Sexual assault, or rape, is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances by
a person that either results in intercourse or sexual touching. Below are
some
facts about sexual assault as well as resources if you or someone you know
has been assaulted.
Facts:
- According to FBI statistics, one in four women will be sexually assaulted
in their lifetime.
- Most rapes are committed by someone that the victim knows.
- If you have been sexually assaulted you have 72 hours to have a rape
kit done. After 72 hours a kit can still be done but it will not be as reliable.
- Often sexual assaults are connected with the use of alcohol and other
drugs. For more information go to Date Rape Drugs on this site.
Risk reduction:
- Watch your drink when you are out. Don't leave your beverage unattended
or accept a drink from an open container.
- Know where the people you attended the party with are at and make an
agreement to not leave without each other.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Use your intuition. If you think someone is acting strange, or you see
them start to have extreme fits of energy while they have been drinking,
(and it
is out of character for them) this may be a sign of a possible drugging.
- If you are starting to feel unsafe or unsure of a person while you are
on a date or just hanging out, do not be ashamed to end the date or excuse
yourself. Never be afraid to call for help.
Prevention:
- Accept that No means No. And, you always have the right to say No.
- Remember that you do not “owe” your date any sexual favors
for taking you out.
- Don’t assume that previous sexual contact means that sex
is always an option.
- Never force anyone to have sex.
- Avoid excessive uses of drugs and alcohol.
- Remember that thinking someone wants sex is not the same as knowing for
sure so talk to your partner.
What to do if you are raped or sexually assaulted:
- Go somewhere safe and seek emotional support from friends, an RA, staff
member, Public Safety or local agency.
- Get medical attention immediately. Locally, contact the YWCA Sexual Assault
Hotline, 774-RAPE.
- Do not change clothes, bathe, shower, or douche before going to the hospital.
Doing so may destroy important medical evidence. If you have changed
clothes, bring your soiled clothing with you in a paper bag (not plastic)
for evidence
collection. Forensic evidence may be collected up to 72 hours after
an assault.
- Seek counseling.
- Report the rape.
How to help a friend who has been raped:
- Listen and be there for them.
- Assure them that it was not their fault.
- Don't be judgmental.
- Be patient and allow them the time they need to heal.
- Encourage your friend to talk to a counselor.
On campus resources include:
The Counseling Center, 331-3266, the Women’s Center, 331-2748 and the
Dean of Students office, 331-3585. All information is confidential.
Off campus resources include:
YWCA Sexual Assault Hotline, 774-RAPE. The YWCA also has a nurses examiner
program that collects evidence for rape kits.
The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, www.rainn.org
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org,
Men Can Stop Rape, and organization working to show how men can
prevent sexual assault, www.mencanstoprape.org
Michigan law against sexual assault, http://courts.michigan.gov
