Q: Is it still rape even though I didn't fight back? A:Absolutely. In Illinois, consent is defined as ''a freely given agreement to the act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct in question. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission by the victim... shall not constitute consent'' (720 ILCS 5/12-17). This means that if you were too afraid to yell, or if you knew if would be safer to submit, it is still rape. You did what you needed to do to survive, and whatever you did to get through the attack was probably the right choice. Your intuition told you whether to try to fight back, comply, or just freeze to survive, and the law does not question your decision. 

Q: Was it my fault because I kissed him, went back to his place, dated him, was out late, wore a revealing dress, or got drunk?
A:NO. No matter what you did, where you went, what you wore, how often you dated him or her, or how much you drank, rape is NEVER EVER your fault. No one deserves to be raped, and there is absolutely nothing you could have done to make it your fault. Illinois law recognizes that only one thing causes rape, and that is a rapist. Your assailant did not have permission to touch you. If you didn't consent to the sexual activity, it is rape, and it is not your fault.

To access any of the above services, please call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-334-2094, or 618-529-2324.