1. What is rape?
Answer: In Pennsylvania, rape is sexual intercourse by force or threat of force. It can also be when someone suffers from mental disability, or is less than 13 years of age, or is unconscious, or has been given drugs, alcohol or other means of preventing resistance. Did you know that in PA if someone says "No" to sexual intercourse even just one time, and the other person continues to have sexual intercourse with him or her, this is rape. Acquaintance rape (previously known as date rape) occurs when the victim knew their rapist to some extent. As a matter of fact, 85% of rape victims knew the offender.

2. When is it the victim¹s fault that they were raped?
Answer: It is never the victim's fault that they were raped. It is always the rapist's fault. No matter what high risks a victim may have taken, there was nothing that they did to cause the rape to occur.

3. Why is it that the highest risk category for rape victims falls between the ages of 16 and 25?
Answer: This age bracket represents when people are most vulnerable to this crime. People who are 16 to 25 may be trying a good deal of things for the first time. They are spending more time away from adults and parents, receiving their driver's license, getting into cars with people, meeting new people, moving away from home, experimenting with sexual activities, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, entering the work force, or moving on to college. Many of these things are positive first time experiences and are a part of growing up. However they may represent higher risks. You have the opportunity to decide what risks you are willing to take, and what risks are not worth it

4. What motivates a rapist to commit their crime?
Answer: Rape is a crime of power. A rapist is an angry person who chooses to handle their anger in a negative way. A rapist tries to increase his or her own feeling of power, by controlling and dominating another person. Often times people feel that a rapist rapes out of the need for sexual gratification, however, this is not the primary motivating factor.

5. Name three things someone can do to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of rape.
Answer: Some of your answers may have included:

1. Knowledge - Knowing what rape is and is not can help you reduce your risk. Also, by knowing what is out there, like "date rape" drugs.

2. Creating sexual boundaries - By knowing ahead of time what you beliefs are about sexual interaction, and its place in your life, it will be easier to make and stand by your decisions if ever placed in a scary or tricky situation.

3. Communication - It is important to communicate your wants and desires in a confident and assertive way. This will also help you avoid sending mixed messages to other people. Put things in clear, easy to understand terms.

4. Do not drink and use drugs - As you may have learned in health class, drugs and alcohol cause a decrease in judgment and the lowering of inhibitions. People who are under the influence have a tendency to do and say things they normally would not, if their mind were not clouded by substances.

5. Know your rights and responsibilities - You have the right to say "NO" to sexual activity, and the responsibility to give consent (permission).

6. Avoid getting into cars and going to isolated places with people you do not know and do not feel comfortable with.

7. Inform others - Tell your parents/caretaker where you are going and what time to expect you home. This is not so they can check up on you, but so they know where to start looking and when to become concerned, if something were to ever happen.

8. Use strength in numbers - Go places with your friends, watch each other's backs, and leave with the same people you went with.

9. Trust your instincts - When something doesn't feel right, leave the situation if possible.

No matter how many high risks a person takes, it still is never the victim's fault if they are raped!