Rape and other forms of sexual assault are NEVER the victim's fault. Framingham State is committed to prevention efforts that stop problematic behaviors by would-be-offenders before an assault occurs. Unfortunately, research shows that there may be a small portion of the population who are immune to prevention messaging and may still make a conscious decision to commit a violent crime. Therefore, we are also committed to providing education that will allow individuals to promote an atmosphere of greater safety for themselves and others.
Though we do not always know it, we are constantly assessing risk and using risk reduction techniques in many facets of our lives. Being aware of your environment and knowing how to identify problematic behavior may, but will not always, reduce your personal risk.
- 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
- 1 in 4 college women will be the victim of a rape or an attempted rape during their university years.
- More than 60% of rape victims/survivors know their attackers.
- 7% to 10% of all adult rape victims are males.
- Most rapists are motivated by hostility, fear of inadequacy and the need to control.
- Rapists use sex as a weapon to hurt, humiliate and intimidate their victims.
- The FBI estimates that only 1 in 10 rapes are reported to the police.
- Understand what it means to request and receive consent.
- Remember that sexual assault is a crime. It is never acceptable to force sexual activity. Without consent, sexual activity is considered criminal behavior.
- Resist peer pressure from friends to behave in ways that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Alcohol and drugs can alter your thinking and behavior. You are responsible for the consequences of your behavior.
If you engage in abusive behavior or use violence in your relationship(s), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program Services.
- Most assaults occur from a known assailant.
- Trust your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation.
- Be mindful that alcohol and drugs can affect your judgment and the judgment of people you trust.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert.
- Walk in groups if possible.
- Watch out for each other. Go to social events with friends and keep track of each other.
- Get involved. If you see someone in trouble, don't be afraid to intervene or call for help.
EVERY PERSON CAN HAVE AN IMPACT
Each of us can send a clear message that sexual assault and relationship violence will not be tolerated, downplayed, or joked about, and that we, as a community, will react decisively if it does happen. We can talk about sexual assault and relationship violence and teach others that it is never ok. And we can continue to educate ourselves and others about the issues.
Engaging Bystanders to Prevent Sexual Violence - Bulletin from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Intervening: Knowing When and How to Respond - Tips from No More
Indications a Sexual Assault May Occur
- A person has declared that they are intent on engaging in sexual activity with someone regardless of the status of the other person's knowledge or consent.
- Someone has been pressured or encouraged to engage in sexual activity with as many people or as frequently as possible.
- A person is providing excessive amounts of alcohol to someone with an intent to engage in sexual activity.
- A person is about to engage in sexual activity with someone who is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
- It appears that one party may be blacking out or unaware of their current situation.
Identifying Relationship Violence
- Insults, humiliating language or putting the person down in front of others.
- Explosive temper, mood swings, or verbal abuse.
- Jealousy or possessiveness.
- Stalking behaviors such as following, watching from a distance, unwanted or excessive communication.
- Invasion of privacy or obsessive tracking of the person's activities.
- Doesn't seem to care about what their partner wants.
- Fear of displeasing partner.
- Spending less time with friends.
- Physical assault such as slapping, hitting, and punching.
Action Items
- Know that sexual assault occurs in our communities and that we can SHAPE safe and supportive communities through our actions.
- Your safety is paramount. It is always safest to intervene with others and from a distance.
- Be willing to speak up in difficult situations.
- Ask the person if they need help
- Defuse the situation through humor or distraction
- Be direct and tell someone if their behavior is out of line
- Do not assume that just because no one else speaks up, that everyone else is fine with what's happening.
- If you step up and speak out, others will likely back you up
- Intervention does not have to mean conflict. Sometimes it's enough to cause a distraction or just disrupt the current course of events. Consider some of these options:
- Turn on the lights/turn off the music at the party
- Spill a drink on the potential perpetrator or victim
- Ask the potential victim, if female, for a personal item like a tampon
- Let the potential victim know you're leaving and encourage them to leave with you
- Ask a friend of the potential perpetrator to pull them aside for something
- Discuss the issues of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking with friends or share information and resources through social media.
- Be conscious of your use of language and choose words carefully. Cultural messages can support or discourage violence.
- Challenge societal messages about what it means to be a man or a woman and show appreciation when someone challenges gender stereotypes.
- Be aware of, and refuse to use, sexist, homophobic, and demeaning language.
- Don't joke about sexual assault comments and jokes that are meant to "ease the tension" or are "just kidding around" can trivialize the severity of the behavior
- Know what you value and make it clear to friends and family. Seeking out these positive traits in others allows you to identify and build healthy relationships.
- Share positive messages with friends and family.
- Communicate with your own partner about physical/sexual wants and boundaries.
- Remember that it's never too early or too late to do something.
- Go to a safe place and tell someone you trust what happened.
- It’s your choice to report the crime to the police and/or the University, but remember that action against a rapist can prevent others from becoming a victim. If you would like to report the assault, you can call FSU Police Department or your local police department. You can also make a report to the Title IX Coordinator or another University staff member. Please know that most University employees are obligated to report if they know or suspect that a sexual assault has occurred.
- Don’t shower, bathe, douche or brush your teeth.
- Don’t throw away any clothing or objects that might contain evidence. Save every article of clothing worn during the attack without laundering it or altering it and place them into a paper bag if available. If you choose to go to the hospital, bring the bag with you.
- Seek medical attention either at a local hospital or Health Services. Not all injuries are evident, so for your well-being, it is recommended that you receive a medical exam as soon as possible. Medical staff can help assess your needs including prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, and emotional counseling.
- Be a good witness. Even though it may be hard, try to remember details. The sooner you tell, the sooner the attacker can be caught.
- Emotional care: Seek support from trusted friends or family. Go to the Counseling Center and a counselor can talk with you confidentially. Remember, it’s not your fault.
- Other supports on campus include the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life staff, and Campus Ministry. (Note that Campus Ministry staff is not always on campus, but will return messages.)
Survivors of sexual assaults may experience some of the following:
- Shock/numbness
- Helplessness
- Fear/anxiety
- Guilt/Self-Blame/Shame
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Academic difficulty/difficulty with attention and focus.
- Use of substances to manage painful feelings.
- Survivors have a variety of reactions that might surface at different times following the assault, days, weeks, or months later. Counseling can help survivors address these needs at any time.
- Listen carefully, without judgment.
- Do not blame.
- Offer a safe place to stay.
- Let the survivor make decisions about next steps. All control has been stripped from the victim during the assault. Allow the victim to make decisions about what steps to take next.
- Assist in getting the treatment/services they need if they agree.
- Remain calm. You might feel shock or rage, but expressing these emotions to the victim may cause the victim more trauma.
- Encourage medical attention and counseling.
- Refer them to the resources and reporting information available on the SHAPE website.
- Seek help yourself.
- When someone you care about is assaulted, it is shocking and upsetting for you. You may have a range of reactions including anger, sadness, fear and helplessness.
- It is important to show the survivor that you care and are there to support them. Seek emotional support for yourself when you can.
- Most of the resources mentioned on the SHAPE website are available to those supporting survivors as well.