UAF Women's Center

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Questions

There are lots of questions about rape and sexual assault. Each case is different and so are some of the answers. Here are a few of the more common questions we get. If you have a question that's not covered here, call the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living (907) 452-2293, or the UAF Center for Health and Counseling at 474-7043.

Should I fight back?

If you think you are going to be raped or sexually assaulted, and you have made yourself clear by saying "No" and trying to get away from the other person, you may have no alternative but to fight back. Fighting back is, and should be, the last resort, when you have tried everything else to either get the other person to stop, or to get away from them.

What if I had been drinking?

Just because a person has been drinking or doing drugs does not mean they deserve to be raped or assaulted. It does mean that you may put yourself in an unsafe situation, which you should always try to avoid. Nevertheless, alcohol and drugs are never an excuse for rape.

What is Acquaintance Rape?

Acquaintance (or Date) Rape is when someone you know, and may have been going out with for a time, forces you to have sex. If someone you know, but don't know well, and whom you are not dating forces you to have sex, it is called acquaintance rape. For more information...

What are Roofies?

Rohypnol (pronounced "row-HIP-nol") is a brand name for Flunitrazepam (a benzodiazepine), a very potent tranquilizer similar in nature to Valium (Diazepam), but many times stronger. The drug produces a sedative effect, and brings on amnesia and muscle relaxation. Sedation occurs about 20-30 minutes after taking it and the effects last for several hours. "Roofies" as it being is called on the street, is also called "Ruffies", "Roche", "R-2", "Rib" and "Rope" and according to reports is quickly becoming the "date rape drug of choice."

What if I'm raped -- how can I get help?

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, call the 24 hour Rape Crisis Hotline immediately. The number is (907) 452-RAPE (2293) (1-800-478-7273). Trained volunteers are available any time of the day or night, for crisis intervention dealing with rape and other sexual assault. You can find more information on local crisis centers by calling the Women's Center at 474-6360.

But I think it might have been my fault.

If you have told the other person, clearly and firmly, that you don't want to have sex, and the other person has forced you to submit to them, you are not to blame and it is not your fault. Even if you were kissing or making out at the time, even if you have had sex before, you always have the right to say "No". If the other person ignores your wishes, and forces you to have sex or commit sex acts, this is rape, and rape is illegal.

I've been raped, but I'm too embarrassed to report it.

Many victims of rape feel embarrassment and fear that a public trial will expose them to humiliation. It is perfectly normal to have these feelings. Just remember IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Only the person who committed the rape is to blame.

What if nobody believes me?

The staff at the Interior Center for Non-Violent Living, and the Women's Center, will believe you. They will not judge you. They will assist you with any medical or legal issues, and provide an open and supportive atmosphere for you.

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