Has it ever crossed your mind that one day something terrible can happen to you ? Have you ever thought that one thing could be rape? Most people think that if they are cautious and if they watch there back that it can't happen.  You might be one of many people who think rape only happens with a stranger, and that is false. 30% of rapes happen from a relative. A lot of people don't know much about rape because they don't think it will happen to them. Rape victims are affected traumatically. When someone is raped, they are not the only person to be affected by it. The loved ones of the person that was raped are also affected.  Most loved ones are affected because they don't know what to say, and it makes them feel lost and confused and upset because they don't know how to help. The effects on the loved one is minor compared to the effects rape has on the victim. Some of the effects of being raped and or sexually assaulted are, anxiety, depression, guilt, self-blame, shame, fear, depression. They also get nightmares and flashbacks, some survivors get PTSD, they get lack of control where they feel anger and lash out, or they become confused. Rape victims are affected in many ways. 

Every 98 seconds, an American is being raped or sexually assaulted, one out of every six women will be a victim of a sexual assault or attempted rape. A lot of sexual assault victims will attempt suicide. 33% of those victims successfully commit suicide. People who are sexually assaulted often turn to drugs. Most victims will try and do anything to forget about what has happened to them. I know someone who was raped. They didn't tell anyone but me. They went out with a guy who they thought was there friend and he ended up overpowering her and he raped her. I'm not going to go into detail because this story is very sad, but in the end she was so depressed and scared. I went to see her and went to give her a hug and she jumped and started crying. After that happening to you it can get really hard. It took her a while to get back into the daily routine she usually did. It messed her up pretty bad; it hurt her in many ways emotionally and physically. Rape is a very traumatic thing. If you know someone or you are that someone, speak up; Help yourself and others, raise awareness to fight the cause to prevent rape. There is nothing to be afraid of I get that it's hard and scary but the more you wait the more it's gonna hurt you. You will get through, You will come out strong, Don't give up. The best is yet to come for you.