Information for women about rape

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A practical guide to the issues and assistance available for women and their friends

This booklet has been written for women, because the vast majority of rape victims are women or girls.

Society appears to condone many forms of sexually inappropriate behaviour. From a very early age, social sanctions encourage women and girls to put up with a range of unwanted and derogatory sexual behaviours from men. These behaviours include wolf whistles, touching and sexually explicit comments or jokes. All are designed to disempower, humiliate and hurt. Rape is the most extreme of all these forms of behaviour. It is an attack of a sexual nature on a woman's body, mind, emotions and sense of control.

Society perpetuates many false or misleading myths about rape. These myths add to the confusion and distress of the women assaulted.

Women who have been, or may be, raped, come from all cultures and age groups, and include very young children and ourselves. Most women have a fear of rape which affects how they live their lives. Other women don't want to think about rape, or think, "Rape can't happen to me, or anyone I care for". It can. If it does happen, they are forced to think about it a lot. Often women blame themselves in some way, feel they cannot talk about the assault to anyone and do not know where to turn for help.

Women who have been raped deserve support, consideration and respect, as do victims of any violent crime. We hope this booklet will provide practical help and support for women who have been raped.

We hope, too, that it will assist women whether they have been raped or not to have a greater understanding of rape and of their rights to respectful treatment.

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Women's Health Victoria

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 25 Sep 2009