Laker Help Link

Sexual Assault / Rape

Sexual assault, or rape, is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances by a person that either results in intercourse or sexual touching.

Facts:

  • According to FBI statistics, one in four women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
  • Most rapes are committed by someone that the victim knows.
  • If you have been sexually assaulted you have 72 hours to have a rape kit done. After 72 hours a kit can still be done but it will not be as reliable.
  • Often sexual assaults are connected with the use of alcohol and other drugs. For more information go to the "Date Rape Drugs" section of this web site.

Risk reduction:

  • Watch your drink when you are out. Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
  • Have a "buddy system."  Keep track of where your friends are and make an agreement to not leave without each other.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Use your intuition. If you think someone is acting strange, or you see them start to have extreme fits of energy while they have been drinking, (and it is out of character for them), this may be a sign of a possible drugging.
  • If you are starting to feel unsafe or unsure of a person while you are on a date or just hanging out, do not be ashamed to end the date or excuse yourself. Never be afraid to call for help.

Prevention:

  • Accept that No means No. And, you always have the right to say No.
  • Remember that you do not "owe" your date any sexual favors for taking you out.
  • Don't assume that previous sexual contact means that sex is always an option.
  • Never force anyone to have sex.
  • Avoid excessive uses of drugs and alcohol.
  • Remember that thinking someone wants sex is not the same as knowing for sure so talk to your partner.

What to do if you are raped or sexually assaulted:

  • Go somewhere safe and seek emotional support from friends, an RA, staff member, Public Safety or local agency.
  • Get medical attention immediately. Locally, contact the YWCA Sexual Assault Hotline, 616.776.RAPE.
  • Do not change clothes, bathe, shower, or douche before going to the hospital. Doing so may destroy important medical evidence. If you have changed clothes, bring your soiled clothing with you in a paper bag (not plastic) for evidence collection. Forensic evidence may be collected up to 72 hours after an assault.
  • Seek counseling.
  • Report the rape.

How to help a friend who has been raped:

  • Listen and be there for them.
  • Assure them that it was not their fault.
  • Don't be judgmental.
  • Be patient and allow them the time they need to heal.
  • Encourage your friend to talk to a counselor.

On-Campus Resources:
GVSU Counseling & Career Development Center
616.331.3266
www.gvsu.edu/counsel

Women's Center
616.331.2748
www.gvsu.edu/women_cen

Dean of Students Office
616.331.3585
www.gvsu.edu/dos

All information is confidential.

Off-Campus Resources:
YWCA Sexual Assault Hotline (24-hours a day)
616.776.RAPE
The YWCA also has a nurse examiner program that collects evidence for rape kits in a supportive, private environment.
http://ywcawcmi.org/index.php

The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
www.rainn.org

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center
www.nsvrc.org

Men Can Stop Rape (organization working to show how men can prevent sexual assault) www.mencanstoprape.org

Page last modified September 14, 2010