Sexual Assault/Rape
Sexual assault and rape are acts of power and control in which the victim/survivor may feel humiliated, degraded, shameful, guilty, and angry. If you are forced to have sex against your will, without your consent, that is rape.

Consent
It is the responsibility of the person who initiates sexual activity to actively seek consent. Consent means that each person is equally free to proceed; no one should feel intimidated or pressured. Although a person may consent to one form of sexual activity (such as kissing or touching) it does not mean they have consented to all other forms of sexual activity.

What does consent look like?

• A verbal "yes" or mutually agreed upon sign
• A "yes" given freely that needs to happen each and every time
• If a person cannot safely say "no" then it is not true consent
• If you are not sure what the other person is wanting-Stop! Ask! Clarify!
• Safe, fun, and inviting

What coercive sex looks like.

• Verbally pressuring or manipulating the other person
• Physically assaulting the other person to get what you want
• Using and abusing drugs, alcohol, or date rape drugs to get what you want
• Exploitative, humiliating, and degrading to the other person
• Overcoming the "resistence" of someone not freely giving consent by using any of the above tactics

Stalking
Stalking is the willful, malicious, and repeated following and harassing of another person. Stalking is an action that serves no legitimate purpose and is intended to harass, annoy, or terrorize. Stalking tends to leave others in fear of his/her normal surroundings. People who have been victims of stalking often feel threatened and afraid of the stalker.

Sexual Assault Prevention
Only a potential perpetrator can prevent a sexual assault-by not committing acts of sexual violence and by educating themselves and others that sexual assault and violence will not be tolerated.

Sexual Assault Risk-Reduction
Although only perpetrators can prevent sexual assault, there are actions that can be taken to reduce your risk. Reducing the risk means to:

• Know your sexual desires and limits
• Communicate your desires and limits clearly
• Don't assume that someone who is dressed a certain way, is friendly or who has been drinking wants to have sex
• Listen to what your partner or date says. Accept sexual limits that are verbalized and assume that the person meant exactly what he/she said
• Don't take being rejected for sex as being rejected as a person
• If you are feeling uncomfortable in a situation, pay attention to the feeling and do something about it
• Be alert for warning signs
• Avoid excessive drinking or drug use

There are additional personal safety measures that can be taken to ensure your safety:

On Campus

• Attend self-defense workshops
• Familiarize yourself with campus call boxes and emergency numbers
• Travel around with friends and/or tell someone where you are going if you are going alone
• Stay in well-lit areas
• Stay informed about campus resources, statistics, and incidents
• Report suspicious behavior or activity

At Home/In Your Dorm Room

• Lock your doors and windows
• Do not give out personal information to people you do not know or trust
• Report and document harassing phone calls or other actions you feel unsafe with
• Unless you know the person, do not hold the door/let unfamiliar people into campus residence halls
• Report disturbing or suspicious behavior immediately to your RA or to campus police
• Report suspicious or disturbing behavior near your apartment or home immediately to local officials

At Parties/Bars

• Go with friends
• Have a designated driver to ensure your safe return home
• Watch how much you drink and what goes in your drink, date rape drugs are slipped into others' drinks at a sometimes alarming rate
• Be honest with yourself and others about your sexual desires and limits--before you begin drinking
• Watch out for your friends, never assume she/he is okay when you sense she/he may not be