Sexual
Assault and Acquaintance Rape
Sexual
assault is a horrible and traumatic crime. However, there are many
misconceptions about sexual assault and rape. The most common type of rape is
acquaintance rape.
(Date
rape is one type of acquaintance rape.)
In
2004, 77% of all reported sexual assault victims knew their attacker prior to
the assault.
This
includes all cases except stranger, so "brief encounters" are
included.
66%
of the assaults occurred inside a residence or vehicle.
77%
of the victims of acquaintance rape were between 14-25 years of age: 12% were
between 26 and 35 years of age.
49%
of the suspects were between 19 and 30 years of age.
52%
of acquaintance rapes occurred between Friday and Sunday. *
Learn
self-defense from a licensed, professional instructor. If you choose to carry
chemical spray, take the necessary classes. The district also offers Rape
Here
are suggestions to reduce your risk:
There
is strength in numbers or group dates. Go to parties or clubs with a friend and
be responsible for each other. Don't split up. Have a pre-planned signal to let
your friend know that you want to leave or need help.
Control
your alcohol; don't let it control you. Drink responsibly or not at all,
especially on first dates.
No
substance abuse.
Know
your limits. It's never too late to say "no." Don't be embarrassed or
ashamed to say "no" or ask someone to stop. It is your body.
Verbalize
your expectations. Be up front. Talk about sexual boundaries.
A
potentially embarrassing conversation could save you from a traumatic situation.
Trust
your gut instinct. Guard your personal space. If someone makes you
uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
Believe
in yourself. Know your rights. Women do not ask to be raped any more than a man
with money in his pocket is asked to be robbed. You are in charge of your body
and you can say "NO!"
Learn
self-defense from a licensed, professional instructor. If you choose to carry
chemical spray, take the necessary classes. The district also offers Rape
Aggression Defense classes for women at various times and dates throughout the
year.
End
the night early if your date becomes drunk or abusive. No one deserves physical
or emotional abuse. NO ONE.
If
you or someone you know is assaulted, know what to do. If you are raped, you are
never to blame. There are people who care and want to help.
Here
is what to do:
Call
the police immediately. Don't shower or change clothes.
Police
Department (619.531.2000)/911, College Police (619.388.6405)
It
is important for your health and well-being to be checked for injuries and
sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Retain
any clothing of yours or the suspect's and materials that could provide evidence
(eg., bed sheeting, condoms, etc.)
Call
a trained, caring counselor at one
of these locations:
Rape
Hotline, 858.272.1767
Women's
The
College Police, college or Continuing Education counselors and Health Services
personnel will assist you in contacting any of the off-campus organizations at
your request.
These
offices have pamphlets available containing detailed
information from the
The
San Diego Community College District has a disciplinary procedure for cases of
alleged sex offenses and sanctions that may be imposed. You would be informed of
the outcome of these proceedings and also be afforded the opportunity to change
your academic situation if you request it and it is reasonably available to do
so.
What
to Do If You Are Attacked:
The
course of action you take is strictly up to you. It is our sincere hope that you
never need our assistance, that you are never victimized, but if you are
attacked, here are a few suggestions.
Use
common sense.
Use
your natural defenses and act fast.
Scream
loudly.
Kick
legs, feet, groin.
Scratch
eyes, face.
Run
toward people and open businesses.
Hide
if you get the opportunity.
Bide
your time.
During
an armed attack, if you feel your life is about to be taken, you must decide
what course of action you should follow to defend yourself. Once you have made
your decision and started your defensive action, keep in mind several other
options and never stop trying new methods until you have completed your escape.
If you cannot escape, bide your time and wait for another opportunity.
Call
the police immediately!
Cooperate
fully with the police.
Press
charges when your attacker is caught. Be a good witness.
Remember the attacker's description, height, weight, age, race, eyes, marks or scars, clothing, mannerisms, language, vehicle description, license number and direction of escape.
FAQs:
What
about judo or karate?
This
type of training is great for physical conditioning; however, it may take
several years of training and continual practice to develop usable skills. Don't
substitute self-defense training for common sense, alertness and caution.
What
about carrying a weapon?
It
is not advisable to carry guns, knives or clubs. It is illegal to carry some of
these weapons, and all of them could be turned and used against you.