Is it Rape?

January 28, 2017
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Is it rape?


First off, if you’re even asking this question…if you’re wondering whether a sexual encounter is rape or not, we’re so sorry. Maybe you’re looking for answers for yourself, a friend or a family member, whatever the case, we want you to know that you’re not alone. If you have questions about what “counts” as rape, we hope this blog will be helpful.


From 2006 to 2010, 2 of every 3 rape or sexual assault incidents weren’t reported to the police. That means about 65% of rape victims don’t report what has happened to them. And 6% of those victims don’t report because they believe their assault isn’t important enough to be reported. Additionally, 13% believe the police can’t or won’t help.


These statistics tell us that if you’re confused about whether what has happened is rape or not, or if you haven’t reported it or if you aren’t sure the police could help, you aren’t alone.


So let’s talk about what rape is.


In Nebraska, sexual assault is defined as

  • sexual penetration without the consent of the victim or
  • when the offender knows or should know the victim is incapable of resisting or
  • when the offender is 19 or older and the victim is younger than 16


This means it’s rape if you don’t consent to the sexual activity. If you don’t give permission for someone to have sex with you or to put any part of his body in you, it is – by law – considered sexual assault.


It IS rape

  • if you were asleep
  • if you were threatened
  • if you were incapacitated by drugs or alcohol
  • if you were unconscious
  • if you were forced
  • if you are under the age of consent (16 in Nebraska)
  • if you changed your mind or if your no was ignored


Even if

  • you know the person or are in a relationship with the person
  • you have already had sex with that person on another occasion
  • you were fooling around but then you changed your mind
  • you were drunk 71 or high or dressed provocatively
  • the person took you to dinner or bought you gifts


If both people don’t willingly agree to sexual activity, it’s sexual assault or rape.


If you read this and realize you have been raped, you’re not alone. Sadly, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men are raped at some time in their lives. And for women, only 13.8% of rapes are done by strangers. Most offenders are the intimate partners of the victims – husbands or boyfriends.


Anyone of any gender, age, sexuality, social class or level of ability can be raped. There’s no excuse for rape, and it’s never the victim’s fault. If you’ve been raped, we want you to know, it’s not your fault. You did not ask to be assaulted.


We know it may be difficult to talk about but if you have questions on what to do next or need someone to talk to, we’re here to help. Feel free to call us in Kearney, (308) 234-9880 or in Grand Island, (308) 675-2217. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have been sexually assaulted contact Campus Police,Kearney Police or the Grand Island Police right away. Also, the Family Advocacy Network in Kearney and the Willow Rising in Grand Island are great resources if you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault.

March 26, 2026
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
February 10, 2026
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January 23, 2026
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