Rape and Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
Innumerable victims of rape have attempted suicide.
And, sadly, many have died by suicide.
Rape is a horrible, disgusting crime that is perpetrated by individuals that can only be described as evil cowards.
Every time I receive an e-mail, phone call, or visit from a rape victim telling me about the physical and emotional pain that she endured, my heart sinks.
I do not know how a woman could be raped and not become depressed.
Many have told me that they feel like the rapist sentenced them to a life of hell.
Their pain does not end.
And every time I read an e-mail, call, or visit from someone who tells me about being raped as a child, my heart collapses.
I do not know how a young girl could possibly cope with the physical and mental anguish associated with a rape.
And compounding the mental and physical hell that a woman goes through after the rape are the comments that people can make to her.
Some will try to minimize the problem.
Others won't believe her.
And others will blame her, with unbelievable statements like these:
"You let him in your apartment, didn't you? Well, what did you expect?"
"It was your fault too - you must accept your share of the blame."
"You must have done something to deserve this."
So what should you do if you are raped?
Reach out for help.
Call the police immediately after a rape.
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE
Get into therapy.
Surround yourself with caring, helpful, loving, understanding, and supportive people.
Reach out to other rape victims -- they can understand what you are going through.
Read books written by other rape survivors.
Be gentle with yourself.
If you ever are suicidal call 1-800-SUICIDE or your local emergency number.
Always remember that suicide in never the answer -- getting help is the answer.
And take it one day at a time.
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Below are additional articles on rape and suicide:
Rape Victims Prone to Suicide
I Wanted to Kill Myself, but now I am Getting Better (By Jenny, a 16-year-old Rape Survivor)
Debbie Shaw: A Rape Survivor's Story of Hope
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Below are some memorials to angels that we have lost to suicide because of the horrible crime of rape:
Lindsay Armstrong
Wendy Throop Sunderlin
Kristin Cooper
Katie Sabin
Nasima Akhter
Jacque Moore
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If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Take care of yourself,
Kevin Caruso
