Introduction This Handbook is a 1995 revision of the previous Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment Handbook drafted by the Handbook Revision Committee. Thanks go to the Staff and Students of Residential Life, Security and Safety, Student Affairs and RMRW for the writing, typing, layout, and editing in which they assisted. A special thank you to Kristine Cannon for her original and insightful input on "Violations of Privacy." The information in this publication, current as of the time of printing, may be subject to change between editions. Any revisions will take priority over the contents of this edition and will be given the necessary publicity to acquaint members of the University community with them. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to make note of such changes. Introduction Your educational environment is important. Bemidji State University is committed to providing a safe place conducive to learning. Behaviors which impact heavily on that environment are violence and other violations of individual rights and privacy, such as sexual misconduct, physical assault, arson, theft, vandalism, stalking, unauthorized entry and electronic harassment. This Handbook was developed by students, faculty and staff and is intended to address these issues. Written as a resource for students, it will also serve faculty and staff as they assist and advise you. All of us are affected by behaviors such as these; we feel that the more knowledge you have concerning violent situations and your rights to privacy, the more control you will have over yourself and your environment. Sexual
Violence Sexual violence is any sexual conduct between two or more people to which at least one person does not or cannot consent. All five degrees of criminal sexual conduct are considered sexual violence. What Is Acquaintance Rape? Acquaintance rape is criminal sexual conduct consisting of non-consensual sex between adults who know each other. Acquaintances include platonic, dating, marital, professional, academic or familial relationships. Bemidji State University Policy: Acts of sexual violence, assault or abuse, such as rape, acquaintance rape, or other forms of non-consensual sexual activity will not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal behavior and create an environment contrary to the goals and mission of our University. The
Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Law * Identifies 5 degrees of criminal sexual conduct. (see below) * Stipulates that the victim's testimony need not be corroborated. * Provides that the victim need not prove resistance. * Provides that medical costs arising from examining the victim for purposes of gathering evidence be paid by the county in which the offence was committed. * Provides that, as a general rule, evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior in not admissible in court. Criminal Sexual Conduct is defined as: Any sexual contact which is forced on someone against her/his will. Contact is defined as: Intentional touching of a person's groin, inner thigh, buttock or breast even over clothing. Penetration is defined as: Insertion of penis, fingers and/or objects into vaginal or anal openings. Force can include: Intimidation, physical force, use of a weapon, use of authority, or other forms of power. Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct Fifth Degree is a gross misdemeanor and involves non-consensual non-violent sexual contact or intentional or attempted removal of clothing with sexual or aggressive intent... Fourth Degree is a felony and involves forced sexual contact through the use of force, coercion or personal injury to the victim. Third Degree is a felony and involves sexual penetration through the use of force, coercion or personal injury to the victim. Second Degree is a felony and involves forced sexual contact; threat with a dangerous weapon; reasonable fear of victim, for self, or others; great bodily harm or personal injury to the "complainant" or others; the "actor" knows or has reason to know the "complainant" to be helpless against them... First Degree is a felony and involves forced sexual penetration; threat with a dangerous weapon; reasonable fear of victim, for self, or others; great bodily harm or personal injury to the "complainant" or others; the "actor" knows or has reason to know the "complainant" to be helpless against them... * in any case involving minors, lack of knowledge by "actor" of "complainant's" age does not matter; minors are considered unable to give consent. * a person who is mentally, physically, or through the use of chemicals, incapacitated is considered unable to give consent. Your
Sexual Rights And Responsibilities Humans are all sexual beings by nature. But we may be confused about what this actually means; how we can apply this to our lives and relationships. We question what is right for us in our dealing with others When and under what circumstances is sexual intimacy acceptable to you? To answer such questions, it may be helpful to be aware of some of our basic rights as sexual beings: Rights - You have the right NOT to be sexually intimate unless you want to be. - No one has the right to force you to do anything against your will. You have the right to say "NO" to anyone - including a current partner or spouse. - Just because someone `takes you out` and pays for your movie, or dinner, or whatever, does not mean you owe that person anything: sex, contact or intimacy, at any level. They are not `buying` you by the action and you