College Students & Sexual Violence

What You Should Know about Date Rape and Safety on College Campuses

© Naomi Rockler-Gladen

Jul 17, 2007

Sexual assault on college campuses is an epidemic. Sexual violence is a painful and psychologically devastating experience for victims, and many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, up to 40% of rape victims develop sexually transmitted diseases. If you're a student on a college campus, you need to know the facts about sexual violence on campus.

Statistics. According to the American Association of University Women:

• 20 to 25 percent of college women are raped during their college career.
• 65 percent of these attacks go unreported
• Alcohol is involved in 75 percent of attacks.

{Source: The American Association of University Women, 2004)

Facts. Here are some things you need to know about rape:

1. No one deserves to be raped, ever. Many women blame themselves because they were drinking, wearing revealing clothes, or some other reason. While rape victims sometimes make lapses in judgment--as does everybody-- no lapse in judgement is ever deserving of rape. No rape victim is ever "asking for it." If you are the victim of sexual violence, please understand that what happened was wrong and that it was not your fault.
2. Most rapists are not strangers. Yes, you should be careful when you're walking alone at night. However, stranger rape is much less common than rape at the hands of someone the victim knows. This type of rape is known as date rape or acquaintance rape. What's more, the majority of rapes are planned.
3. Forced intercourse is not the only kind of rape. While the definition of what constitute rape varies, you should know that all unwanted sexual contact is sexual violence, and it's wrong.
4. Men are raped too. By far, most victims of sexual assault are women, but this isn't always the case.

What should you do if you get raped?

1. Get yourself to a safe place. Don't be shy about calling 911, especially if you are injured or if you fear another attack. If at all possible, find a supportive person who can help you, like a close friend or a residence assistant.
2. Resist the urge to take a bath or a shower. Cleaning yourself is a natural impulse, but don't. Your body is covered with physical evidence that can help catch the rapist. Preserve all evidence, such as your clothing.
3. Get medical attention immediately! Even if you do not plan to report the rape, it is crucial that you seek help at the campus health center or elsewhere. Prompt medical assistance reduces you chance of developing some STDs, and many women choose to take the morning after pill to prevent pregnancy. Rape victims also sustain other physical injuries, and you may be more hurt than you realize. Yes, an intimate medical exam is the last thing you want after such a horrible experience, but it's something you need to do for the sake of your health.
4. Get psychological counseling as soon as possible. Rape is a traumatic experience, and most women need help coping. Be kind to yourself and get the help you need! Most campus counselors are well trained to help rape victims. A great resource is the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
5. Report the assault to the campus and/or city police. Many women choose not to do this, and their decisions should be respected. But if you are raped, please consider reporting it. Doing so may prevent the rapist from hurting someone else, and if enough women report rapes, rape statistics may go down because the consequences will go up. And even if the rapist never strikes again, that bastard deserves to be punished. If there's a chance the rapist could attack you again, definitely report him.

Reducing the risk of rape. Rape is never the victim's fault. However, there are some important safety precautions you can take to reduce the risk.

1. If you drink, be very careful. Again, alcohol is a factor in the majority of sexual assault cases. Know your limit when it comes to alcohol. Never drink unless you are with friends you trust, and do not drink excessively on a date.
2. Date carefully. No, you don't have to treat your dates as potential rapists, but use caution. Never let yourself be alone with someone you don't know well, including in a car. For the first few dates, consider going on group dates and staying in public places. And ask around, especially before a blind date. Be careful about meeting people online, as they're not always what they claim to be.
3. Take precautions at night. Although most rapes are acquaintance rapes, you still need to be careful. Walk with a friend, and take advantage of campus escort programs.
4. Follow your instincts. If a situation feels dangerous, you may be right. Always err on the side of caution and get out.

Remember, rape is never the victim's fault. If you've been sexually assaulted, get physical and psychological help promptly. Help is available, so know that you are not alone.

See also: College students and eating disorders

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