Introduction

The state of Utah currently has one of the highest rape rates in the nation. It is ten percent higher than the national rate. It is estimated that 1/3 of girls in the state of Utah will be sexually assaulted by the time they turn 18.



Rape and sexual assault victims suffer long after the incident has passed. Victims of sexual assault are:

1. 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.


2. 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.


3. 6 times more likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.


4. 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.


5. 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, or you know someone who is, there are services available! Throughout the state there are Rape Crisis rograms and Rape Recovery programs.

FAQs about Sexual Violence

What is rape?

Rape is any act of sexual intercourse that is forced on someone. The National Institutes of Health can direct a victim to a variety of resources.


Am I more likely to be attacked while I am out running or when I am hanging out with a good friend?


In 80% of cases of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault, the victim knew their attacker.


As a female, how likely am I to become a victim of sexual violence?

In the United States, it is etimated that 1 in 3 girls will become a victim of sexual violence by the time they reach age 18. Once they leave for college, they are 4 times more likely to be a victim of rape.

What if I was drunk? Is that still rape?

Even if you are intoxicated, you still have the right to say "no."

What are date rape drugs?

Date rape drugs are any drugs that are used to incapacitate a victim without the victims knowledge. Some common drugs that are often slipped into a victim's food or drink include GHB, "roofies", and simple alcohol. These drugs often have a sedative, hypnotic, dissociative, or amnesiac effect on the victim.

Are people of certain ethnicities more at risk to be a victim of sexual violence?

As of 2004, the Centers for Disease Control found that 12.3% of African-Americans, 10.4% of Hispanic, and 7.3% of Whites had been victims of sexual violence.

How does the state of Utah compare to other states as far as rape goes?

The state of Utah was ranked 34th in the year 2007. As of 2008, Utah has a rape rate of 39.1 rapes per 100,000 people. This is almost ten percent higher than the national average.

If I am a victim of rape, do I need to report it?

Yes! Rape is one of the most under reported violent crimes. It is estimated that only 16% of rapes ever get reported to the authorities. Many rape crisis centers can provide a mentor for you when going through the process.

What are some of the side effects of rape?

Victims of rape are more likely to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and are more likely to suffer from depression. Victims of rape may also receive an STI from the perpetrator.

If I am a victim of rape or other sexual violence, where can I go to for help?

You can contact your local police department, health department, or the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network for more information.

What are the actual numbers for Utah County?

Great statistics and information on rape and sexual assault can be found at the Rape and Incest National Network website. Many women may wonder if those statistics apply to THEM. What is my chance of being sexually assaulted in the state of Utah, and more specifically Utah County?

In 2005, 141 rapes were reported to the police in Utah County. With only an estimated 16% of victims actually reporting the assault, the actual number of rapes occurring is probably much higher. This is a rate of 39/100,000 people. The national average is about 72/100,000 people.

The majority of rapes reported were in Provo and Alpine/Highland, with Orem, American Fork, and Lehi following close behind.

In the state of Utah, 13% of women report being raped at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that 1in 3 women in Utah will experience some form of sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.

Date Rape Drugs

Date rape drugs are any drugs that are used to facilitate or assist an attacker in a rape or sexual assault. Here are some of the most common date rape drugs, along with how to recognize them and their effects on the body:

ROHYPNOL (flunitrazepam): Commonly known as "roofies," "roach," "circles," mind erasers," and "lunch money." Rohypnol is illegal in the United States, but is often trafficked over the border from Mexico, where it is legal as a sleep aid. Rohypnol is a pill that can be dissolved in liquids. It usually will turn a drink blue in color, or cloudy in appearance. The effects can be seen in 30 minutes, and usually the consumer will exhibit the signs of being drunk (slurred speech, drowsiness, difficulty coordinating body movements) before blacking out for a period of a few hours.

GHB (gamma hydroxybutric acid): Commonly known as "goop," "salt water," "Vita-G," "bedtime scoop," "liquid X," and "salt water." GHB is available in pill form, or as a colorless liquid. GHB can make your drink taste salty. GHB's effects can be felt in 15 minutes. GHB causes one to relax and eventually pass out.

KETAMINE: Commonly known as "special K," "super acid," "K-hole," and "black hole." Ketamine is legal in the United States for use as an anesthetic. Ketamine is often stolen from veterinary clinics, where it is primarily used. Ketamine is available in liquid form, or as a white powder. It's effects can be felt almost immediately after consumption. Ketamine causes a hallucinogenic high, leading to out of body experiences, loss of sense of time and body, and memory loss.

ALCOHOL and ECSTASY are also date rape drugs. Alcohol and Ecstasy make it difficult for one to think clearly, fight back, and make good decisions.

To protect yourself from being a victim of date rape drugs, keep an eye on your drink. Don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't consume your drink if it looks or smells funny or different. If you think you have had a laced drink, get help immediately. Go with a friend. Look out for each other.

What Should You Do If You Are Raped

Although one may take self defense classes, exercise healthy relationship skills, and do everything to avoid rape and sexual assault, sometimes it happens. Here are steps you should take if you are raped or assaulted sexually:

-Get to a position of safety. Whether you fought back or not, it is still rape.

-Go to the hospital. Don't change your clothes. They could be used as evidence.

-At the hospital, you can contact the police.

-A doctor will do an examination to make sure you are OK and collect evidence that can be used in court against your attacker.

-The doctor will also do blood tests to make sure you haven't gotten any STD's. If you have (5-10% of rape victims receive an STD from their attacker) treatment can begin right away.

-Make sure to talk to your doctor about any stress or emotional trauma you are experiencing. Many rape victims experience depression and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Don't be afraid to get help!

If you need outpatient services, more information, or someone to go with you to the hospital, contact your local Rape Crisis Center.

Utah Domestic Violence Council PSAs

As discussed in the previous entry, many women who are victims of sexual assault and rape are victims at the hands of loved ones. Most of this abuse is never reported. Many women do not feel empowered enough to take action. The Utah Domestic Violence Council is trying to get women involved. They have come out with a series of Public Service Announcements geared towards promoting healthy relationships. They have a series of postcards available that one can send out and help spread the message of empowerment. The postcards deal promote the values of:

1. Healthy Communication
2. Trust
3. Patience
4. Cooperation
5. Respect
6. Individuality
7. Honesty
8. Leading by Example
9. Accountability
10. Freedom

Why is Rape Underreported?

In Utah it is estimated that only 16% of rapes are reported to the authorities. With 141 rapes reported in Utah County alone (2005), there could possibly be thousands of rapes occurring, many rapists never seeing prosecution. While rape is underreported, most cases that do make it to the courtroom end in the victim's favor. So why are women not reporting these crimes?

For many women, it is fear.
Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator.
Fear that the perpetrator will never be caught or convicted.
Fear of embarrassment.
Fear of mistreatment by the judicial system.
Fear of losing relationships.
Fear of judgment.

For women who are in abusive relationships, there is even more to be lost. Marriage, financial security, and custody of children can be lost when the relationship ends. What do you think are ways that women can be empowered to report rape?