There is no such thing as a "typical" rape or rape victim. Each rape is a unique and terrifying experience, which will require time for the victim to recover. There are common elements and mistaken beliefs associated with rape and being aware of them will help you to understand what the survivor has been through.

• Rape is not the same as "making love." Although the majority of completed rapes involve vaginal penetration, this occurs in a state of emotional terror without the victim's consent.



• Rape is a total violation of a person's rights over their body and their ability to make choices. Rape is an attack not only on the victim's body, but also on the sense of who they are and how they function in the world. Often, from the victim's point of view, the sexual dimension of rape may assume lesser importance than the violent and dehumanizing aspects of the attack.



• Rape usually involves threats of bodily harm or other forms of intimidation designed to control the victim. In many cases the victim suffers severe physical injury. Any implication that the victim "asked for it" is a basic misconception. It is never appropriate to suggest that the victim somehow deserved to be assaulted.



• A related fact concerning rape is that the victim absolutely is not responsible for the assault. Some mistakenly assume the victim could have prevented the rape by avoiding certain social situations, dressing differently, or putting up more of a fight. This assumption is even more likely if the victim exhibits no visible injuries. In fact, some mistakenly believe that if the victim did not actively resist the attack, they must have given consent in some form. The absence of injuries however does not mean that consent was given. Consent is based on the ability to freely choose, and a rapist does not allow the victim a choice. Rape is a nonconsensual act; submitting out of fear is never consent. Each rape victim does what is needed to survive.



• Blaming the victim will cause unnecessary feelings of guilt, anger, and isolation and will hinder recovery.



• Rape can occur at any hour of the day or night and in virtually any setting. Rape can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, appearance, or reputation.One common element is that rape is a frightening and degrading experience that requires time for recovery.