are not required to reimburse them for their gifts. - In dating situation if you have said "NO" and your date does not listen, it is okay to take a stand, be blunt, run, scream or even use physical force to resist, if necessary. - If someone touches you in uncomfortable manner or speaks or acts in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it is okay to ask them not to perform that behavior in your presence. Responsibilities Along with sexual 'rights' come some responsibilities which we all have as well. They require us to go beyond simple questions of safe sex and birth control, forcing us to be more in 'touch' with both ourselves and those we are with: - It is important to know your own sexual desire and your own limits. Communicate them clearly. If you say "NO," mean "NO." - Conversely, do not assume that a "NO" answer is really a request for more persuasion. "NO" should never be treated as a joke and should always be taken seriously. If in doubt, stop and clarify immediately. - Be aware of social pressure. Being turned down is not necessarily a rejection of you as a person but a statement that says the other person is not sexually interested in you at that time. - Respect the other person's wishes regarding his/her own sexual activity. - Do not assume the previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation. When in doubt or in a possibly 'risky' situation in which you feel unsure, stop and clarify! What's
the Truth about Sexual Violence? Believing myths won't help the victim or you. Perhaps you have heard some of these: Myth vs. Fact The victims are to blame in some way for the assault. Sexual violence is an expression of sexual desire. It won't happen to me. If someone is sexually aroused, they can't stop themselves. Sexual violence is usually committed by strangers. It's not a big deal if a person is forced to have sex with someone
they know: a friend, date, boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse, and
it isn't really sexual violence. Sexual violence does not occur between lesbians or between gays. Sexual violence does occur in same-sex relationships. Fear of homophobic responses, however, often prevents victims from seeking help. Men are never victims of sexual assault. If the victim was drunk or drugged, he or she is asking for it. Inability to give consent because of intoxication is not "asking for it." In Minnesota, sexual contact with someone who is intoxicated is against the law, since intoxicated people are legally considered unable to give consent. A
Word About Dating Faculty Or Staff: Conflict of Interest In a relationship where there is a power differential, the person in authority has the power of evaluation, grade and/or recommendation over a student or other staff or faculty. When sexual relations or dating occurs between faculty, advisors, and supervisors, and their students, advisees or subordinate staff, objectivity of grade, evaluation or status is destroyed and is likely to be questioned by both the involved student or staff and other students and staff as well. A role which is imbued with a sense of authority and greater knowledge is also in direct conflict with the true equality necessary for mutual consent in a romantic or sexual relationship. If such a relationship ends badly, a student's future could be jeopardized in both academia and career or a staff member's evaluation, performance, position or career could be jeopardized. In all cases, the person in authority is at extreme risk of an allegation of sexual harassment. For purposes of this policy, a conflict of interest occurs when a person is placed in a position of authority or decision over someone with whom they have a sexual or romantic relationship, or, when a person in a position of authority enters into a romantic or sexual relationship with a person over whom they have the power of evaluation, grade or recommendation. This policy does not intend to include circumstances regarding immediate family members being placed in positions of supervision over each other, refer to Minnesota Statue 43 A.38, subd.5. A conflict of interest is avoided when individuals in authority do not initiate or acquiesce to a romantic or sexual relationship with those over whom they have authoritative power. When a conflict of interest occurs, it is the responsibility of the person in the authoritative position to report the conflict to his or her immediate supervisor. The supervisor is responsible to investigate possible alternative arrangements for supervision or evaluation. If no alternative arrangements can be made, the individuals involved may proceed with the arrangement remaining in contact with the supervisor in case difficulties arise. Should dating or sexual relations occur within relationships with a power differential, there are tremendous risks incurred. Almost without exception, the person in the authoritative role is vulnerable to allegations of sexual harassment. The issue of 'consenting adults' is likely to be moot in any legal proceedings or Affirmative Action investigations. What
