What Everyone Should Know About Sexual Assault

1. What Everyone Should Know About Sexual Assault Presented by Joe Hamilton, MA, LPC, NCC Assistant Director University Counseling Services Truman State University

2. The truth about Rape • Rape is an act of violence • Rape is about control & power, not about sexual desire • Rape is not the victim’s fault • Most rapes involve persons who are known to each other • No one asks to be raped • Rape can happen to anyone

3. Truman Surveys • 2006 Core Survey(487 responses) • 8.1% of females and 10.3% of males said they had been taken advantage of sexually during the past year. • 1.6% of females and 5.5% of males said that they had taken advantage of another sexually during the past year. • National College Health Assessment • Within the last school year, Truman students reported experiencing: Percent(%) Male Female 2005 2007 2005 2007 Verbal threats for sex against their will 1.7 4.1 4.4 2.4 Sexual touching against their will 5.2 6.1 13.9 12.2 Attempted sexual penetration against their will 0.7 2.0 4.8 3.3 Sexual penetration against their will 0.0 1.5 2.0 2.2 2005 – 1,126 responses 2007 – 659 responses

4. Truman’s Sexual Misconduct Policy “…the involvement in any sexual act with another person without the acknowledged and informed consent of the other person. Failure of the other person to object to the sexual act does not qualify as acknowledged and informed consent, particularly when the other person is incapacitated by drugs, alcohol, mental deficiency, or other disability.”

5. Prevention of Acquaintance Rape • Decide on your own personal sexual limits • Communicate Clearly • Be assertive - be firm • Avoid alcohol or drugs or excessive usage • Never leave a bar or party with someone you “just” met

6. Date Rape Prevention • Stay in control – there is no question of “owing” your date • Don’t let yourself be isolated • Trust your intuition – if you feel there’s something wrong get away immediately • Be wary of people who have little respect for others in general • Be wary of people who anger quickly, drink too much or are overly possessive

7. Predatory Drugs • Ruffies and GHB are date rape drugs (also called roofies, rope, ropies, the forget pill, roach, roachies, rib, rophies, la Roche, R-2) • Rapists use these drugs to fool someone & make them pass out • The drugs remove all memories of the time you’re under the influence (8-24 hour blackouts, memory loss, loss of muscle control, inability to move, prolonged sleeping) • The rapist can do whatever they want with you…

8. Watch Out For Yourself • Don’t drink beverages that you did not open yourself • Don’t exchange or share drinks • Don’t drink from a punch bowl • If someone offers you a drink, watch it being poured, carry it yourself • Don’t leave your drink unattended • If left unattended – get rid of it • Don’t drink anything that tastes unusual or looks suspicious

9. Watch Out for Friends • Have a designated “Sober” person to check up on each other • If a friend appears very intoxicated, gets sick, & passes out in an uncharacteristic way make sure they’re safe & if necessary call 911 • If you see someone “dosing” a drink or punch bowl – intervene & warn others • Tell friends about the dangers of date rape drugs

10. What to do when a rape occurs • If the assault has just occurred, first make sure that the victim feels safe. If not you may want to change locations. • Medical attention may be and often is required. • Victims may choose to pursue legal action. The sooner a report is made, the better the case against the assailant. • However, be open to the fact that the victim may not be at a place where they can process what has happened. Call Victim Support Services at 665-1617 (1-800-668-1617) for assistance. The sooner a report is made, the better the case against the assailant.

11. What to say to the victim • Helpful points to be communicated: • I’m glad your alive • It’s not your fault • I’m sorry that it happened • You did the best you could • I believe you • Ask the victim how he or she wants to be treated. Don’t take over control.

12. How to continue being of help • Be a good listener. Be around just to sit and talk. • Realize that this will completely disrupt the victims lives so be patient. • Understand that they are trying to regain control of their life and encourage them to make their own choices. • Seek help from other people. Rape is hard on everyone involved. The more support available, the better off everyone will be. Strongly consider professional assistance from University Counseling Services. Do not try to take on all of the responsibility alone.

13. What you can do to stop rape • Report • Communicate – Know your sexual limits • Alcohol and drug use increases risk • Speak up! Don’t be a bystander! • Be aware of rape supportive language • Support survivors of rape • Keep aware of rape issues and how they affect men and women • Join and support anti-violence organizations

14. Anti-violence organizations • http://www.mencanstoprape.org • http://www.oneinfourusa.org • http://www.rainn.org/

15. University Counseling Services(660) 785-4014 http://ucs.truman.edu ucs@truman.edu202 Patterson (located west of Grim Hall) • Free and confidential counseling to Truman students • 6 Full-time professional therapists • Offer individual, couples and group counseling • Open 8-5 M-F • Plus on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – 665-5621 • Do presentations to any group over a wide variety of topics • Referral assistance