EOU POLICIES

  • Sexual Harrassment (click)
  • Sexual Misconduct (click)
  • Sexual Assault (click)
  • Sexual Assault Crisis & What to do (click)

SEXUAL ASSAULT DEFINED click

STATISTICS click

WRRC  click

WHERE TO GET HELP click

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF click

MYTHS & FACTS click

 

SAAM 2004 EVENTS CALANDER click

 

 

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault is an important issue on university campuses. Although sexual assault can happen to anyone, be aware that men perpetrate most sexual assaults, and most victims are women. The majority of sexual assaults that occur on university campuses are perpetrated by someone the victim already knows. It is the responsibility of both men and women to reduce the risk of sexual assault on campus. You can begin by examining your own attitudes and conveying a sense of respect to people around you.

Rape is not just a woman's problem. Nor is rape something that happens to someone else, somewhere else. It happens everywhere, every day, and every minute to girls and women of all ages. Family and friends of victims are also affected.

We are all affected: rape is the result of a culture that promotes male dominance and views women as inferior beings. It's the extreme expression of a continuum of sexist behaviors that inhibit women from having equal access to opportunities; these behaviors range from sex-role stereotyping and sexist remarks and jokes to sex-based discrimination and, ultimately, to actual sexual harassment and violence against women.

On Campuses:

Rape is a significant problem on college campuses across the nation, where most victims are acquainted with their assailants. A major research study has shown that one in eight college women is the victim of rape during her college years, while one in four is the victim of attempted rape. Most of the women (84%) knew the men who raped them and 57% of them were on dates. 95% did not report the rape to officials; 42% of the victims told no one (Koss, M. "Scope of Rape." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1987.) The effects of rape on these student victims can be devastating, creating emotional, trauma-related difficulties and, consequently, disrupting or ending their academic careers.

Because rape is everyone's problem, we can solve it only through the efforts of women and men working together. Take the time now to learn the facts about rape and what you can do.

Sexual Assault is a Serious Problem

  • Women aged 18-24 are in the highest risk group for being sexually assaulted.
  • Over 84% of the assaults on University campuses are committed by an acquaintance.
  • Twenty-five percent of college women in a large-scale national survey reported rape or attempted rape by a date or an acquaintance.
  • Up to 10% of college males report being physically coerced into having sex on a date.
  • gay and lesbian students report being victims of sexual assault by a partner

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted act of a sexual nature that is imposed by one or more people against a person of the same or opposite sex.

Sexual assault includes any unwanted act of a sexual nature ranging from unwanted touching, fondling, or kissing to forced intercourse.

All forms of sexual assault are criminal offenses, even when they occur in a marriage or dating relationship.

Most sexual assaults are committed by men against women; however, sexual assault can involve individuals of any sex or sexual orientation.

Who we are

The WRRC is dedicated to providing ongoing education on women's issues and other related justice issues. The center is a safe intellectual space for women and other diverse groups who experience the challenges of discrimination. The facility provides research materials on women's issues, experts on gender inequality, referrals to campus and community organization, and online resources.  WRRC's goal is to establish and maintain a strong, active presence on campus and in the community through center-sponsored activities.
     
If you just need a friendly ear, we are ready to listen, give you guidance, and provide research materials and information that may help you. The WRRC also houses NOW (National Organization of Women) and VOX (Voices for planned Parenthood).

Everyone is welcome at the Women’s Center. Our services, pamphlets, journals, and Internet sources are provided for free.

The WRRC is devoted to promoting sexual assault awareness through a variety of programs.

Where to get help

Sexual assaults are traumatic and often leave the person who has been assaulted feeling afraid, guilty, angry, isolated and confused. You do not need to deal with these feelings alone. Many concerned and professionally trained people are available at Eastern Oregon University and in the community to assist those affected by sexual assault.


University Resources

Women’s Research and Resource Center

962-3021

Security Services (24 hours) – Please call them to walk you to/from your car at night

962-3350 or 962-3911 (emergencies)

Student Counseling Services

962-3524

Student Health Center

962-3524

Student Affairs

962-3635

Safety Officer

962-3549

Residence Life Office

962-3553

Human Resources (SAIF Claims)

962-3548

Off-Campus Resources

Ambulance

911

Grande Ronde Hospital Emergency

963-1442

La Grande Fire Department

911

La Grande Police Department

911

Oregon State Police

963-7174

Sexual assault assessments are done only at Grande Ronde Hospital up to 48 hours after the assault.