To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted: 1. Go to a safe place. 2. Call University Security, 755-3888 or the Bemidji Police Department, 751-9111. 3. Ask or call for a Sexual Assault Advocate. Dialing 751-9496 or 1-800-708-2727 will put you in immediate contact with Crisis Staff. 4. Do not shower, bathe, douche or change clothes. 5. Do not touch any possible evidence or straighten up the area where assault occurred. 6. Go to the hospital emergency room for medical attention. Security or the Police will provide transportation if you ask. See What can I do if my privacy rights are violated for more information on securing a medical exam. 7. Do not blame yourself. The person who assaulted you is responsible. Sexual intercourse without consent (even with a date) is a crime. "April is sexual assault awareness month. Statistically one in every 3 to 5 females and one in every 6 to 10 males have been victims of an assault. Up to 75% of those females who have been raped are under the age of 25 and one third have been assaulted by an intimate partner. Staggering isn't it! Unfortunately a large percentage of assaults are not reported. Victims are embarrassed, feel it's their own fault, or think they could have done something to prevent it. Maybe there was alcohol or other drugs involved and what happened is a blur. These circumstances make reporting an assault difficult. There are safe places to go with registered nurses who will listen without judgment and are specially trained to do evidence collection. The Student Health Service, located in Birch Hall, is one of those places. There are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) on staff who can see you. The emergency room at North Country Regional Hospital provides the same services 24 hours a day. There are trained nurse examiners and sexual assault advocates on call at all times. Seeking health care for an assault doesn't mean that the assault must be reported to the police, but the evidence is collected to that victims who decide to prosecute can do so. It is important to report an assault within 72 hours for evidence collection, the sooner the better and before bathing, changing clothes or even brushing your teeth. Along with evidence collection, treatment for possible transmission of an STI (sexually transmitted infection) is available, as well as emergency contraception. Sexual assaults and drug or alcohol facilitated rapes occur far too frequently and often go unreported. When in doubt about what to do, seek the care and advice of the specially trained nurse practitioners at the Student Health Serivce or at the emergency room at North Country Regional Hospital, and then decide about reporting to lay enforcement." The above was an excerpt from the Crossroads
Spring 2007 issue Victim's
Bill of Rights Provisions addressing the rights of victims of sexual violence or assault were added to the existing university policy on September 30, 1992. The Victims' Bill of Rights applies to all students, faculty and staff. Victims of sexual violence occurring on property owned by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will be informed of their rights under Minnesota State Statutes section 135A.15. These rights include the following: 1. The victim has the right to file criminal charges with local law enforcement officials. 2. Local university authorities, at the request of the victim, will provide assistance in notifying the appropriate law enforcement officials and disciplinary authorities of any incident of sexual assault. 3. At the direction of law enforcement authorities, the campus security office will provide complete and prompt assistance in obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with an incident of sexual assault. 4. University authorities will provide assistance to the sexual assault victims or complainant in preserving materials relevant to a campus disciplinary proceeding. 5. All sexual assault complainant will be investigated and resolved by the appropriate campus disciplinary authorities. 6. The victim may be accompanied by an attorney or other support person at, and may participate in, any campus disciplinary proceeding concerning the sexual assault complaint. 7. The victim will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding concerning the sexual assault complaint consistent with laws relating to data practices. 8. At the request of sexual assault victim, university authorities in cooperation with appropriate law enforcement authorities will provide assistance in shielding the victim from unwanted contact with the alleged assailant including transferring the victim to alternative classes or alternative university-owned housing, if alternative classes or housing are available and feasible. 9. University authorities will inform sexual assault victim of their rights to assistance from the Office of the Crime Victim Ombudsman and the Crime Victim Board and will provide assistance in contacting these offices. Rights
of the Accused: 1. The right to an explanation of charges. 2. The right to an explanation of the campus judiciary process. 3. The right to request and, subject to approval of the University, voluntary agree or disagree to mediation as a process for resolving the complaint. 4. The right to request whether a campus hearing will be held by judicial panel or administrative staff. The student affairs officer will have final determination as to the type of hearing to be held. 5. The right to be presumed innocent. 6. The right to a fair, impartial, and speedy resolution process. 7. The right to have someone accompany them through the hearing. All participants will be bound by the rules of confidentiality governing the hearing. 8. The right to know ahead of time the names of witnesses to be called in the hearing. 9. The right to remain silent. 10. The right to speak on their own behalf. 11. The right to be free from a second campus judicial hearing on the same charge after the student's actions have been found not to be in violation of the code of conduct. 12. The right to be informed in a timely manner of the outcome of the hearing. 13. The right to appeal the decision of the judicial hearing board. Sexual
