Senate contender Todd Akin - who touched off a firestorm last week with controversial comments about rape - is soldiering on.

On Friday, the Missouri Republican vowed to stay in the race, despite mounting pressure to step down.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) REPRESENTATIVE TODD AKIN SAYING:

"Apparently, there are some people who are having trouble understanding our message. I'd like to be clear on that today and that we are going to be here through the November election and we are going to be here to win."

Akin was slammed for saying that women have biological defenses to prevent pregnancy in cases of "legitimate rape," making legal abortion unnecessary.

A chorus of voices have called on him to step down, including presidential contender Mitt Romney.

His decision to stay in the race has drawn fury - including from those working with sexual assault victims.

(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) MARILYN BRAY, SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR AND OUTREACH AND EMPOWERMENT COORDINATOR AT CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY, SAYING:

"Comments like that, they send the message to survivors that are sexually assaulted that they shouldn't speak ot, they won't be believed, that they might be judged."

The controversy comes at an inopportune for Republicans who have seen it overshadow the impending coronation of Romney as their candidate in November's presidential election.