Sexual Violence

Defining Sexual Violence

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Studies show that about one in three women on college campuses will be the target of either a completed or an attempted rape and that more than 80 percent of all women who experienced assault were acquainted with the person who assaulted them. It is also estimated that one in six men will be assaulted in their lifetime, most often by an acquaintance or relative. Victims and perpetrators may be of the any gender, though studies of rape indicate the majority of cases involve a male perpetrator and female victim.
 

Prevention Strategies

Prevention of sexual violence requires a commitment from all members of the community in order to create a campus in which personal development and growth can occur safely. To assist in creating this type of campus community, the following suggestions are provided:

• Educate yourself and others on the causes, impact, and prevention of sexual and other forms of violence. Work towards creating a non-violent society through political action, organizing or other activities you are interested in.
• Avoid being a bystander to situations which could potentially evolve into sexual misconduct. Intervene in situations where a friend or acquaintance may be at risk for assault.
• Sixty to seventy percent of all sexual assaults are planned. If you learn of someone planning to take advantage of another person, confront the individual or ask for assistance to do so.
• Confront myths, jokes, or negative attitudes about sexual assault and rape when heard to prevent misinformation from being spread further.
• Show respect for others by respecting their boundaries, physical and otherwise. This includes a personal decision to be alcohol-or drug-free.
• Pay attention to the verbal and non-verbal signals others are giving to indicate whether they are a willing participant.
• When in an intimate situation, be sure consent has been given before engaging in any sexual activity.
• Verbal consent is best; if you are unsure if your partner has consented to a particular activity, ask.
• Avoid using alcohol or other drugs to subdue another person’s ability to protest.
• Strive to keep your own alcohol and other drug use at a minimum in order to maintain good judgment and legally be able to give consent.

Risk Reduction Strategies

Since Wesleyan is not immune to acts of violence, sexual misconduct is a topic that must be taken seriously by the entire campus community. However, reducing the risk of sexual assault is not only a community responsibility but also an individual one. Individuals should understand that while it is possible to reduce one’s risk for assault, the responsibility for preventing the assault from happening lies with the potential perpetrator.

• Sexual assault can occur both on and off campus. Sexual assault most often occurs in residence halls, apartments, or homes of either the victim or the perpetrator. It may also occur in academic buildings or other areas where a perpetrator can isolate their victim from others.
• While the responsibility for any sexual misconduct lies with the perpetrator, there are many actions people can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
• Educate yourself on sexual assault and on risk reduction strategies.
• Set your own sexual boundaries and communicate them clearly to a potential sexual partner before becoming intimate.
• Be alert to situations that could be misinterpreted.
• Notice your fears and act on them. Your instincts are usually right.
• Look for signs of a lack of respect. If someone does not respect your personal space or your wishes, it is possible they won’t respect you in a sexual situation either.
• Be especially cautious in a new environment with unfamiliar people. This applies whether you are on campus, off campus or traveling. Avoid going to isolated rooms or areas with someone you do not know well.
• Never leave a party or gathering with someone you don’t know well, and don’t accept a ride from a stranger.
• You are safest traveling in well-lit areas with others familiar to you. Avoid walking in isolated areas when alone or with someone you do not know well.
• Attend social gatherings with friends and leave with them. Make a plan for the evening and stick to it to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Select a public place when meeting someone new for the first time.
• Have a friend with you or drive yourself and prearrange a way to leave the situation if your instincts tell you to do so. This is particularly important when the person is met via the Internet.
• Watch your alcohol and other drug use. Studies of rape indicate that up to 75 percent of victims were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of the assault, often provided by the assailant. For the same reasons that it is important to remain sober to control a car, it is equally important to stay sober in order to maintain control of your judgment and be able to legally give consent.
• Be your own bartender. Whether you are drinking alcohol or not, pour your own drinks to avoid being slipped a predatory ("date rape") drug by a potential assailant. Keep track of your drink at all times; get a fresh one if it was left unattended.

At times, you may find yourself in a situation you did not anticipate. If you feel uncomfortable with or threatened by another person’s behavior, trust that instinctive reaction and take the following steps:

• Keep the door to the room open or invite another person in.
• Speak firmly and look directly at the other person when you refuse any activity. Say "no" firmly and repeatedly. Tell the offender to stop or leave. A reasonable person will see your rights and listen to a clear "no" message.
• Shout, scream, or use a whistle if they do not listen. Use any means possible to make noise in order to draw attention to your situation. Whistles are available free from Public Safety.
• Try to get out of the situation any way possible, if you are able. Use self-defense techniques, if appropriate. Check with WesWELL and the Physical Education department for the availability of self-defense classes on campus.

In addition, Public Safety encourages students to take the following precautions on and around campus:

• Use the RIDE Campus Shuttle Service, especially after dark.
• Pick up a whistle at Public Safety and participate in the Wesleyan Whistle Program.
• Walk with friends. There really is safety in numbers.
• Be aware of where the police and emergency call boxes are located on and around campus and use them in an emergency.
• Keep your doors locked at all times.
• Avoid propping outside doors to residential buildings open. If you see a door that has been propped open, close it or alert Public Safety.
• Walk only in well-lit pathways and stay alert to any sign of suspicious circumstances or behavior.
• Keep keys in hand when walking to your car, no matter where it is parked.
• Report when lights around campus are out by calling Customer Service at x3400.
• Report all incidents of harassment, assault, or other crimes and any suspicious people or incidents to Public Safety. Call 860.685.3333 or from a campus landline, x3333.

Wesleyan Policies

From the Wesleyan University Code of Non-Academic Conduct:

• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Illegal Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Wesleyan Support Resources

Confidential Medical Services

• Office of Behavioral Health for Students, 860.685.2910
  • Dr. Philippa Coughlan, Director
  • 24 hour therapist on call, when classes are in session.
• Health Services, 860.685.2470
  • Dr. Davis Smith, Medical Director
  • 24 hour physician on call, when classes are in session

Additional Support Resources

• Office of the Dean of the College
• Class Deans
• Student Academic Resources
• Office for Diversity and Academic Advancement
• Office of International Student Affairs
• Office of Student Services & Campus Programs
  • Student Judicial Board
• Office of Residence Life
• Office of Affirmative Action
• Public Safety
  • Emergency  860.685.3333
  • Non-Emergency  860.685.2345
• Davison Health Center
  • Health Services
  • WesWELL, Office of Health Education

Off Campus Support Resources

• Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (ConnSACS)
  Connecticut Statewide 24 Hour Toll Free Hotline
  1-888-999-5545 English
  1-888-568-8332 Español
  All services are free and confidential. SACS Advocates can accompany a survivor at the hospital for medical attention or to complete a sexual assault evidence collection kit ("rape kit"). Individual and group support for survivors and their friends and family is also available at their offices, located near Middlesex Hospital.
• Middlesex Hospital  860.347.9471
  • The Middlesex Hospital Emergency Department employs several Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners ("SANE Nurses") who are trained in procedures for completing sexual assault evidence collection kits and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
• Middletown Police  911
   

Documents

• Wesleyan Sexual Assault Support Resources (revised August 2007)(.pdf)
• Safe Facebooking (.pdf)

Links

• Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  
• Men Can Stop Rape
• Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Other Drug and Violence Prevention
• Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project
• The Network/La Red
• Rainbow Domestic Violence  
• www.911rape.org
• UC-Berkeley Sexual Assault/Rape Education Materials