University of Wisconsin - Stout

Statistics

  1. The most vulnerable population for campus rape is freshman girls during the first few months of school. Many of these girls were virgins before they were raped. (Neimark, Jill. Out of Bounds, the Truth About Athletes and Rape. Interactivetheater.org, 2000.)
  2. Approximately 1 in 20 college women are victims of rape or attempted rape each year. (Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F.T., Turner, M.G. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.)
  3. Approximately 22% of victims are raped by intimates such as husbands or boyfriends, 47% by acquaintances, and 2 % by other relatives. (Criminal Victimization in 1999: Changes 1998-1999, with trends 1993-1999. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, August, 2000.)
  4. Only 5% of undergraduate women reported their sexual assault to police. (Schwartz, M., Leggett, M. Bad Dates or Emotional Trauma- the Aftermath of Campus Sexual Assault. Violence Against Women, Vol. 5, No. 3, March, 1999.)
  5. 84% of men whose actions matched the legal definition of rape, said that what they did was definitely not rape. (Koss, M.P. 1998. Hidden Rape: Incident, Prevalence, and Descriptive Characteristics of Sexual Aggression and Victimization in a National Sample of College Students. Rape and Sexual Assault, Vol. II. edited by A.W. Burgess. New York: Garland Publishing Company.)
  6. Research indicates that in over three quarters of college rapes, the offender, the victim or both had been drinking. (Schwartz, M., and W. DeKeseredy (1997). Sexual Assault on the college Campus: The Role of Male Peer Support. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.)
  7. While alcohol use does not cause rape, alcohol abuse is strongly related to abuse of women. (Schwartz, M., and W. DeKeseredy (1997). Sexual Assault on the college Campus: The Role of Male Peer Support. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.)
  8. In 2002, one in every eight rape victims were male. (NCVS 2002)
  9. About four out of ten sexual assaults take place at the victim's own home. Two in ten take place in the home of a friend, neighbor or relative. One in ten takes place outside, away from home. And about one in 12 takes place in a parking garage. (Statistics in this section are from: Sex Offenses and Offenders. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, February 1997)

What Do You Know About Campus Sexual Violence?

Please choose the phrase, etc. which you feel best completes each sentence.

(The information below comes from national surveys, FBI crime reports, and testimony from experts who deal with social and legal aspects of campus sexual violence (e.g. harassment, assault, acquaintance rape, stranger rape). Statistics are open to critique and we do not pretend that they are always the most accurate or the "final word" on these issues.)

  1. On U.S. campuses, sexual assaults and acquaintance rape are most frequent during _____.
    1. Spring Break
    2. 1st six weeks of Fall Semester
    3. finals week
  2. About ____ of acquaintance rape accusations prove to be false accusations.
    1. 5%
    2. 15%
    3. 25%
    4. 55%
  3. On U.S. campuses, about ____ of acquaintance rapes occur while at least one of the people involved is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
    1. 15%
    2. 35%
    3. 55%
    4. 75%
  4. A woman is more likely to be raped or assaulted if she ________.
    1. is dressed provocatively
    2. has a reputation on campus for sleeping around
    3. is dressed very conservatively
    4. There is no correlation between clothing, reputation, and likelihood of being raped.
  5. If you sense you are in danger that an acquaintance is going to force intercourse on you, you might be best advised to…
    1. let the assailant have his/her way, in order to avoid public embarrassment, additional violence, and possible injury.
    2. make a scene, fight back, and even yell "Stop -you're raping me!"
    3. use verbal persuasion to make the assailant think twice, such as "I have herpes" or "I'm having my period."
  6. When males report being forcibly penetrated (raped), they most often cite _____ as the assailant.
    1. a gay or bisexual male
    2. a straight woman
    3. a straight male
  7. If a female Western student is concerned about pregnancy as the result of forced intercourse, Student Health can ______.
    1. provide an abortion during the first trimester
    2. give her 'Emergency Contraception' (morning-after pill) within 60 hours of the attack
    3. Link her with couples seeking to adopt
  8. If a student discloses to you that s/he was raped or assaulted, and indicates that s/he has not previously told anyone or received help, you should: _______.
    1. call 911 immediately.
    2. contact Western's Judicial Affairs Office to make sure they know about it.
    3. make sure the person is aware of the various options regarding how to report it, and let her/him make the decision about how to proceed.
    4. contact the person's family members or close friends.
  9. Which strategy to stop sexual assault is "real" prevention? ____
    1. teach people how to counsel and support victims/survivors of sexual violence
    2. inform people of current laws and penalties that can be used to prosecute an assailant
    3. foster open dialogue about sexual expectations between men and women
    4. publicize the stories of people who have been assaulted
  10. If a Western student was sexually abused as a child or teen by a family member, it's likely that ___________.
    1. coming to college is liberating because it gives the person a chance to put it all behind and forget about it, now that home is distant.
    2. he or she will commit an acquaintance rape or sexual assault while at Western.
    3. the person is just beginning to struggle with the experience, because being away from family (and being surrounded by sexually active students) can make one feel isolated and "different" from peers.
    4. he or she will quickly meet many supportive Western students and staff who understand this issue and are already busy raising campus awareness about it.

ANSWERS TO: What Do You Know About Campus Sexual Violence?

  1. On U.S. campuses, sexual assaults and acquaintance rape are most frequent during _____.
    • b) 1st six weeks of Fall Semester
  2. About ____ of acquaintance rape accusations prove to be false accusations.
    • 5%.
    • FBI Uniform Crime Reports indicate that many types of interpersonal violence, even murder, have a similar low rate of false accusation. Many valid cases have no physical evidence (semen, hair, clothing fibers) to support them, so prosecutors and courts have no basis to determine guilt.
  3. On U.S. campuses, about ____ of acquaintance rapes occur while at least one of the people involved is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
    • 75%.
    • One or both parties under the influence may not be clear-headed enough to set explicit boundaries or to honor those boundaries when they are made clear. Shame about being under the influence may also lead a victim/survivor to delay reporting - or to never report an assault.
  4. A woman is more likely to be raped or assaulted if she ________.
    • d) There is no correlation between clothing, reputation, and likelihood of being raped.
    • Even today, women's clothing and body language is implicated as a contributing factor in ways that men's clothing and body language rarely is. Actual reports of sexual violence reveal no consistent pattern about this - many times, a woman who seems "virginal" or "inexperienced" attracts the attention of an assailant because she seems less assertive and less aware.
  5. If you sense you are in danger that an acquaintance is going to force intercourse on you, you might be best advised to…
    • b) make a scene, fight back, and even yell "Stop -you're raping me!"
    • This is open to debate - however, when acquaintances are in a sexual situation, an assailant is often expecting quick compliance. Weapons or heavy force are less likely in such scenarios. Only the person at risk can judge whether it's safe to resist aggressively, but it is an option that used to be discouraged - not all victims have to feel they must 'lay there and take it'.
  6. When males report being forcibly penetrated (raped), they most often cite _____ as the assailant.
    • c) a straight male.
    • If sexual assault is less about sex and more about power, it may not be a surprise that when men are assaulted it appears most often to be by other men. All types of sexual assault are underreported, and male victims/survivors have many social reasons not to disclose being assaulted.
  7. If a female Western student is concerned about pregnancy as the result of forced intercourse, Student Health can ______.
    • b) give her 'Emergency Contraception' (morning-after pill) within 60 hours of the attack.
    • The Health Service does not provide abortions, and referrals for abortion and adoption are best provided after a woman has made a decision and received counseling.
  8. If a student discloses to you that s/he was raped or assaulted, and indicates that s/he has not previously told anyone or received help, you should: _______.
    • c) make sure the person is aware of the various options regarding how to report it, and let her/him make the decision about how to proceed.
    • Empower the person - their power was taken away during the assault, so check your impulse to make decisions for them. They may feel overwhelmed at first; in time they are likely to appreciate your sensitivity to their right to make personal decisions.
  9. Which strategy to stop sexual assault is "real" prevention? ____
    • c) foster open dialogue about sexual expectations between men and women.
    • All the above strategies are important to raise awareness and sensitivity. Prevention means working with a population at-risk for a problem but not necessarily experiencing the problem on a large scale. The educator's job is to keep healthy people healthy. Prevention is intended to do this - it includes fostering verbal assertiveness and clear discussion about sexual expectations. It also includes open challenges to sexism.
  10. If a student was sexually abused as a child or teen by a family member, it's likely that ___________.
    • c) the person is just beginning to struggle with the experience, because being away from family (and being surrounded by sexually active students) can make one feel isolated and "different" from peers.
    • Life does not magically start over at college for most people. Our sexualized campus tends to overlook or make fun of sexual abuse because it does not fit widespread hopes of hooking-up and guiltless pleasure.