Harassment Sexual Harassment as defined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Minnesota State Law, section 363, is prohibited behavior at BSU and will not be tolerated. Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination in that it interferes with a person's ability to obtain an education or a job and it is based on that person's sex or gender. Sexual Harassment is a civil offense unless it involves unwanted sexual contact as defined by the Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Law; it then becomes a criminal offense. This form of harassment is defined more specifically as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact or other conduct of a sexual nature when: a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's performance, or a term of evaluation of a student's academic performance, or a term or condition of participation in student activities or in other events sanctioned by the University; or b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment, academic decisions about the person or other decisions about participation in student activities or other events and activities sanctioned by the University; or c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of threatening an individual's employment, interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment. What
Are Some Examples of Sexual Harassment? Susan is planning to major in biology, to one day be a doctor. She finds that she is often one of the only women in her class. One professor who teaches many important, required courses in her area of specialization makes suggestive comments about female students, claiming her unsuitability for her profession. Knowing his attitude, Susan doesn't feel she could be treated fairly so she drops his course and changes her major. Bruce is a non-traditional student who returned to school. Having had a hard time adjusting after almost ten years away, he visits one of his professors to discuss ways to improve his grade. She suggests that he visit her in her office after his four o'clock class so they can discuss the situation. When he arrives, she suggests they have dinner together so they can get to know each other better and find ways to help him get better grades. He declines. Following this, the professor will not see Bruce during office hours. He receives a "D" for the course. Joanne works at the periodicals desk in the library for the night shift. Her supervisor often makes comments about her physical appearance. One evening when she is working alone her supervisor puts his arm around her and asks that she let him take her home. She refuses. He asks this several times; always to be refused. The supervisor has become overly critical of her work and Joanne is concerned about loosing her job. Sally is in a student organization and is annoyed by one of her fellow members who is constantly giving her unwanted attention. She tells him to stop. After the confrontation, however, the other members of the organization she is in begin making harassing comments to her, both on and off campus. A group of male residents shout obnoxious sexual comments from a dorm window to passerby on the street below, and most of them are geared towards women and having sex with them. People report seeking alternative routes to their rooms or hurrying past to avoid being embarrassed or insulted. A student reports being woken up by obscene phone calls in the middle of the night from an erotic female voice that is sometimes so disgusting it makes him feel sick to his stomach to have to hear such things. Afterwards he is often angry can't get back to sleep for at least an hour. Students report finding unwanted, sexually explicit messages on their computer accounts and answering machines. What Can You Do? 1. Say "NO", firmly! If a person's behavior makes you uncomfortable, say so without delay. Tell the harasser that the advances are unwanted and you want them stopped. Also, the harasser may be unaware of the effects of this behavior on other people. 2. Keep Records. Write a journal, record the facts on the tape recorder, or tell a friend. Record dates, times, places, witnesses, and the nature of the harassment. 3. Tell someone. Being quiet and stoic about sexual harassment enables it to continue. Talk to other student or coworkers; you are probably not this harasser's only victim. 4. Report the Harassment. Go to the office of Affirmative Action or the Department of Security and Safety to officially report what happened. You may also talk to the resource persons listed in this cite. You need not come alone - anyone you wish may accompany you. What Should
You Not Do? 1. Don't blame yourself. No one brings sexual harassment on themselves. It is the action of another person trying to exercise or gain power over you. It is not your fault. 2. Do not delay. Harassment is likely to continue if you delay. Timely action and reporting is more likely to result in a favorable outcome. 3. Don't keep it to yourself. Unless you let someone know you are being harassed, the harassment will continue. You are most likely not the only victim, and in rare instances the harasser may not realize what they are doing. You will help others as well as yourself by speaking up. Violations