Be Aware of Coercive Sexual Relationships

  • almost half of the men and half of the women on campuses engage in unwanted sex because their partner verbally coerces them or they are too intoxicated to give consent
  • verbal coercion includes pleading, blackmailing, continual pressuring or arguing and threatening to end the relationship
  • ask yourself of you feel free to refuse sexual activity - if not, think about whether you are being controlled or intimidated by your partner
  • make sure your sexual partner is freely consenting; otherwise, you may be charged with sexual assault

Ways to Prevent Sexual Assault

Communicate Clearly

  • clearly stating sexual limits is defined as the single most valuable weapon against acquaintance rape
  • if you say yes, say it clearly, if you say no, say it firmly and directly; if you are unsure of the other person wants sex, ask for clarification

Be Aware of the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol

  • a very high percentage of sexual assaults occur in situations where drugs and/or alcohol have been used

Trust Your Feelings

  • if you feel uncomfortable in a situation - leave
  • avoid controlling, intimidating, jealous, or intoxicated individuals

Avoid Dangerous Situations

  • avoid secluded places (apartments or residences) and meet dates in public places
  • don’t accept rides from people you don’t know well
  • when walking, look confident, be aware of your environment, and don’t walk alone at night in isolated areas
  • lock your residence and car doors
  • take advantage of self-defense programs


What to do if you are Sexually Assaulted

Go To a Safe Place

  • the assailant may still be nearby
  • you may wish to contact Security Services or the police

Call Someone that can provide you with support

  • a friend, family member or other resources such as the Grande Ronde Hospital, Student Counseling Services, Student Health Center, Campus Security, or the Women’s Center

Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • in case of possible injury, pregnancy, or exposure to a sexually transmitted disease

Reporting to the Police

  • to prosecute, you will need a special medical examination immediately following the assault to preserve important evidence
  • do not brush your hair or teeth, drink or smoke because these actions destroy evidence
  • contact the local police promptly
  • the Sexual Assault Center will provide you with support during a medical exam and while the police interview you

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

If you are a victim of sexual assault and are concerned about becoming pregnant, you may be able to take advantage of emergency contraceptive services. If the assault has occurred in the past 72 hours, you are a candidate for the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). Please call 962-3524 and ask for a same day appointment.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Women And Men:

 

·   Think about what your sexual limits are, and be prepared to communicate them directly.

 

·   Be aware of sex-role stereotypes that prevent you from acting as you want to, such as a woman not being able to initiate sexual activity or a man not being able to say "no".

 

·   Pay attention to nonverbal behaviors, including the signals you may be sending. Make sure that your body language is consistent with verbal messages.

 

·   Remember that alcohol and other drugs can interfere with your ability to communicate effectively and deal with potentially dangerous situations. Be responsible in your decision-making with regard to alcohol and drugs.

Women:

 

·   Learn to be assertive and speak directly. Don't worry about being polite. Expect and
    demand that your rights and feelings be respected.

 

·   Be aware that some men make assumptions about a woman's willingness to engage in
    sexual activity because of her behavior. If she's drinking heavily, dressed provocatively, or
    goes to his room, he may assume that she's available.

 

·   Trust your instincts. If the situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Confront the
    person immediately or leave.

 

·   Avoid being in a vulnerable situation with someone you don't know well.

 

·   Know how you're getting home from a social event. If the friend or group of friends you
    were planning on walking with have already left, call the Penn State Escort Service rather
    than walking alone or with someone you just met.

Use common sense to avoid stranger attacks:

 

·   lock your doors

 

·   cooperate with residence hall security measures

 

·   try to walk with someone at night

 

·   stay alert to your surroundings

 

·   take well-lit walkways

 

·   use the Escort Service

Men:

 

·   In a dating situation, listen carefully to the woman's statements. If you're confused about
    what she means, particularly if you feel that she's giving a mixed message, ask for
    clarification.

 

·   Don't make assumptions about a woman's behavior. You can't assume that a woman
    who drinks heavily, dresses provocatively, or goes to your room wants to have
    intercourse with you; if she consents to kissing or petting, again, don't assume that
    she's willing to have intercourse.

