Sexual Assault Prevention
Studies of campus crime rates across the United States, indicate that there is a significant risk to new students entering college - especially during the first few weeks of fall semester.
Incoming Freshmen, who are away from home and without parental supervision for the first time, tend to engage in risky behaviors that greatly increase their risk of becoming sexual assault victims. This is especially true for female students, but male students should not rule out the possibility of assault. Here are some facts you should keep in mind:
1. The most commonly used "date rape" drug is alcohol
*Almost without exception, sexual assault
cases reported to University Police Services involve a victim who
was intoxicated at the time of assault. Alcohol is a drug, use it with
caution.
*Never
accept open containers or mixed drinks - it
is a common practice among college students to add stronger alcohol, or other
substances to a person's drink to increase the rate of intoxication. When
in doubt, discard the drink and demand an unopened container. With mixed
drinks, watch the
bartender mix your drink and accept it only from him/her directly.
*Know
your limits, if you feel that you are losing control, stop drinking. Be
wary of persons urging you to drink more than you feel comfortable with.
Alcohol affects individuals differently, factors such as age, weight, previous
drinking experience, altitude, etc. change intoxication rates. Never try to "keep up" or prove that you can hold as much alcohol as
the next person.
2. The majority of sexual assault victims know their assailant
*Never "pair off" with someone you just met at a party or social event -
even if the person is a "friend of a friend." Make a deal with a
buddy to watch out for you and vice versa. Nationwide statistics show that
almost 80% of sexual assault perpetrators are known to the victim, at least as
an acquaintance. Never assume that you can trust a person you have
met socially once or twice. Remember, it is in the best interest of a
perpetrator to appear to be a "nice guy."
*Trust
your own instincts. If you feel uneasy about any given person or
situation, chances are there's a good reason for those feelings. It's
better to remove yourself and be safe, than to ignore your instincts and risk a
negative, life changing experience.
3. Males can be victims too
*Nationwide, campus crime rates are rising rapidly. In the past few years, sexual assaults of men and women, serious injuries and deaths have been reported across the country as a result of pranks, hazing, hate crime, or just plain stupidity on the part of college students. Please exercise caution at all times, but especially in situations where large groups of people and large quantities of alcohol are present.
4. No response means No
*Engaging in sexual acts with any person who has not given his or her permission for the act, is a crime under the laws of the state of Nevada. A person who is intoxicated, or otherwise incapacitated, cannot legally give consent. (Also, in the State of Nevada, persons under the age of 16 cannot give legal consent.) If there is any doubt, STOP. Sex crimes carry serious legal consequences and could remain on your record for the rest of your life. Don't take that risk, it's not worth it.
For more information on Sexual Assault Prevention and related issues,follow these links:
View the documentary film, "Take Back the Night"