of Privacy Personal space is the sphere of privacy encompassing a person's body, material possessions, electronic communications devices and living space. Violations of Privacy include those actions which constitute forcible entry into or use of the personal space of another person without that person's invitation or consent. Violations of privacy - such as sexual violence, physical violence, theft, damage to someone's property, unauthorized entry into another's living space, electronic harassment, arson, threatening behavior, stalking, and harassment - are all prohibited at Bemidji State University. They all do injury to both the victims and the university community and will not be tolerated. In addition to violating university rules, they may also be in violation of Minnesota human rights laws or are criminal behaviors. These acts will be promptly investigated and appropriate remedies that repair the harm done to the victim and the university will be sought. This may include sanctions under the University Grievance Procedure or University Student Conduct Code up to and including dismissal and referral to outside enforcement agencies when appropriate. Definitions: Invitation: to request or ask permission of another person - implicit in this definition is the right of the other person to refuse without fear of negative consequences. Consent: to give assent to or approval of what is proposed by another - to give consent in this way implies that one is clearly informed of what is being proposed by the other. Coercion: to restrain, dominate, or bring about by force or threat. Consent gained by coercion is not considered consent. Refusal: an attempt to stop the escalation of an activity, stop the activity altogether or to restore safety. Your
Rights to Privacy 1. You have a right to engage only in sexual conduct that is mutually consented to at all times. 2. You have a right to be free of physical violence or unwanted touch. 3. You have a right to have your property free of theft or vandalism. 4. You have a right for your electronic equipment and accounts to be free of obscene, harassing, or threatening messages. 5. You have a right to a living space that can only be entered with your consent, or in compliance with Residential Life Policies and Contracts, or a legal warrant. 6. You have a right to be free of unwanted and unwelcome derogatory language and discrimination that interferes with your ability to work or learn, relating to your gender, race, religion, age, ability, marital status, or sexual preference. Common
Reactions to Violations of Privacy: Whether you are the victim of violence or whether you know someone who is, it helps to be aware of some common reactions to such victimization as sexual violence, assault, harassment, stalking, or other infringements on your privacy. If you are a victim, you may be initially overwhelmed. This may last for hours, days or longer. You may need some help meeting emergency needs and some assurances that your feelings are normal given what you have experienced. You may feel a variety of confusing feelings in varying degrees of intensity, such as: Denial: "It couldn't have happened to me." Grief: "Life will never be the same for me again." Helplessness: "I didn't have any control." Confusion: "Why me?" Self-blame: "How could I have been so stupid?" Guilt: "What did I do to deserve this?" Shame: “It was so humiliating. How can I even face people now?" Anger: "How dare that creep do that to me." Concern: "She must be sick. I hope s/he gets some help." Fear: "It could happen to me again-Am I seen as a target? Can I trust you...or anyone?" Loneliness: "No one knows how I feel. I really am alone in this." Depending on the severity of the violation and your response to it, you may soon return to your usual routine with minimal impact. If the violation is more traumatic to you, you are likely to experience a period of shock or numbness which may protect you from being completely overwhelmed by your feelings. You may return to your usual routine, and friends will appear relieved that you have been able to forget about the "unpleasantness." After a period of time, that shock will wear off and you may begin to feel confused, fearful, anxious again, and experience the other feelings listed above. You are likely to have a need to talk. Family and friends may try to tell you to put it out of your mind. They are uncomfortable and don't know how to help you. These are all normal reactions and this may be a critical time to seek some outside assistance. You will need understanding and reassurances that your feelings are normal as well as assistance in sorting out those feelings, and attitudes. You will need to learn alternative ways of coping with life. What
Can I Do If My Privacy Rights Are Violated? Call Campus Security @ 755-3888 Immediately or call Law Enforcement @ 751-9111 We urge you talk with someone you trust and establish a psychologically and physically supportive environment as soon as possible. If you have been sexually violated, a call to the Sexual Assault Program (751-9496) will provide you with a sexual assault advocate who will be immediately available to you to assist you with the questions and decisions to be made and provide the emotional support needed. A variety of other community resources are also available. (see also Supportive Services) The choices you may face include (but are not limited to) the following: * Reporting the violation. We strongly recommend doing this. * Having a medical examination for treating injuries, or for gathering evidence in the case of a sexual violation. * Participating in prosecution ...this means pressing criminal