*Adapted from Penn State's "Students Together Against Acquaintance Rape" Prevention Education Curriculum

Laws regarding Sexual Assault

Wisconsin Sexual Assault

Statute 940.225 Paraphrased

First Degree:

Sexual intercourse or sexual contact without consent:

Second Degree:

Sexual intercourse or sexual contact without consent:

Third Degree:

Whoever has sexual contact involving ejaculation or sexual intercourse with a person without the consent of that person.

Fourth Degree:

Sexual contact with a person without the consent of that person or sexual intercourse with a person 16-18 years old.

Sexual Assault Definitions

Under Section 940.225(5)(b), 939.22(36) the following paraphrased definitions:

Sexual Intercourse- Cunnilingus, fellatio, vulvar penetration or anal sex between persons or any other intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or of any object into the genital or anal opening of another either by the offender or upon the offender's instruction. The emission of semen is not required.

Sexual Contact- Any of the following:

  1. Intentional touching by the victim of the offender, either directly or through clothing by use of any body part or object, of the victim's or offender's intimate parts if that touching is for the purpose of sexually humiliating the victim or sexually arousing the offender or if the touching contains elements of actual or attempted battery under 940(19) (1) (bodily harm to another without consent).
  2. Intentional penile ejaculation of semen or the intentional emission of urine or feces by an offender on any part of the body clothed or unclothed of the victim if that ejaculation or emission is for the purpose of sexually degrading or sexually humiliating the offender or for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying the offender.
  3. Sexual intercourse-- Cunnilingus, fellatio, vulva penetration or anal sex between persons or any other intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or of any object into the genital or anal opening of another either by the offender or upon the offender's instruction. The emission of semen is not required.

What do I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

Survive the assault experience the best way you can. Only you know the best way to react to this act of violence. Follow your instincts and do whatever it takes to survive.

It is important to have a medical examination even if there are no apparent injuries or there has been a lapse in time since the assault. Consider seeing a sexual assault nurse examiner (S.A.N.E.) for your health assessment.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.) Program

The nurse examiner has had advanced preparation in collecting medical-legal evidence. She is sensitive to your need to take an active part in your care and recovery. She will not make you do anything you do not want to do and will support your need to regain control of your life. The exam can be done up to 72 hours after the assault and still produce evidence. The quickest way to access a S.A.N.E. is to go to the Myrtle Worth Hospital in Menomonie (715) 232-2388. The exam may be covered by your health insurance provider or it is free if you are uninsured.

Note: If you are interested in only receiving the morning after pill or being tested for sexually transmitted diseases, please see a health care provider at the UW Stout Student Health Services (715) 232-1314 or a sexual assault nurse examiner (S.A.N.E.) (715) 232-2388.

