Preventing sexual misconduct

What we can do

Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Get permission.

• Never assume that you know what your partner wants. Regardless of how long you have known or dated someone, get permission.

Communicate effectively.

• Talk with your partner about what would be mutually enjoyable. Tell your partner what you do and do not want.
• Stick with your decision. Have your words and your actions communicate the same message.
• Pay attention to how much alcohol you are consuming. Alcohol and other drugs interfere with clear thinking and communication.

Trust your instincts and your intuition.

• Even if you cannot explain why, you have the right to trust your feelings. If you are feeling uncomfortable, leave the situation. Trust your gut.

Think about how you respond to social pressures.

• Decide what your needs and wants are before you are in a sexual situation.

Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Get permission.

• Never assume that you know what your partner wants. Regardless of how long you have known or dated someone, get permission.

Respect yourself and your partner. Educate yourself and your friends.

• Many people condone myths and misperceptions about sexual assault.
• Object to stereotypes and degrading images wherever you hear or see them.

Set a positive example with your friends.

• Treat people with respect and let others know you expect the same.

Do not accept offensive or aggressive behavior.

• Ask that the behavior stop. Support others who feel the same way.
• In an emergency, contact University Public Safety by picking up a Blue Light Phone or calling 585-275-3333.

Volunteer. Join and support groups that provide sexual assault prevention education.

• Pride Network
• College Feminists (COLLEGEFEM)
• RESTORE
• UR SEGway
• MOVE (Men Opposing Violence Everywhere)

Drinking and club drugs

While other drugs are occasionally used to facilitate sexual assault, researchers and experts note that alcohol is the most commonly used drug in cases of sexual assault on college campuses. Alcohol has been used as a method to facilitate sexual assault for years and remains the most widely used drug today.¹

Other drugs used to facilitate sexual assaults include:

• Rohypnol (roofies)
• Gamma Hydroxy Butate (GHB)
• Ecstasy

The effects of these drugs are similar to those caused by consuming a large amount of alcohol. Depending on the type of drug and the amount ingested, the victim may experience signs of confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, impaired motor skills, impaired judgment, reduced inhibition, slurred speech, or a variety of other symptoms.¹

Keeping yourself safe:

• One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be aware of your surroundings.
• If you choose to drink, drink responsibly. Aim for one drink per hour up to four drinks maximum.
• Do not take drinks from random people; always order your own drink.
• Do not leave your drink unattended.
• Look out for your friends and ask that your friends look out for you.

¹Successfully Investigating Acquaintance Sexual Assault: A National Training Manual for Law Enforcement

Ways to protect yourself

• Be careful about when and where you decide to drink
  • It has been estimated that over 75% of acquaintance rapes involve alcohol and drugs.²
• Use a buddy system for mutual support when you attend parties.
• Watch your drinks at all times.
  • If you notice a friend acting differently (e.g., behaving aggressive sexually, oblivious to pain, etc.), get your friend out of the situation.
• Be sure your friends know where you are. Check out these apps available for the Iphone and Android.
  • Circle of 6
  • Raksha
• Trust your gut.
  • If you feel uncomfortable, do what you can to leave the situation.
  • If being polite or nice doesn't work, just leave.
• Communicate openly and directly with your partner about sex.
  • You have the right to say no when you don't want to do something.
  • If this is difficult for you, someone you trust to help you practice saying no.
• Be wary of rescuers.
  • Don't accept a ride home from a stranger, even if that person seems to be concerned about your safety.

² U.S. Department of Justice, 2005 National Crime Victimization Study

Sexual assault statistics

Women

• 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape).^*
• 17.7 million American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape.^*
• 9 of every 10 rape victims were female in 2003.^**

Men

• About 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.^*
• In 2003, 1 in every 10 rape victims were male.^**
• 2.78 million men in the U.S. have been victims of sexual assault or rape.^*

Victims of sexual assault are^***: 

• 3 times more likely to suffer from depression
• 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder
• 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol
• 26 times more likely to abuse drugs
• 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide

If you or a friend is experiencing the effects of a sexual assault, help is available:

RESTORE
585-546-2777

University Counseling Center UCC
585-275-3113

The CARE Network 
585-275-4085

^* National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence against Women Survey, 1998
^** U.S. Department of Justice, 2003 National Crime Victimization Survey, 2003
^*** World Health Organization, 2002