Preventing Sexual Assault

BECAUSE THE HIGHEST incidence of campus sexual assault occurs during THE FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE, it is incredibly important that you think about how you can take care of yourself and each other to avoid becoming a victim...or victimizing another. Your first year can be both an exciting and vulnerable time as social and romantic relationships are being explored.

BOTH women and men are affected by sexual assault. It harms our entire campus community. In order to protect yourself and those you care about from sexual assault, it is important to stay informed about this issue. You can learn more by visiting OWU Counseling Services and/or the Women's Resource Center, by talking with Residential Life staff, or by attending educational programs presented on campus. Take care of yourself and your community by learning more.

FOR STARTERS, actively focus on what you can do to avoid sexual assault from happening to you or someone you know:

• Be aware of your own actions and the actions of others. Watch your alcohol intake, stay in charge, and stay sober!
• Be especially cautious in a new environment. College is a new environment - so be careful and make good/safe decisions!
• Know how to express yourself clearly and confidently. Make your intentions known and don't make others guess! If someone says no, BELIEVE HER OR HIM, no matter what. If confused, err on the side of caution to avoid negative consequences for yourself and others.
• WOMEN: Be alert to situations that could put you in danger. Notice your fears—do not discount them! Listen to your "inner voice" about people and places and act accordingly.
• MEN: Be careful about making assumptions about a woman's intentions. Someone may be very interested in you and in having a good time socially WITHOUT wanting sexual intimacy. Define your time with a woman in terms of a relationship, not whether or not you have sex right away, or at all.
• EVERYONE: Spread the word by talking to others and standing up for the relationship principles above. Forcing someone to have unwanted, non-consensual sex is rape, socially and legally. Some examples of nonconsensual sex include when the person is alcohol impaired, passed out, unconscious or sleeping. Be aware, act with care!

What To Do If You Are Assaulted

Get to a safe place. Talk to someone who can help you. For emergency and/or 24-hour response you can call:

• Your RA or RLC – for information regarding your options.
• Public Safety – for transportation to the hospital, or to report to the police.
• Delaware Police – to make a direct police report.
• HelpLine – a 24-hour crisis line, providing sexual assault information, assistance and referral.
• RAINN – a 24-hour rape, abuse and incest national network who can connect you with the nearest available rape crisis center.
• The other numbers listed under "Where To Call For Help" on the back of the brochure.

If you think you might want to report the incident, or at least preserve any evidence, until you can explore your options fully, DO NOT shower, drink or eat, wash hands, douche, or change your clothes. Also, do not disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred or apply medication to any injuries unless absolutely necessary. Physical evidence can best be collected in the first 24 hours after the assault, but can still be collected up to 72 hours afterwards.

OBTAIN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION even if you need time before deciding to report the assault to police or the University. Medical care and counseling are available even if you choose not to report or prosecute. You can also have a collection of evidence exam done to preserve your legal options should you need more time to decide.

Most important…

REMEMBER THAT THE ASSAULT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO SEEK ASSISTANCE AND CARE.

Where To Call For Help

Emergency
Emergency Rescue – 9-911
Campus Emergency – 368-2222

Medical
Grady Memorial Hospital – ER 368-5100
Riverside Methodist Hospital – (614) 566-5321
Delaware Health Department – sliding scale fees, women's clinic, HIV testing – 368-1700
OWU Student Health Services – 368-3160

Rape Crisis Lines and Assistance – 24 hours
HelpLine – 369-3316 or 1-800-684-2324
RAINN -Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE
Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) – (614) 267-7020

Counseling and Aftercare
OWU Counseling Services – female and male counselors, confidential – 368-3145

Central Ohio Mental Health Center – community counseling center – 369-7688

Residential Life Staff
Smith RLC – 368-3180
Stuyvesant/Hayes RLC – 368-3181
Welch/Thomson RLC – 368-3183
Bashford/SLU's RLC – 368-3184

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