A nurse will examine you in a sensitive, non-threatening manner and administer first aid gently. The nurse is trained to gather medical-legal evidence. The exam may be similar to a pap smear, depending upon the nature of the assault. Photographs may also need to be taken by the nurse as part of evidence gathering. You may stop the exam at any point you become uncomfortable. She will help you sort out what to do about the many concerns following rape, including threat of disease and pregnancy. The nurse will assist you in reviewing your options and will respect your decisions.

A nurse will help you contact an advocate if you choose and will help you find a safe place to go. She will help you develop a medical follow-up plan and will support you through phone calls as often as you request. If your case goes to court, the sexual assault nurse examiner may testify as a factual witness on your behalf.

The Advocate's Role

An advocate from the Campus Violence Prevention Project or the Bridge to Hope will be with you the entire time you go through the S.A.N.E. exam, if you would like. She will offer you emotional support or whatever you may need to be comfortable, while the S.A. N.E. nurse will focus only on the exam. The advocate will then go over services, information on sexually transmitted diseases, and Crime Victim Compensation. After the exam is completed, the advocate will then take you wherever you need to go next, whether that is to speak with the police, home, or to a friend or family member's home. The advocate will then follow up with you in a couple of days to see how you are doing, answer any questions and see if there are any other services you may need.

Who can I report to if I have been sexually assaulted?

There are various options for reporting incidents of sexual assault, stalking or dating and domestic violence. You have the option of reporting to both the police and the Dean of Students Office. Navigate to the Reporting Options page for the contact information.

What will happen to me if I report the incident?

You are in control of the reporting process. You can tell whomever you report to as much or as little information as you like. You may also have an advocate with you to support you through the reporting process and the medical exam, if you choose to receive one. You can stop the reporting process at any time. The police will likely encourage you to have a medical (S.A.N.E.) exam whether or not you've decide to pursue an arrest of the offender. If the assault happened within the last couple of days of reporting, there's a better chance of finding forensic evidence from the victim. The exam is to ensure your safety and to provide possible evidence for the police.

What will happen to the person who assaulted me?

The police or a Dean of Students staff person will conduct an interview with the accused in order to obtain his/her side of the story. If the police believe there is probable cause or a reason to believe that the person committed the assault, then the person will be arrested. Click on Dean of Students to learn about the investigation procedures.

What are the consequences for the person who assaulted me?

Navigate to the Consequences for Sexual Assault Offenders page for more information.

Who will find out I have been sexually assaulted?

Any professional you speak with about your situation is obligated by law to keep the information confidential unless you are threatening to harm yourself or another person. You may sign a Consent for Release of Information form to have your information released from one agency to another. You may cancel this release form at any time.

How can I heal from the situation?

Each person heals from this experience in his/her own way and time. You may want to seek help from a professional counselor who is familiar with the aftermath of rape. Any counseling service you decide to receive will be kept confidential unless you give written permission to have information released to another party. You may find that you experience different emotions such as the feeling of paranoia to a sense of calmness. Any feelings you experience are "normal" given your situation. It is very important that you honor all of your feelings and that you do not blame yourself for the assault. Talking about what happened to you with people who are supportive and understanding can be very helpful. This is a way to begin the process of recovery.

Navigate here for a list of counseling resources.

How Can I Help a Friend Who Has Been Raped?

Date Rape Drugs

Certain drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, are sometimes called "Rape Drugs" because they can be used as a weapon in sexual assault crimes. When the drugs are hidden in a drink, they may be completely undetectable. Yet, they are powerful and dangerous. They can seriously harm or even kill you. When the drugs dissolve in the drink, they are colorless and odorless. Sometimes the drugs are also tasteless. The drugs can make you confused, weak, and/or unconscious.

Signs that you may have been drugged.

Not everyone is affected the same way.

It is difficult to predict the exact effects of any drug on a particular individual. The effects may vary depending upon the drug, the dose you ingest, and whether the drug is mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Other factors that influence how a particular drug will affect you are your weight, gender, metabolism, and other issues, such as how soon you receive medical assistance. If you believe you have been drugged, it is important to report the incident immediately to the police.