charges. * Making a university conduct complaint. * Request a campus mediation process. * Any combination of the above. Whatever you choose to do, having as much information as possible will help you. Following are some specifics concerning the major decisions that you will need to make. Reporting...When reporting, call the Law Enforcement Center at 751-9111 or BSU Security at 755-3888. Tell them you have experienced a crime and tell them where you are. They will come and provide any immediately needed assistance. They will explain that you have the right to make a formal statement regarding the incident. Reporting does not mean you have to press charges and participate in prosecution. Third Party Reporting... If you report a crime to an employee of the university other than designated confidential sources, that person is required to convey your report to the Department of Security & Safety, who will contact Law Enforcement. Security (or Law Enforcement) personnel will follow up on the information and contact you for an interview. Our Department of Security & Safety is required to report campus crime statistics. They can report only crimes they have been able to investigate and document. We encourage crime victims to report so that action can be taken to protect the campus in the future. Securing a Medical Exam in Cases of Sexual Assault and/or
Physical Injury Participating in Prosecution...If you decide to participate in the prosecution of the assailant, a police officer will need to take a formal statement from you. The officer may do this immediately or wait a day or two until there is less trauma. The officer will need to know details of the incident, any facts you remember about the assailant, and the names of other persons who may have witnessed the crime. When the investigation is complete, it is transmitted to the county attorney who then decides whether or not to press charges. If the county attorney does not feel it is strong enough case, s/he may choose not to prosecute. Legal and personal advice will be provided. The legal process can vary in length, depending on if it is settled with plea bargaining or if there is a jury trial. It is important to know that many offenders are repeat offenders. Each time a complaint is not filed, there is a likelihood of another victim by that same assailant. Participation in prosecution can also be a way for some victims to regain a feeling of control in their life again. It is a difficult decision, but there are community people and resources to help you in that decision. It will also help you to know that using the criminal justice system does not prevent you from also using the University Conduct System and vice versa. Making a conduct complaint...If the assailant was a student, you can also use a Student Conduct System to deal with the behavior. With a conduct complaint you may ask that the person stay away from you while you are on the campus. In addition the procedure and amount of proof needed are different than in the criminal courts in that the assailant doesn't have to be "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." The Student Handbook has specific details about how you can proceed. You can also contact the Residential Life Conduct Officer (755-3750) or call the Office of Student Affairs (755-2075). If you decide to do none of the above, at least make sure you talk to someone about your experience. Personal Safety Measuresback to top
Awareness is integral to personal safety. There are many practical things you can do to protect yourself both passively and actively. While these options are available to you, we would like to say that we support you whether or not you practice them. We shouldn't have to take precautions. We should have a right to be out in the world any time, day or night, without being violated. None of us really know what we might do in a situation of violence, so we should be careful not to judge ourselves or others too harshly if they do not do things "according to the book". We all forget - none of us can be completely aware all the time. How you choose to handle the situation must be decided by using your own best judgment. The following are some common safety and prevention measures designed to lessen your vulnerability: IN GENERAL * Be aware. * Get away from questionable or dangerous situations. * Avoid engaging in high risk behavior, such as the use of alcohol in new social settings. IN YOUR CAR * Keep the doors locked. Before getting in, make sure no one is hiding in the car. Be sure it is as you left it. * Have you key ready before you get to your car. Sound the horn if there is trouble. Short bursts on the horn will attract more attention than "leaning" on the horn. Get away if possible. * Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked when driving. * Try not to park in dark, uninhabited areas. * Don't let strangers in your car and use caution when talking with a stranger outside your car. * Keep your car in good working condition and learn how to change your own tires and perform other routine or general maintenance tasks. * If you are being followed by another car, try to note the license plate number and drive to the nearest law enforcement center. Do not go home. * If necessary have someone walk with you to your car. ON CAMPUS * Familiarize yourself with security services available to you - the escort service provided through campus security and availability of telephones. * Avoid short cuts through deserted places. * Walk with a friend-leaving night class, walking through