Sexual Assault
It's reported that only a fraction of women in the U.S. who have been raped or sexually assaulted ever report the crime. Fear, shame, despair, or the desire to simply bury the experience and move on keep women silent. Yet tremendous progress has been made in recent years in helping the rape survivor not feel victimized again as she goes through the legal system.
New Definition of Rape Catches Up to Realities of Sexual Violence
For over 80 years the U.S. federal government clung to a badly outdated definition of rape when gathering statistical information about the crime, and only recognized rape as occurring between a man and a woman. But in January 2012, the government finally caught up with the times and redefined rape to reflect the realities of the crime.
What is rape? Definition of rape
What is the definition of rape? Although the definition of rape varies from state to state, here's a look at what the U.S. federal government now defines as rape.
Rape, Beating, Sexual Assault of CBS Correspondent Lara Logan
Lara Logan put a face to the very real threat of rape and sexual assault of female journalists on assignment in conflict zones. She spoke out about her assault and beating at the hands of hundreds of Egyptian men -- a groundbreaking step very few women journalists have ever taken. Yet Logan was criticized and even condemned by some -- a clear...
"I Was Raped" - No Judgments, Just Support - No Woman Should Feel She…
"I Was Raped" -- Readers share their stories of being raped -- the situation, the circumstances, whether or not they told anyone, and how they dealt with the aftermath See submissions
Not Rape Victim, But Rape Survivor - A Rape Survivor's Story
A rape survivor shares her story after nearly 30 years of silence and explains why women who recover are rape survivors, not rape victims.
Not Rape Victim But Rape Survivor - Recovering From Rape
Although rape victim Renee DeVesty healed physically from her rape, it took years to overcome the emotional trauma and move from victim to rape survivor on the road to recovery from rape.
Biography of Renee DeVesty, Rape Survivor and Advocate
Biography of Renee DeVesty, rape survivor and women's advocate
Women, Rape and Holocaust - Suppressed for Decades, Truth Comes Out in New Book
Why is there little to no mention of rape and/or sexual violence during the Holocaust? A taboo subject for decades sees the light of day with a new book that examines how widespread rape was, and how Jewish women were not only victims of the Nazis but also those who were hiding them, their fellow Jews and captives, and even their liberators.
Rape on Campus - Rape on College Campuses and "Blaming the Victim"
Rapes on campus are rarely reported by female college students, and the reasons why have a lot to do with "blaming the victim."
Virgin Cure, virgin myth
The Virgin Cure is the mistaken belief that having sex with a female virgin will cure AIDS and/or STDs.
Helping a Rape Survivor
You want to provide comfort and support to a friend or relative who's been raped, but you're afraid of saying the wrong thing. These suggestions can help you to be a supportive presence at a very terrifying time in a rape survivor's life.
"I Was Raped" T-Shirt Breaks Secrecy of Sexual Assault
Writer and feminist Jennifer Baumgardner wanted women to release the shame and humiliation often associated with sexual assault. So she created a t-shirt to help rape survivors speak their truth.
Viagra Linked to Sexual Abuse and Violence Against Women
A discussion of the impact of Viagra on women's sexuality uncovers the dark side of Viagra - a link to violent crimes against women.
Women in Peace Corps = Rape, Sexual Assault in Peace Corps - Are Women Safe?
An ABC News 20/20 investigation in January 2011 revealed a disturbing history of rape and sexual assault among women serving as volunteers in the Peace Corps. This most recent news is just one in a series of articles and stories about the dangers faced by women in the Peace Corps, a US government agency more concerned with its image than with...
What are Rape Myths and Why Do Myths About Rape Reduce Empathy for Rape Victims?
Rape myths -- beliefs about sexual violence and rape victims -- are almost always wrong yet persist in our culture and are commonly accepted beliefs. A definition of what rape myths are, examples of common rape myths, and the story of a CBS reporter whose rape in Egypt in February 2011 illustrates the negative impact of rape myths.
Rape in the Military - One Woman's Story, Part I
Years after she was raped while serving in the military, a wife and mother recalls the traumatic assault, the trust she placed in the officer who betrayed and raped her, the lack of support from the priest who counseled her and her superiors, and the family that refused to back her when she sought to press charges.
Rape Victims, False Rape Accusations and Credibility
A vastly underreported crime, the issue of rape and sexual assault is further compounded by misinformation about false rape statistics and how women behave after being raped or sexually assaulted. Both bring into question a woman's credibility and whether or not rape cases have any chance of moving forward in the legal system.
10 Safety Tips to Avoid Rape and Sexual Assault
Ten safety tips for women of all ages to stay safe, minimize risk and avoid rape and sexual assault based on RAINN's safety tips for college students.