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Safety Tips for Students - The Facts About
Sexual Assault
The Facts About Sexual Assault:
* Sexual assault is defined as any sexual contact without consent
(touching of intimate body areas, intercourse or penetration).
It is a violation of a person's physical and emotional well
being and is often motivated by the perpetrator's desire to
exert power and control over another person.
* Victims need to understand that this crime is usually planned
and that the victim is NOT responsible for the assault.
* Awareness that sexual assaults can, and do, occur on campus,
as in any community, is the first step you can take towards
increasing your personal safety.
* The majority of sexual assaults that occur in the campus
community are committed by people known to their victims, such
as casual acquaintances through academic, living, work, social,
or recreational interactions, including dating. Perpetrators
may be anyone you know - your date, a classmate, co-worker,
boss, or even a partner or spouse.
* Often, these types of assaults are not reported to the police
because people do not think that when a friend of acquaintance
subjects them to unwanted sexual intercourse or contact it is
considered sexual assault. They may come away from an experience
thinking, "That was an awful experience. I felt helpless.
I feel so angry about it!" but not think of calling the
police or available victim services. Also, some victims deny
their victimization as a means of coping with their pain.
If you, or someone you care about, has been the victim of
sexual assault, please call the Victim Assistance Team at 491-7111
to become connected with resources to help you!
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