Rape; How To Support Rape Victims

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Hello to every Steemian and member of the amazing community. Would like to talk about a sensitive issue today which is rape, and how we can help support rape victims. In the present and previous years, we have heard and seen rape cases over the news on the Internet, newspaper or television station. So I would like to talk about it and how to support rape victims. I would like to start by explaining what I understand by the word "rape".

Rape is a wrong and unlawful sexually activity, involving sexual intercourse against the will of the victim by using force; which may not be physical or threatening the victim. It is important to know that rape is a sexual assault, but not all sexual assaults are rape.

Rape can be a result of untamed sexual desire or urge. Victims of rape are usually take advantage of if they have any of the following:
Mental illness,
Mental deficiency,
Drugged or intoxicated,
Unconscious and
Deceived.

Rape can happen in a same sex situation but it is often from a male to a female(opposite sex). Rapist sometimes do no use physical force or pressure some may use emotional coercion or trick victim into the act.

Majority of rapist are know to the victim. They can be friends, classmates, neighbours or any person close to them. These rapists are known as acquainted rapist. In other situations victims may not know the rapist at all. This type of situation is sometimes called a stranger rape. Stranger rape can happen in various instances and conditions. Here are a few:

Rapist assaults victim with no initial contact, in a public place usually at night.
Rapist gets close to victim trying to earn their trust and luring them to their house, car or a place where the assault can happen.
Rapist breaks in, usually in a robbery and assaults the victim.

Rape victims often blame themselves for falling victim. It is important to always remember that it is never the fault of the victim.

HOW TO HELP RAPE VICTIMS

Avoid Judgment:

struggling to get over the effect of rape is difficult, victims should never be made to feel like they're taking too long to get over it. They should be showed care and commend their courage for opening up and let them know it wasn't their fault.

Periodic check-ins:

checking in with them shows you care, believe their story and want to help them get over it. Even if it happened a long time ago, that doesn't make the pain disappear. Checking in tells them they don't have to deal with it alone.

Know how you use your words:

rape victims tend to be very sensitive and hence our choice of words around them really helps break or heal them. We should try saying:
"I'm sorry this happened to you"
"I believe you"
"I'm honoured you could come to me"
Don't ask for:
Details,
And don't ask "why" and too many questions.

Victims should also to be introduced to groups and organisations that help rape victims if they wish. You should also help rape victims make a police report if they want to.

Do listen:

listening to them and allowing them be in control even if what they're saying maybe difficult or upsetting to hear. It is important you show that you are listening.

Accept Their Decisions

Accept Their Boundaries

In general, it is hard to know how to help victims of rape but these tips above should give you how to go about it.

Glad i could share this with the steemit platform and this wonderful community. Wishing you all the best. Stay safe and stay blessed.
Thank you Steemit.