Sexual Assault Prevention

Most sexual assaults are not committed by sociopathic strangers hiding in the shadows. College students are actually in far greater danger of being sexually assaulted by a friend or a fellow student than by a stranger. With its high number of dating and social activities, the campus setting can offer opportunities for date rape to occur.

When a victim's relationship with the offender or the circumstances that are involved make a victim hesitant to report a sexual crime, the term "date rape" or "acquaintance rape" is frequently used. Sometimes the offender is a date or a friend. Sometimes alcohol or drug consumption or sexual play past a mutually agreed upon point is forced upon a partner.

Just as victims have been mistaken about feeling responsible for being attacked, perpetrators have tended to deny their guilt and responsibility. An otherwise reasonable person may suggest that it is all right to pressure or force someone to have sex if:

He/she paid for a dinner or a night out, especially if the evening was expensive.
The victim changed his/her mind.
They have had sex before.
There was flirtatious behavior.
The situation was a result of a bar pick-up or other pick-up situation.

These, however, never excuse inappropriate behavior. There is one single principle to remember: when any form of sex is against a person's will, it is against the law:
It is never okay to force yourself on another person.
Sex is never owed or due to someone.
If you have any doubts about what your partner wants, stop and ask.

AVOIDING ASSAULT
There are a number of precautions that anyone can take to reduce the risk of being victimized:

Travel with friends whenever possible.
Walk directly and with purpose.
Plan your route in advance. Use only well-lit areas.
When leaving school or working late, leave with a group. Never be the last one out alone.
Travel in comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Carry a pocketbook only if absolutely necessary, but protect valuables.
Do not respond to advances from strangers or communicate with them in any way.
If being followed, do not go home. Go to a police station or nearest public place.
Service your car regularly to avoid breakdowns.
Keep your car locked while riding or parked.
Park in well-lit areas.
When approaching your car, begin checking from a distance under the car, nearby hiding places, etc.
Have your keys ready.
Check the backseat.
Report suspicious activity to the school and/or police.
Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. An immediate reaction of yelling, hitting, or biting may give you a chance to escape, but it may also lead to further harm.
If your life is in danger, passive resistance (vomiting, urinating, telling the attacker you¡¦re diseased or menstruating) may be your best defense.

VICTIMS OF ASSAULT:
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
After an attack, the victim should try to be as calm as possible. Getting to a safe place and calling for help promptly is extremely important. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis service. Leave the crime scene exactly as it is, not touching anything, cleaning up, or throwing anything away.

Do not change, wash, or destroy any clothing or wash any part of your body. Women should not douche. If the attack occurs on campus, immediately contact the Dean for Student Affairs or the Director of Facilities. It's important to receive medical aid promptly. Not only can internal and external injuries be treated, but measures can also be taken to combat the possibilities of disease. This is also an opportunity to collect evidence.

As soon as possible, write down every detail about the incident.
Who, what, where, and how.
What the rapist looked like.
The make and model of the vehicle.
What kind of force or coercion was used.
Any objects touched, taken, or left by the rapist.
If the rapist said anything, try to remember the words, the grammar, any accents, or speech defects.
If there were witnesses, obtain names and addresses, if possible.

A victim should seek professional help and not try to deal with rape alone. Several numbers to call are available through the Counseling Office.

COUNSELING AND SUPPORT SERVICES
We at ACC are concerned for each and every student¡¦s safety and security. Please contact the Counseling Office for a listing of community agencies. Data concerning reported on-campus crimes can be obtained from the Office of the Director of Facilities in Warren Hall.

REMEMBER: Every emergency situation is different. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.