I was attacked by a stranger in a parking lot. He threatened me with a knife to stop fighting him and he was groping me. He didn't penetrate me with his penis...but he did penetrate me with his fingers/hand. It was very painful and he was really rough with me. I have some tearing down there and I'm a little worried that he damaged something. I finally got the courage to press my alarm beeper on my key ring and my car alarm went off really loud at this point. He got scared away and wasn't able to actually "rape" me. He punched me before he left. Is what happened to me still rape? Or is it just sexual assault? I've only told my boyfriend but I still haven't told him all the gory details. I don't know if I can classify what happened as rape? I looked stuff up on the internet but most cites just classify rape as "unwilling penetration" - does it matter if it's just his hand? Sorry if this is too much info - I just really don't know what to think. Please help!
2007-08-29 14:41:55 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
I am really sorry this happened to you. I hope you are okay.
This is considered sexual assault and you should call National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
You can also find organizations to help you in your state at http://www.womenshealth.gov/violence/state/
I also suggest that you report this with the police as soon as possible.
I am so sorry sweety. I hope everything is okay. I'm glad you are safe now.
2007-08-29 14:48:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should know is that this was in no way your fault. And you are right, depending on what state this occurred in, there will be different laws governing it. As you've mentioned, if there was penetration, regardless of the implement used be it a body part or otherwise, it is usually considered a rape. However, sexual assault may also be charged. Because of the knife (depending on whether it was shown or how it was described) ADW - assault with a deadly weapon may also be charged. You should probably think about speaking to someone. If you don't want to go to the police, try a victim's assistance group, there are some that deal with rape specifically. Eventually most people need to talk about this with a professional who can help them through it. Most times this is not an offender's first time, so if you can, reporting it to the police may help catch someone before they do it again. If it was on a school property, your campus police agency should be contacted or your school's counseling services department can also help.
2007-08-29 14:58:42 · answer #2 · answered by pdblues99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's rape. And I am so sorry that this happened to you. It doesn't really matter what the penetration was done with. And what do you mean "only" sexual assault? I think you should realize that that can be an extremely violent attack. You should go to the police and report this crime. You should really do this as soon as possible. I realize that that will seem very scary and risky to you, so try to think about the other people you may be able to help by doing this. Rapists are repeat offenders motivated by hatred and a desire to do great physical and psychological harm to women (or sometimes men). This guy may be just starting out on his criminal career and if you can help get him convicted you may be able to help other women avoid your experience or one that could be much worse. Even if he isn't apprehended due to your report, it will be in the records and may help get him at a later time when there is more evidence (from more victims). In addition to a sexual assault/rape this man committed a violent physical assault on you. Both of these crimes are felonies. And get some counseling to help you. This was an extremely traumatic experience for you and you will need help to make a full recovery. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that you can just go it alone and try to forget about it.
2007-08-29 14:55:19 · answer #3 · answered by treebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was a sexual assault and I hope that you will report it to the authorities. It is very difficult to talk about something like this, I know, but you will be helping others that may become the next victim of this animal. I am so sorry that someone did this to you. He should not be able to get away with it. Call the Rape Crisis Center in your area and they will help you through this. They offer counselling also and I think you should take adavantage of this. They are sensitive to your needs and are very discreet and will protect you to the best of their ability. They know how to handle these type of incidents and will be able to advise you. You have been violated. I am sure you are terrified and are experiencing flashbacks. I was a victim of molestation and I know how it can affect you. It is so important to talk with someone and get some help right now. Don't discount it because it will affect you later; I know that from experience. You are lucky that you had your alarm beeper on your key ring so you could do something to help yourself. It could have been so much worse even though it was a horrible, frightening experience. I would consider it to be rape even though there was no penetration. Wish I could be there to help you but, I am praying for you that you will find peace and comfort and that you will be able to get on with your life once you get over this horrible trauma.
2007-08-29 15:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by turkeybrooknj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, this is not too much. I am so sorry that happened to you!! I wish I was there to give you a hug and a shoulder to cry on. And I also wish I would have witnessed the attack and put my 357 Magnum in his face and then shot him as his coward @ss ran away!!! (Read the link below to a previous post.) YES...in my opinion...what happened to you is rape......and punching you is Assault. Find out as soon as possible if the parking lot you were in had video camera's. If they did, call the police and they can get a copy of it...FILE A POLICE REPORT NOW! Any witnesses? They can help, too.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmbEQgb80d7kCFJuGSAiYbTsy6IX?qid=20070823151635AAVva32
2007-08-29 15:12:03 · answer #5 · answered by Sierra ☼ Sky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your question, just as you've written it, copy it to a piece of paper, and carry it down to your local police station. You were the victim of a sexual assault. The police will take it from there. Note that this is an exceedingly serious charge, as it should be, so they'll be asking you a _lot_ of questions, and you may feel as if you're on trial yourself. Your boyfriend will be questioned, too. Stay cool and cooperative. Understand that the police have to remain emotionally neutral during their investigation.
2007-08-29 14:52:43 · answer #6 · answered by 2n2222 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would be considered a rape by legal standards. You should have gotten an exam for evidence shortly after the incident. It is not however too late to be examed by a doctor to make sure there is no long term damage, or to report the incident to the police.
2007-08-29 14:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by julvrug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's considered sexual assault but that in no way diminishes the horrific experience you endured. If you want to know the what the actual charge would be for the criminal you probably need to talk to the police in your area. Laws vary from state to state.
2007-08-29 14:47:19 · answer #8 · answered by Carolyn D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter what it's classification, what happened to you was a criminal act, and must be reported to the police. They cannot act without knowledge of the crime. If you have not allowed too much time to pass since the attack, the police may still be able to collect evidence that may help identify your assailant. Please be careful!
2007-08-29 14:49:29 · answer #9 · answered by masince1986 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rape is defined by unwanted penetration of any kind hand, fingers, objects etc
2007-08-29 14:46:35 · answer #10 · answered by JB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