Sexual Assault & Date Rape

Sexual Assault 
Sexual assault is a serious, violent and frightening crime directed against women, men and children. Victims of such crimes find the experience painful, humiliating and emotionally disturbing. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, at any time, at any place. Sixty percent of reported sexual assaults occur at home. Seventy-five percent of the persons that commit sexual assault use weapons or threats. Sixty percent of reported sexual assaults happen with someone the survivor knows. There are many community service organizations in the Houston/Pasadena area which can help you. Don't suffer alone.

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • San Jacinto College Police Department 281.476.1820
  • Emergencies on campus 5555
  • Off Campus Emergencies 911
  • Houston Area Women's Center - 24 Hour Sexual Assualt Hotline 713.528.7273
  • Campus Counseling Centers (during office hours)                  
     Central Campus  281-998-6150  ext.1014
     North Campus  281-998-6150  ext. 2317
     South Campus  281-922-3444

If you have been sexually assaulted and are seeking help or information

Reporting A Rape

The police can only arrest a criminal if they are made aware of the offense. If you are raped, call the police immediately, with all the information you can give them to apprehend and prosecute your attacker. Also, call your local rape crisis center; if one is available.

Do not change clothes, shower or bathe. All physical evidence, including seminal fluids, hair, blood types, and scrapings of flesh from the victim's nails are used in court.

Information Most Needed By Police

  • Car license number, make, model and color
  • Race of assailant
  • Approximate age, weight and height Hair color and length
  • Color of eyes Clothing
  • Any unusual scars, marks, tattoos, rings, etc.
  • What he said

SEXUAL ASSAULT IS NOT A SELECTIVE CRIME
It happens on streets, in cars, in schools, in parks, in alleys and even in your own home. The person that commits sexual assault has no regard for age, race, or social status. A few years ago, law enforcement officials estimated sexual assault to be one of the least reported crimes of violence. Today, sexual assault is the fastest rising violent crime in our country.

What is Being Done?
Across the state, police departments, hospitals and prosecutors offices have revised and updated their policies and procedures. Legislators have amended laws to provide protection and encouragement for victims of sexual assault. Citizen groups have organized sexual assault crisis centers to provide support and counseling to victims and their families. Personal safety, however, must begin with the individual.

Safety Tips For Sexual Assault Prevention Be aware of the possibility of being sexually assaulted. It could happen to YOU!

MYTHS perpetuate stereotypes. They increase the likelihood that sexual assault can occur.

  • It can't happen to me! FALSE
  • Women who are sexually assaulted Are asking for it FALSE
  • Any woman could prevent it if she really wanted to. FALSE

To Prevent Sexual Assault
You can avoid potentially dangerous situations by keeping the following in mind:

IN GENERAL

  • BE AWARE of possible Rape situations
  • BE ALERT when you are alone.
  • BE DISCREET about your personal plans.
  • PROTECT YOURSELF
AT HOME
  • LOCK your doors and windows at all times, and instruct children not to open the door for strangers.
  • DON'T let anyone know that you or your neighbor lives alone.
  • CLOSE your curtains at night.
  • DON'T OPEN your door to strangers.
  • HAVE ADEQUATE LIGHTING at night; leave a light on in more than one room and a light on outside.
  • THINK about places where an intruder might hide: garage? laundry room? other places?
  • Replace or re-key locks when you move into a new home or apartment.
  • Install a door viewer and a one-inch dead bolt and use them .
  • Look before opening your door to anyone.
  • Require all strangers to show identification. If you haven't called for a repairman, don't let one inside. Leave him waiting outside and call his place of business to verify his reason for being in your area.
  • don't let a stranger inside your home to use the phone; make the call for him.
  • