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Though we like to believe that sexual assault can't happen to us or people we know, the fact is that 1 out of 4 women will be sexually assaulted in some way by her 21st birthday.
This pamphlet has been produced to educate people, to reduce their chances of being sexually assaulted, to assist those who have been assaulted, and to inform those who want to help someone who has been assaulted.
Table of Contents
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact or activity which occurs without your consent; it is not limited to rape (forced sexual intercourse.) Sexual assault has occured, for example, when you have been kissed, fondled, or had sexual intercourse without
your consent. It can happen to both women and men.
Sexual assault may cause a great deal of psychological anguish and sometimes physical injury. It is an invasion of the person. The feelings of anger, guilt, betrayal, and humiliation felt by the survivors are difficult to comprehend by anyone who has not
been sexually assaulted.
Sexual assault by an acquaintance is the most common form of rape on campuses. It is more likely to go unreported than "stranger rape" because it is not often perceived by the survivor as real sexual assault. Even when not recognized by the survivor as
sexual assault, it can still have devastating effects on the survivor. It can cause the survivor not to trust others or themselves, to fear relationships, and to doubt their self-worth and view of the world. This is very serious when we consider that 17-23%
of female students have been assaulted by people they know - often when on a date.
Often the perpetrator and the survivor view the situation quite differently. For instance, saying "NO" often is not taken seriously.
However, the frequency of sexual assaults by acquaintances can be reduced significantly by educating potential victims and offenders.
Return to the Table of Contents.
Protecting Yourself
Learn to be assertive, especially under pressure or in uncertain situations.
- Trust your instincts and react as soon as possible to them. If you feel uncomfortable with the way someone is touching you or talking to you, say so, strongly and convincingly, and get out of that situation.
- Always tell someone where you are going and with whom.
- If you do not know your date well, invite him or her to go with you and your friends to a public place.
- Set limits early. An understanding between both people concerning intentions and expectations should be clear and established well in advance.
- Do not make yourself vulnerable by drinking or taking durgs, and avoid being with others who are doing so.
- Always carry enough cash for cab fare and an emergency phone call.
- Stay informed by reading official notices regarding assaults on campus.
Return to the Table of Contents.
Avoiding Stranger Assault.
- Walk briskly. Be alert and look confident. If you sense that you are being followed, seek help right away.
- Be especially alert in dangerous places, e.g. alleys and recessed doorways. The UVic escort service (721-7599) is available at night, and you can help each other (walk with at least two other people).
- Have your keys ready for your car and apartment so you can get inside quickly. Check the area around your car, underneath, and inside it before entering. Park and walk in well lit areas.
- Do not jog or do other activities alone that would make you vulnerable. It is best to be with at least two other people. Avoid isolated places.
- Carry a Fox 40 whistle (available at the UVic Bookstore).
- Vary your routes on campus.
- Do not hitchhike and don't pick up hitchhikers.
- Know the locations of public telephones.
- When using public transportation at night, sit near the driver.
- Use initials and last name on mailbox or in the telephone book. Word answering machine messages carefully.
Return to the Table of Contents.
What To Do If You Have Been Assaulted.
- Believe in yourself. Know that when you are forced to have ANY form of sexual contact without your consent, it is not your fault. Do not think that because someone has done this to you that you asked for it. Remember that you have been assaulted.
- Tell someone immediately after a sexual assault. Call someone you can trust and go to their house or have that person come to you whereever you are. Tell that person what happened. Call the Women's Sexual Assault Centre and/or the police. The Women's
Sexual Assault Centre is available 24 hours a day. Phone numbers are provided at the end of this page.
- If you have been raped, get medical help. Don't change your clothes, wash or bathe before going to the hospital. Every piece of evidence will be needed to identify the assailant. Ask the counsellor from the Women's Sexual Assault Centre to take you to
the hospital or meet you there. The counsellor will ensure that you get proper medical attention. A doctor will examine you for the possibility of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries both internal and external.
- It is best to report the assault to the police right away. If you don't, another option is to send them a 3rd Party Report. This allows you to make an anonymous report and to decide how much information you want to release. The resources listed at the
end of this page can provide these report forms. You can also use 3rd Party Report forms to notify Traffic and Security so they can alert the campus community.
- Allow yourself the time you will need to recover emotionally, mentally and physically. If you need to defer papers or exams, see a counsellor at UVic Counselling Services or the Ombudsperson.
- Surviving a sexual assault is very difficult and there are counsellors available to help you at the UVic Counselling Services and at the Women's Sexual Assault Centre. The latter can also help you go through the legal process, if you wish.
- Learn more about sexual assaults. Becoming more familiar with written literature on the different types of sexual assault will help you to understand your own experience.
- Know how to protect yourself from other possible situations where sexual assault might occur. Familiarize yourself with self-defense strategies and sign up for self-defense and assertiveness classes.
- When you are ready, share your experiences with others. Talking to them may save them from potential danger. You can help them to understand what might happen, what to do, and how to get help if they are assaulted.
Return to the Table of Contents.
How To Help Someone Who Has Been Assaulted.
- Stay with the survivor at all times, if they want you there.
- If the survivor agrees, call the Women's Sexual Assault Centre or the UVic Counselling Services for immediate support. The counsellors will ensure that the survivor gets proper medical attention and they will either meet you and the survivor at the hospital
or take you there.
- Never try to force the survivor to do anything, but do encourage them to get medical attention and to contact the police. Accompany them, with a counsellor, if possible; they may be in shock and not aware of physical injuries.
- Encourge the survivor to postpone bathing or changing clothes until after the medical examination. These actions may destroy important evidence for police if the survivor should decide to make a complaint later. The medical examination after the sexual
assault is to treat any injuries, check for sexually transmitted diseases, test pregnancy, and collect evidence.
- If you need support or have questions, call any of the resources below.
RESOURCES
- Police and Emergency Services
- 911
- UVic Anti-Violence Project
- 250-472-4388
- Campus Security Services Emergency Line
- 250-721-7599
- Victoria Women's Sexual Assault Centre
- 250-383-3232
- UVic Counselling Services
- 250-721-8341
- UVic Health Services
- 250-721-8492
- UVic Ombudsperson
- 250-721-8357
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line
- 1-888-494-3888
This material was obtained from many sources and compiled by Dr. Bob Willihnganz & Mary Gahan
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