Student Handbook: Date Rape

Being forced into having sex - even if it’s by someone you know - is still rape, and it’s a crime. Nothing you do, say or wear gives anyone the right to assault you sexually or otherwise. Rape, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body and your trust.

If this happens to you:

• Tell someone - the police, a friend, the rape crisis center, a counselor.
• Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty, and don’t try to ignore it.
• Do not shower, wash, douche or change your clothes, even though that’s your immediate reaction. If you choose to press charges, the evidence will be there.
• Seek medical attention.
• You may have internal injuries.
• Don’t live with the fear of VD, AIDS, or an unwanted pregnancy.
• Get counseling to help you deal with your feelings.

If it happens to someone you know:

• Listen. Do not judge.
• Give comfort. Let them know they are not to blame. Realize an individual may be dealing with fear, embarrassment, humiliation and guilt.
• Encourage action. Stand by their decision to call the police, contact a hotline and go to the hospital.
• Do not be overly protective. Encourage them to make decisions and take control as soon as they feel able.
• Don’t let your feelings get in the way of helping an individual.

Personal Safety Reminders

• Practice being aware of your surroundings and of the behavior of the people around you. Follow your intuition; trust your feelings about a situation.
• Be aware of your feelings when you are faced with situations in which you do not feel relaxed or in charge. If you feel uncomfortable, act on it.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization and violate the CCC Drug and Alcohol Policy.
• In general, the more information you have about a person, a situation and your own feelings and reactions, the safer you will feel.
• Practice the buddy system; when working after hours let others know where you are, what time you plan to return, how to reach you and what route you will take.
• When studying or working late, make sure doors are locked. Avoid using stairs in remote sections of a building.
• Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short period of time.
• Don’t leave your purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop computer unattended or unoccupied. If possible, always secure valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer. Avoid leaving valuables on or beneath a desk.
• Report suspicious persons and/or activity to administrators, campus security, Student Life Managers, Director of Student Life, faculty or custodians.
• Never leave your drink unattended because there are colorless and odorless drugs used in drug facilitated sexual assault which can be slipped into any type of beverage. If you leave your drink unattended, do not finish it. Get a new one.
• If you think your drink has been tampered with, seek medical attention immediately and request the hospital to conduct toxicology testing.