While rape refers to sexual activity performed without consent, date rape is rape by someone the victim knows. It is also sometimes called “acquaintance rape” to show that it can occur in non-romantic settings as well, although some make the distinction between date rape and acquaintance rape as pertaining to romantic partners (dates or boyfriends) vs. friends, family members, or other acquaintances. Either way, both involve rape by someone who was trusted, which can be incredibly traumatizing.

Experiencing date rape can be extremely confusing when trying to consolidate the idea of a trusted person in your life being a rapist or someone willing to hurt you.

What do I do if I’ve been date raped?

First, we recommend taking a deep breath. You are not alone and there are people who care about you and want to help. There are many options available — you can always change your mind. Most importantly, you are in control of your narrative and what happens next.

Call a Hotline: There are national hotlines like RAINN or local ones available that will answer any questions you may have. You can read our complete guide to calling a sexual assault hotline to better understand the process and your options.

Go to the Hospital: It is your choice whether you go to the hospital after this experience. They will likely ask if you want a sexual assault forensic exam (also known as a rape kit) performed. Read this guide to learning more about the rape kit process.

Call 911: If you are in immediate need of assistance, feel like you are in danger, or need help getting to the hospital, you can dial 911.

Focus on Healing: You can choose to focus on healing from the experience when you are ready. You know what is best for you.

Unresolved childhood trauma can take on many forms. Women who experience child hood trauma often show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), distorted self-perception, shame, fear, guilt, self-blame, humiliation, and chronic physical pain.

Women suffering from childhood trauma often struggle in silence and may experience difficulties at work, interpersonally, and with their own mental health.

Examples of childhood trauma include: physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, racism, serious accidents or life threatening illness, violent loss of a loved one, community and school violence, and witnessing or experiencing family or partner violence.

What happens in therapy?

Therapy will help you identify and release painful emotions while focusing on improving your ability to self-love. Your therapists can also help you learn coping mechanisms to deal with the trauma and may use trauma-informed care that allows you to control the pace of therapy.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common form of violence against women. It includes: physical, sexual, emotional abuse and controlling behaviors by an intimate partner and occurs in all settings and among all socioeconomic, cultural and religious groups.

What is intimate partner violence?

IPV may occurs in various formats. The most common occurrences include:

• Physical violence: When a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

• Sexual violence: Forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.

• Stalking: A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.

• Psychological Aggression: The use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over a partner.

According to the national sexual resource center about 81% of women have experienced sexual harassment or assault in their lifetimes. A sexual act is considered sexual assault when consent was never given, consent was lost during, or when consent is no longer given even if there was consent prior. For many women, sexual assault has affected their relationships, self-worth, and could affect overall quality of life.

The feelings that may accompany survivors of assault may include, guilt, shame, fear, anger, and self-blame.

How does therapy help?

Talking through the thoughts and feelings after assault can help provide clarity and help empower oneself to take back control over your mind and body. We offer functional treatment interventions for assault victims and prioritize your safety and comfortability. We empathize with sexual assault/harressment survivors and are here whenever you're ready to start your healing journey.

VAW is defined as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. VAW encompasses, but is not limited to:

• Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women;

• Non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;

• Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere;

• Trafficking in women and forced prostitution; and

• Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the state, wherever it occurs.