 |
  |
 |
  |
|
Rape: the violent violation of womenLacy Stevens, Charger co-Editor The recent “Rape Awareness” talk did little to enlighten us or prepare
us for the life of a college woman, who --unless she’s informed and educated
-- will leave this August unaware and at risk. The City of Cookeville and TTU are not immune to rapists. In 2000, 30 cases
comprised of statutory rape, forcible rape, and sexual battery were reported;
53% of those involved juveniles. In 2001, the Cookeville Police Department changed
their rating system to match the FBI’s, which includes only forcible rape
and sexual battery. So far thisyear, 9 cases have been reported. Tennessee Tech University has approprimately 7200 students; during the 2000-2001
school year, only 1 case of forcible rape and 1 case of sexual offense was reported.
Date rape is a growing concern on college campuses across the United States.
In most date rape cases, alcohol and drugs play a significant role in the rape.
Rohypnol, the most common date rape drug, is often slipped into a victim’s
drink. It is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, causing loss of consciousness
and memory. Often the victimwill awaken without remembering ever having been
raped. Women put themselves at risk when they have had too much. Defined in the Revised
Criminal Code from 2000, rape is unlawful sexual contact with a victim by the
defendant. Unlawful. It could just as well be unwanted. Unasked. No woman asks to be raped,
no woman secretly desires to be forced into having sex. A woman’s body is her own, and she should always be the one to decide
who touches her, no matter how she dresses or acts. No always means no. A man should never mistake a woman’s opposition --
whether she’s soft-spoken, crying, or struggling -- for an invitation.
No always means no, even if a man thinks she really means yes. If a woman is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or she is unconscious,
having sex with her is still considered rape because she was incapable of giving
her consent. Set your sexual boundaries. No one has the right to touch you. Don’t allow
anyone to force you to do anythingyou do not want to. Be careful not to give mixed signals. Men and women interpret body language,
words, and intentions quite differently. Often, when women are simply trying
to be friendly, men interpret their actions as a sign that the woman is attracted
to them. Sometimes, men even see it as the woman’s wish to have sex with
him. Don’t agree to something just to avoid a public scene or embarrassment.
Which is more important: being polite and being raped, or causing a scene and
ending a dangerous situation? Be aware of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs are often a key factor in
date rape. Make responsible decisions. When you choose to drink or use drugs,
you put yourself in a risky situation. Watch your drink. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Carry it with you,
and do not trust another person to handle your breverage. Trust your gut feelings. If you become nervous, feel anxious, or feel pressured,
listen to your gut, and get out of the siatuion. Be careful when you are alone with a person. Rape usually happens in an isolated area: in an apartment, a car, or an office. Before going off alone with a guy to “talk” -- think about how well you know him and how far you’ll be from other people. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to rape you,
you have several options. If the man is armed, try passive resistence or running away. But don’t put your life in danger: it might take time, but you can heal from rape.
|
 |
