How's this for a statistic: One in six undergraduate women will be a victim
of rape or attempted rape. Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact or
attention. It can be physical or non physical and can take the form of
threats, manipulation, or violence. Don't let it happen to you.
In this article, you will learn how to prevent Sexual Assault, where to go
for help, what to do (and not to do) if you are assaulted, and how to help
others.
Prevention Tips:
According to the Bureau of Justice, 60-80% of women who are raped know the
offender. With this in mind, people need to improve communication. You
should know your limits and be assertive in conveying them to others. You
should also be aware of the message you may be sending out and avoid
excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
To protect against assaults, The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice recommends locking your doors, avoiding hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers, and not walking alone after dark. In addition, the RU Police Department suggests using public, well-lighted walkways, avoiding any dark, isolated areas, look alert and hold your keys in your hand when you are walking to your vehicle, and give your vehicle the quick "once over" check before entering with a critical eye for possible break-ins or persons in the rear seat or floor area.
Where to go for Help:
There are many on and off campus resources that provide further information
or help.
On Campus
Off Campus
Center for Counseling and Student Development
Tyler Hall (831-5226)
Monday - Friday
(8:00 - 5:00)
Student Health Center
Moffett Hall (831-5111)
24 hour line (800-322-9582)
University Police
Russell Hall (831-5500)
Women's Resource Center
24 hour Crisis Line (639-1123)
Radford City Health Department
(831-5774)
Radford Community Hospital Emergency Room
(731-2666)
Radford City Police
(911)
If you are Assaulted:
If you are assaulted, the most important thing you can do is go to a safe
place, and seek help. Here are some recommendations from the Virginia Criminal Services
Department:
Do
Do Not
Get to a safe place
Call 911 for help
Lock doors and windows
Keep warm
Get medical attention
Write down everything about the incident
Shower or bathe
Brush or comb your hair
Use the bathroom
Change clothes
Eat or drink anything
Brush or rinse your teeth
Touch things at the crime scene
Put on makeup
How to help others:
According to the Women's Resource Center, victims of Sexual Assault can have
feelings of fear, disbelief, shame, guilt, powerlessness, denial, anger, and
depression. If a victim approaches you, do your best to listen and believe
what you are being told. You should respect the victim, ask how you can
help, and offer to accompany them in seeking medical attention and or
counseling. Never ask questions that would imply that it was the victim's
fault, or tell others without their permission. Finally, remind the person
that it is not their fault.
The fact is, sexual violence is the most under-reported of all crimes. Only
31 percent of sexual assaults are ever reported to police. Students of Radford
University need to be informed about what is going on around them. Protect
your self and others. Remember: You can never be too safe.
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Name:PeeR Comments:
Great article, Rachel. Very well written! Congrats to you and your section manager!
