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Winston Salem Health – Sexual Assault statistics are alarming – especially on college campuses.

Sexual Assault Facts

Campus Sexual Assault According to a 1993 survey of 6,000 college students:

• one of four college females reported being victims of rape or attempted rape during preceding year
• 90% of rapes go unreported
• 50% of males believe women say “no” when they actually mean “yes”
• women need to say “no” an average of three times before they are believed
• 30% of male students continued sexual advances after partner said “no” and one of every six admitted forcing sexual contact
  Acquaintance/Date Rape is a serious violation of the code of student conduct. The act will be handled as a campus disciplinary matter resulting in possible dismissal. Sexual assault is a crime in Colorado. Victims are strongly encouraged to report the crime to the local police.
• Over 84% of sexual assaults on a college campus are perpetrated by someone known to the survivor – a friend, partner, colleague, classmate, roommate, floor mate (Warshaw, R “I Never Called It Rape” 1988; Department Of Justice Report, 2001).

Ways to Avoid Circumstances that Might lead to Sexual Assault

Men:

• Understand your sexual desires and limits. You are responsible for your actions as an individual and as a member of a group. Be aware of and resist negative social pressure.
• Being turned down when you ask for sexual relations is not a rejection of you personally. A woman who says “no” to sexual relations is not necessarily rejecting you; she is expressing her unwillingness to participate in a specific act at a specific time.
• Accept the woman’s decision. “No” means “no.” Don’t read in other meanings. Don’t continue after the woman says “no”.
• Don’t assume that just because a woman flirts or dresses in a manner you consider sexy that she wants to engage in sexual activity.
• Don’t assume that previous permission for sexual activity applies to the current situation.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
  Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.

Women:

• Understand your sexual desires and limits. Believe in your right to set those limits. If you are not sure, stop.
• Communicate your limits clearly. If someone starts to offend you, tell him so, firmly and promptly. Polite approaches might be misunderstood or ignored. Say “no” when you mean “no.
• Be assertive; passivity might be interpreted as permission. Be direct and firm with someone who is pressuring you sexually.
• Pay attention to what is happening around you. If you feel threatened, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or to leave.
• Trust your intuition. If you feel you are being pressured into unwanted sexual relations, don’t hesitate to express your unwillingness, even if it might appear rude.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking, effective communication, and your ability to respond in your own best interest.

If You or a Friend have been Sexually Assaulted

Rape can be terrifying and traumatic. After a rape, it’s not uncommon to feel fearful, confused, guilty, ashamed, or isolated. You do not have to deal with these feelings alone. There are many concerned people at the University of Denver and in the community to help you.