Rape has had a devastating effect on victims and families for more than 4000 years. Historically, women have been treated as property and rape as a property crime. Victors of war have felt justified to rape women as a spoil of war.

Today, more than 226,000 children and adults are raped each year in Texas. That is 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men. Though statically women make up the largest percentage of victims, it is important to understand that sexual crimes against men are believed to be prevalent and underreported.

The victims of rape today feel very much like victims thousands of years ago.  Though the justice system has made significant progress over the years only 20 percent of rapes are reported. The average offender serves less than three years. We have a long way to go.

According to the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, rape is the only crime where society judges the offence not by the perpetrator but by the victim. Because of gender stereotypes, men and women have different ways of viewing rape and sexual assault.  As a society, we must challenge our perceptions and those of people around us if we hope to bring a change to this violent and destructive behavior.

However, whether you are a victim of date rape, rape within the marriage, or a violent attack by a stranger, it's not your fault. You have the right to speak up and take a stand. You do not have to accept the unacceptable. No matter what you were drinking or wearing, you are not responsible for the attack.

You can get help by contacting an advocate who will provide crisis intervention, assistance and information on sexual assault and abuse. Your confidentiality is of primary importance to us. Our counseling services help you cope with feelings of anxiety, powerlessness, shame, anger, hopelessness and self-esteem. We will guide and help you discover your inner strength.