 

·   Assume that "no" means NO .

 

·   Do not exploit others sexually. Focus on consent and mutuality.

 

·   Avoid participating in peer pressure that encourages "scoring" and bragging about sexual
    activity. Instead, use peer pressure positively to discourage exploitation of women. For
    example, don't engage in "locker room" talk about women or laugh at rape jokes.

 

·   Confront exploitative and/or violent behaviors when they are occurring. As difficult as it
    may be, you truly will be helping all those involved.

HOW TO DEAL WITH RAPE

Learn the Facts

Myths about rape are pervasive in our culture. They function to discredit victims and make them feel personally responsible so they will not report the rape. Myths also give women a false sense of security and dis-inhibit the behavior of rapists. Replacing myths with facts is the first step in altering the conditions that lead to rape.

MYTH: Rape is a sexual crime, impulsively committed by a man for sexual gratification.

FACT: Rape is a crime of violence and aggression. Its intent is to overpower, degrade, and humiliate the victim.

MYTH: Rape can't happen to me or someone I know.

FACT: Rape victims come from all socioeconomic classes and ethnic backgrounds and range in age from 3 months to 97 years. Men and boys can be victims too. The highest rape victimization rate is for women between the ages of 16 and 19; the second highest is for women between the ages of 20 and 24.

MYTH: Most rapes are committed by strangers in a dark place at night.

FACT: It is estimated that as many as 80% of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Rape can take place anywhere, at any time. Many acquaintance rapes occur in the context of a dating relationship and typically take place on the man's turf. For college women, their normal social environment - a party where alcohol is used - involves more of a risk for sexual victimization than does walking alone down a dark street.

MYTH: Women provoke rape by how they behave, dress, or where they choose to go. Rape is the victim's fault.

FACT: Rape is never the victim's fault. If a woman wants to be involved sexually with a man, it would not be necessary for him to use force or threats of physical violence. Research shows that rapists look for available women they perceive as vulnerable.

MYTH: In a dating situation, when a woman says "no" she really means "yes".

FACT: "No" means NO.

MYTH: Women report rapes to get even with men or to protect their reputations.

FACT: According to the BI, fewer than 2% or reports are false, which is the same percentage for the false reporting of other crimes. In fact, anywhere from 50% to 90% of all rapes are not reported to police.

KNOW WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS RAPED

No matter how careful you or your friends are, it may not be possible to prevent a rape. Then it becomes important to know what to do to help yourself or a friend feel safe again. Remember that it is not your fault or her fault. No one asks to be raped, and no one deserves it.

Female Victims:

After a rape occurs, female victims should:

 

·   Get to a safe place as soon as she can.

 

·   Try to preserve all physical evidence. The victim should not bathe, shower, douche, use
    the toilet, or change clothing until she has a medical exam.

 

·   Contact the police. Rape is a crime; it is important to report it. However, reporting a
    crime is not the same as prosecuting. The decision to prosecute can be made at a later
    time.

 

·   Get medical attention as soon as possible. An exam will determine the presence of
    physical injury, sexually transmissible diseases, or pregnancy; it is important for her well
    being. The exam, if done within 72 hours following the rape, can obtain evidence to assist
    in criminal prosecution.

 

·   Contact a close friend who can be with her for support. The friend can accompany her to
    the medical exam and/or police department.

 

·   Consider talking to a counselor. She may be feeling a variety of strong emotions - fear,
    anxiety, depression, guilt, powerlessness, shame, shock, disbelief, embarrassment,
    denial, and anger. She may also have some physical problems such as sleep
    disturbances and nausea. Therefore, seeing a counselor may be important in helping her
    understand her feelings and begin the process of recovery.

   

As a friend of a victim, there are things you can do to help. The kind of support she gets determines how quickly she will heal from the rape.

 

·   It's important to listen in a non-judgmental way.

 

·   Let her know she is not to blame.

 

·   Encourage action.

 

·   Let her regain control of her life by making decisions she needs to make.

 

·   Understand that each victim reacts and recovers differently.

Most likely you will be affected too, take care of yourself and your own needs as well.

Male Victims:

While most victims of sexual assault are women, men can be victims too. At EOU the same medical, emotional, and legal services are available to men. Health care is provided through Grande Ronde Hospital and/or University Health Services.