“Rape! What to Do In the Event”

Rape is forced sexual intercourse, including any completed or attempted unwanted vaginal, oral, or anal penetration through the use of physical force (such as being pinned or held down, or by the use of violence) or threats to physically harm (such as killing the victim). It is a crime of power and passion, where, anger, frustration, conquest, sadism and many others are expressed often to survivors/victims within their very vulnerable moments.

Types of rapes are many ranging from acquaintance (close ally); date (a romantic or potentially expected sexual relations); gray (consent is unclear); marital(spouse); statutory (age is below accepted); prison( fellow prisoners/wardens); gang (group); serial( multiple offender); campus (students; Corrective rape/ curative/ homophobic (hate due to perceived sexual orientation or gender identity); genocidal( massive during war); Unacknowledged (survivor/victim does not acknowledge it as rape; to rape by deception ( consent to sex is gained but by deception or false statements or actions)

Rape is an extremely difficult, traumatic experience for survivors who face painful emotions of anger, guilt, betrayal, helplessness, emptiness etc. Every survivor responds to the short and long term traumatic experience in their own way.

There are several steps to take if unfortunately, one is raped:

STEP 1:Ensure your personal safety and get help as fast as possible (Security/police, Hospital etc.).

STEP 2: Please adhere strictly to the following.

1. Do not shower or bathe.
2. Do not wash any of the clothes that you were wearing during the incidence.
3. Do not either throw away such clothes-Preserve evidence as much as possible: if you change clothes wrap them in a brown paper bag/newspapers (not a plastic bag)
4. Avoid urinating, if need be urinate in a container and carry the urine to hospital
5. Do not brush your teeth or cut your nails

STEP 3

1. Seek medical assistance by visiting the nearest health facility unit
2. Get preventive treatment for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy (within 72hours) and physical injuries.
3. Ensure that the post Rape care form is filled and take the original and duplicate copies with you

STEP 4

Report the matter to the authority-/ police e.g. (Campus authority-Security). Should such an incidence happens outside the campus; get to nearest police, hospital etc. Survivors are also encouraged to involve the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, for further help and links to relevant support.

STEP 5: It is important you seek psychological support (Counselling)

STEP 6:It is inevitable to seek legal redress (legal advice)

Note: Fight a rapist as much as you can to avoid being conquered. However, in case a perpetrator is armed, be cautious to avoid fatal-geared reaction(s).

The Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment through a grant from the Association of Commonwealth Universities under the topic “Technological Response to Sex & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) at Kenyatta University: The Anti-Violence Android Mobile App” is in the process of installing a mobile phone App system to enhance SGBV reporting. By using a mobile Phone, affected persons will report any form(s) of violence at the privacy of their hostels, offices, or any other premise.

They can also upload photos or any other material that can be utilized as evidence. Once complete, SGBV survivors will anonymously, efficiently and securely report and get quick access to the much needed services. The App will be used to sensitize the university community on Gender issues.