Rape is not like most crimes. It is quiet, living in the shadows of children’s bedrooms, in the alleyways of city streets and in the subtle bonds of committed relationships.
Girls aged 16 to 19 are four times more likely than the general population to become victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
The topic is taboo and only discussed in whispers. Just because it is not talked about, though, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. This compilation of photos stands as a message.
Rape happens, and it happens to many high schoolers here. Just as frightening: 15 out of 16 rapists will never spend a day in jail.
These photos are in recognizable Rock Bridge locations to show that this issue is slinking along within our halls.  Each person wrote what was said to him or her right before the crime was committed against; some images show how the victim felt afterward.
The people in these photos are not identified because it is not just these seven brave individuals that are important. They will remain faceless because this crime does not discriminate. It happens to every age, sex and race.
“When someone has been raped, that person has to work through so many incredibly painful and difficult emotions: shame, anger, guilt, regret.” RBHS Crisis Counselor Leslie Kersha said. “That person has to learn how to trust again.  It isn’t easy to begin to work through these emotions and to begin to heal, but it is incredibly important for a rape survivor to realize that he or she is not alone and to utilize a support system.”
By Maria Kalaitzandonakes
[nggallery id=52] If, and most likely when, you are confronted by a friend or family member dealing with this problem, or you are dealing with it yourself, take action. Here are numbers you can call.
Contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center toll free at 877.739.3895.
Contact the Abuse Rape Shelter Hotline in Columbia, MO at 573-875-1370.