• Anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault - anywhere, anytime regardless of age, sex, race or sexual orientation.
• Rapist are usually not strangers. More than 80 % of sexual assaults are committed by people who knew the victim such as date, acquaintance, neighbor or relative. This type of sexual assault has been termed "acquaintance" or "date" rape.
• The 2002 National Crime Victimization Survey found the rape/sexual assault rate for ages 16 to 19 to be nearly twice as high as all other age groups.
• Whether you know your attacker or not, many sexual assaults are planned.
• Over 70 % of sexual assaults involve the consumption of alcohol by the victim and or assailant.
• Take a free Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class offered by University Police.
• Practice possible responses to situations so that you can recall them even under the stress of a real encounter. Always have a safety plan of escape.
• Be alert at all times and trust your immediate instincts. Surprise and fear are two weapons an assailant relies upon the most. Awareness of your surroundings will help you minimize these advantages.
• Regarding "acquaintance" or "date" rape, know your own sexual values, expectations, wishes and intentions and communicate them clearly and openly.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization. Studies have shown that being under the influence of alcohol and or drugs is a contributing factor in many "acquaintance" / "date" rapes.
• In reference to rape drugs, (often slipped into a person’s drink), never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink you did not see made. Visit The National Women's Information Center web site for additional information on rape drugs.
• If you want to report the assault to Police you should not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes or clean up the area where the assault occurred. These actions could destroy evidence. University Police will ask you to accompany them to a hospital Emergency Room for medical treatment and testing.