parking lots, or walking around campus at night. * Be careful in giving your address, telephone number or name to someone you don't know or to friends in public places where you might be overheard. Remember: that information is listed on your check blanks. * Use your intuition. If you sense something suspicious, take appropriate precautions. * Report any suspicious people or activities you might encounter to Campus Security, a building manager, or law enforcement. * Take self - defense courses that stress physical resistance tactics such as kicking and blocking. * Avoid the use of headphones and the use of flash lights while walking alone at night because they reduce your awareness of your surroundings. AT HOME * There should be lights in all entrances and halls where you live. * Always find out who is at your door before opening it. Consider having a peephole installed. If the person claims to be a service person, put on your chain lock and ask for identification through the crack or ask him/her to slide his/her card under the door. If you are alone and not expecting anyone, answer the door calling, "I'll get it, Bill." * If there is a suspicious person on an elevator, push all the door buttons and get off as soon as the elevator stops at a floor. If you are concerned at all, don't get on. * Lock your door. * Have your keys ready before you get to the door. * Dial 911 if someone is attempting to break in. * Keep windows locked or shut at all items if you live in a dangerous area. ON THE STREET * Be aware of possible troublesome areas and plan ahead what you might do in case of attack. * Try to walk with others or take public transportation, especially after dark. Walk with purpose and confidence. Be aware. * While waiting for a bus or light to change, notice how you stand. Try to be balanced, with your feet apart and hands out of your pockets. Be aware of people and cars around you. * If you fear danger yell "FIRE" rather than "RAPE" or "HELP". People are more likely to respond. * When walking on the street it is wise to wear good walking/running shoes - high heels, bare feet, untied shoes, sandals, etc. are difficult to run in if danger occurs. * If someone orders you to drive to a deserted area, you should run your car into something, preferable in a well traveled area. This is one sure way to create a scene. If you do drive to a secluded area, or are driven there, your chances of escaping assault are slim. IN RELATIONSHIPS Sadly, statistics tell us that most violence and violations of privacy occur between people who are already known to each other. However, for those we don't know well, there are certain traits that can give us clues that a person is more likely to, or is at a higher risk to, become violent or of violating our privacy. Those to "be aware of" include those who: * ...do not listen to you, ignore what you say, talk over you, or pretend not to hear you. These are men and women who have little respect for you and will say your "NO" really means "YES" or "CONVINCE ME." * ...ignore your need for personal space and time alone. * ...get too personal too fast. * ...express anger or aggression towards others, especially your gender. Hostile feelings may lead to hostile actions. * ...do what they want regardless others' feelings. * ...are expressively jealous or possessive and highly critical. * ...have a strong need to dominate situations and people. * ...have unhealthy ideas about opposite sex. These ideas may include beliefs that one gender is second to another, that one sex exists to please the other, etc. * ...drink excessively or abuse drugs which can be used as an excuse or break down inhibitions. DEVELOP YOUR OWN COMFORT LEVEL Practice being assertive. Suppose someone you know is constantly throwing their arms around you and it makes you uncomfortable. Tell him or her simply, "I'm not comfortable with that. Would you please stop?" Another way to establish distance between yourself and others is to reach out and shake hands. It gives you physical distance from the other person and is a sign of equality. Perhaps the best way to begin developing your sense of personal space is to share your ideas and opinions. People who say: "I think...", "I believe..." are seen as independent and assertive - in charge of their ideas and their lives. Women have been traditionally conditioned to be pleasant, non-confrontational and to not hurt other people's feelings. Remember, you don't always have to be nice to everyone. It's hard to be assertive all the time, but you are not responsible for always making everyone else comfortable. If they have misinterpreted a situation, assumed something or made demands, tell them clearly; bring it to their attention. If you are worried about hurting someone else's feelings, think about the fact that they are ignoring your feelings. Be firm - not apologetic. You never have to defend or explain your reasons for saying "NO." More Information back to top
Books, Articles, and Pamphlets Brownmiller, Susan, Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape Studies McIntyre, Jeannie, "Victim Response to Rape Alternative
Outcome" Films "This Film is About Rape" (general) Videos on Campus* Rape. Its Not Just a Woman's Problem - Health Services *A more complete list of videos is available at Health Services, Birch Hall, A wing. The above list is by no means complete. Anyone wishing further information may inquire at any library. The more information you receive the more aware you become.
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