The assault is accomplished by the use of force, the threat of force, or without force when the survivor is unable to physically or mentally give her or his consent. It is the destruction of a feeling of control over one's body, life, and the course of events.
Rape is an experience of violation, degradation, and humiliation.
It often infuses the survivors with the shock of their own vulnerability. There is not one type of rape. The survivor's perception of the experience is affected by many variables. It is important to realize that even if the situations of the rape are similar, people are individuals and respond differently to similar situations. Although generalizations are useful and sometimes helpful in learning about the phenomenon of rape and the impact on survivors, it is important to understand that there are always different reactions than those that have been generalized.