Resources for Greeks - Protecting Yourself from Sexual Assult

College campuses can be a place where sexual assult can occur. Both fraternity and sorority organizations should consider having their local law enforcement agencies present the statistics and protection methods to their organization. Education for both Fraternity and Sorority members is one the best ways to prevent sexual assult on college campuses.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that you do not want or agree to. It ranges from inappropriate touching to sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations, such as: date rape, domestic or intimate partner violence; or by a stranger. All forms of sexual assault are crimes!

Sexual assault is an act of power and control and is not related to sexual urge. The offender, who often is an intimate partner, acquaintance, or family member, can plan the assault ahead of time. Nearly 6 out or 10 rape or sexual assault incidents are reported by victims to have occurred in their own home or at the home of a friend, relative, or neighbor (U.S. Department of Justice). No matter who attacks you, sexual assault is a crime.

Sometimes, the offender is able to take advantage of the victim because the victim is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Certain chemical substances, commonly referred to as "date rape" drugs have been given to victims without their knowledge, they make the victim unable to resist assault, and also cause an amnesia-like affect so the victim is uncertain about what happened. Even if you were drinking alcohol or taking drugs at the time of the attack, sexual assault is a crime.

Unfortunately, rape or sexual assault is the violent crime least often reported to law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys. Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to the police. Results of a recent survey of victims who did not report rape, or attempted rape to the police, illustrate reasons for not coming forward. A majority of 43% thought that nothing could be done, 27% thought it was a private matter, 12% were afraid of police response, and 12% thought it was not important enough. Victims need to remember that sexual assault is against the law. It is a crime. You have the right, in fact the duty, to report this crime to the police, and to be treated fairly and with dignity

Who are the victims of sexual assault?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 91% of the victims of rape and sexual assault are female and 9% are male. (Nearly 99% of the reported offenders are male.) The National Victim Center reports that 683,000 women are raped per year, and 13.3% of college women say they had been forced to have sex in a dating situation. The "National Violence Against Women Survey" found of the women who reported being raped, 54% were under the age of 18 at the time of the first rape and 83% were under the age of 25. However, sexual assault affects women, children, and men of all ages, racial, cultural and economic backgrounds.

How can I help prevent being sexually assaulted?

Always try to be aware of your surroundings.

Practice walking with an "air" of confidence and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave immediately.

When out with friends at social events, never leave with someone you’ve just met. Don’t use drugs or alcohol, which might impair your judgement.

Avoid isolated places, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.

Always avoid walking alone, especially at night.

If you think you are being followed, run towards a lighted house, restaurants, stores or other public places. If possible, always carry a cell phone.

Don’t hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker – ever!

If possible, stay in areas where there are other people around, and park your car in areas with good lighting. Always keep your car locked and have your key ready to use before you reach the vehicle.

If your car breaks down, turn on your emergency flashers, lock the doors, stay in your car, and call for help on the cell phone. If you don’t have a phone, put on the emergency flashers. Get out of the vehicle and quickly lift your hood, use road flares whenever possible, get back in the car, and lock the doors. If someone stops to offer assistance, roll the window down enough so he or she can hear you, and ask them to call the police or a towing service like "AAA".

When at home, don’t open your door to strangers. Always check the identity of salespersons or service people before opening the door. It’s also a good idea to have another adult in the home with you when service people come.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Have a peephole in the door (install one if you don’t) and illuminated entrances. Know a neighbor you can call or rely on if something seems suspicious and you need immediate help.

If you are involved in an abusive relationship, create a safety plan so you know what you would do in the event of an attempted attack. A good safety plan may include:

Knowing the best escape routes to get away from the attacker (windows, stairwells, basement exits), knowing a safe place to go (a friend or family member you can trust).

Have a survival kit of money, keys, clothes, and important personal information like bank account numbers, phone numbers, and legal documents.

Know the number for a domestic violence hotline.

Avoid arguing with the abuser in areas where there are potential weapons.

Open a personal savings account, separate from your abuser.

Common Sense Tips to Avoid Assaults:

Stand tall and walk with an air of confidence.

Watch where you are going and what is going on around you.

Walk along busy streets and areas with good lighting.

Try to walk with friends whenever possible.

Avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys, deserted streets and wooded areas.

Know your neighborhood well.

Identify police and fire stations, libraries, schools and the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.

Don't carry more money than you’ll need for the day, but do carry emergency change for a telephone call.

When you are out late at night, you should have a friend accompany you - don't go out alone.

Also, always let someone know where you will be going and when you will return.

Never - Never hitchhike or give a stranger a ride.

When you’re driving, always park your vehicle in well-lit spaces and lock the doors.

Before getting into your vehicle, check for assailants that may be hiding in the back seat or on the floor.

If you are harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run to safety.

How do I handle a sexual assault? The "National Crime Prevention Council" (NCPC) explains that there are no hard and fast, right or wrong answers to handle an attacker. It depends on your emotional state and physical state, the situation, and the attacker’s personality. Survival is the goal, but NCPC recommends the following:

Be on the lookout for opportunities to escape. Screaming and making noise will most often discourage a potential attacker from following.

When confronted or harassed by a possible attacker, talk, stall for time, and evaluate your options.

If an attacker has a weapon, you may have no choice but to submit. Survival is first priority, so do whatever it takes to survive. If you decide to fight back, you must be quick, determined, and effective. Target the eyes, throat, or groin and run for help if you get the opportunity.

What do I do if I am sexually assaulted?

If possible, get away from the attacker to a safe place as fast as possible. Call a friend or a family member that you trust. Call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor. A good national hotline is the "National Domestic Violence Hotline" 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD).

Regardless of emotional stress try not to feel ashamed or guilty. These feelings are normal, but it’s important to get counseling from a trained professional.

Don’t wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Don’t change your clothes if possible, and don’t touch or change anything at the scene where the assault occurred, remember that it is a crime scene.

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. You will need to be examined and treated for any injury, and screened for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. The doctor may be able to collect evidence that the attacker left behind, like fibers, hair, saliva, or semen. A "rape kit" is usually used to help collect these things. You or the hospital personnel can call the police from the emergency room and file a report.

Where else can I go for help?

If you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. Never be afraid to ask for help or support. There are agencies that will help you. Here are a few that you can call:

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD)

National Coalition Against Sexual Assault 717-728-9764

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network 1-800-656-HOPE

There are many organizations and telephone hotlines in every state or locale. These crisis centers and organizations work hard to stop assaults and to help the unfortunate victims. In addition, you can find the numbers of shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance in your local phone book, or by simply calling information.

How can I help someone who has been sexually assaulted?

First, you can help someone who’s been sexually assaulted by believing the victim. Showing support can be as easy as listening and offering your support. Go with the victim to the police station, hospital, or counseling if needed. Let the victim know that she or he is not at fault and the assailant is to blame. It’s normal to feel angry and ashamed following an assault. Assistance in finding a support group to help the victim through the emotional trauma caused by the assault is another great way to help