Defining Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is an act of violence and is a crime. It is an attempt to control, humiliate and degrade a person using sex as the weapon. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual conduct, characterized by use of force, physical threat, or abuse of authority when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral and anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling) or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of the victim.

Consent shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated or unconscious.

Sexual Assault on Campus

The National Women's Survey found that only 22% of rape victims were assaulted by a stranger. Rapists can include family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors and acquaintances. The Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics show that as many as 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. In fact, 60 percent of rapes occur in college campus residences. Women are four times more likely to be raped by someone they know than by a complete stranger.

College Campus Sexual Assault Statistics

  • One out of four women will be sexually assaulted on a college campus.
  • One out of eight women will be raped while in college.
  • 84% of women who were raped knew their assailant.
  • 57% of rapes occur on a date.
  • 75% of male students and 55% of female students involved in date rape had been drinking or using drugs.
  • About 3 percent of college women experience a completed and/or attempted rape during a typical college year.

    • More Facts About Campus Assaults

    • Of the incidents of sexual victimization, the vast majority occurred after 6 p.m. in living quarters.
    • For completed rapes, nearly 60 percent that took place on campus occurred in the victim's residence, 31 percent occurred in other living quarters on campus and 10 percent occurred at a fraternity.
    • Most off-campus victimizations, especially rapes, also occurred in residences.
    • However, particularly for sexual contacts and threatened victimizations, incidents also took place in bars, dance clubs, nightclubs and work settings.
    • Most of the sexually assaulted women knew the person who victimized them.

    How can I protect myself?

    There is no way anyone can guarantee that she/he will not become a victim of sexual assault. Until no one rapes, we are all vulnerable. Individuals may reduce their own chances of becoming a victim by following some basic safety suggestions. But again, this doesn't guarantee safety and it doesn't stop rape, it only means that the assailant may choose someone else.
    • Know the facts. About 80% of victims know the perpetrator. Rapes can happen anywhere, anytime
    • Trust your feelings. If a situation feels uncomfortable, trust your intuition and do not be afraid of making a scene or calling attention to yourself. Being a little embarrassed is far better than being assaulted.
    • In dating or social situations, be wary of anyone who behaves in an intrusive manner, comes on too strong, or who chooses not to listen to you. Know that alcohol and/or drugs greatly reduce your judgment regarding safety and be extra wary of anyone who seems to be trying to intoxicate you.
    • On the street, walk with confidence--keep your head up and pay close attention to the environment. If possible, walk or jog in well-lit and populated areas or with someone else.
    • In your car, lock your car as you get in and out. Have your keys ready as you approach your car to get back in. If you will be returning to your car after dusk, try to park in a well lit location.
    • Enroll in a Personal Safety Skills for women (self-defense) class and learn more ways to protect yourself.

    Residence Hall Safety Tips

    • In your residence hall keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are running a quick errand or are expecting guests.
    • Always lock your door. Never prop open your dorm room if you leave or if you are asleep.
    • Know about your campus security. Do guards patrol at night? Are guests required to sign in and out? Are buildings locked and secured?

    Safety On Campus

    • If you are studying late or need to be on campus at night, use the university shuttle or campus security escort and emergency phone services.
    • Never walk alone at night; walk with someone you know well and trust.
    • Avoid walking in areas that are dimly lit are that are hidden by bushes or large obstacles that would block the view of bystanders.
    • Before getting into your car, check the back seat to make sure that no one has broken in.

    Safe Party Tips

    • Limit your alcohol intake to ensure your judgment won��t be impaired
    • Monitor and be aware of your surroundings.
    • If you intend to drink alcohol, make a plan with your friends to know where each of you are at all times and how you're getting home before you start drinking. Don't leave the party without anyone you came with no matter how insistent anyone in your group of friends is.
    • Always watch who pours your drink and never set your cup down.

    Rape

    How can I help a friend who has been raped?

    DO: Be a good listener and focus your efforts on letting your friend decide what is best for them.
    DO: Assure your friend that it was NOT her/his fault.
    DO: Assure your friend that she/he did the right thing to survive, whatever that was.
    DON'T: Focus your feelings on revenge toward the assailant.
    DON'T: Expect your friend to be the same as she/he was before the assault.
    DON'T: Tell your friend that she/he "should just get over it." Healing from sexual assault is a long and individual process.

    What should I do if I've been raped?

    • Get to a safe place.
    • Call "911".
    • Your Regis RA, RLC, or Campus Safety staff member is ALWAYS available to help you.
    • The Regis Office of Counseling and Personal Development has counselors available at all times to support you.
    • Do not bathe or otherwise disturb evidence
    • Call a friend, family member or other support person to be with you.
      • In metro-Denver call: 303.322.7273
      • In other parts of the U.S., RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) can connect you with services in your area: 800.656.HOPE
    • Even if you choose not to report a sexual assault, you should seek medical treatment.

    Resources

    Rape Assistance and Awareness Program RAAP's Victim Services Department provides services to both female and male survivors of rape and incest who are ages 13 and older. RAAP does not turn away individuals based on an inability to pay for services. Please contact RAAP's 24-Hour Rape Crisis Hotline
    Denver Police Department
    Denver Health Center
    Denver District Attorney
    Denver Victim Services Network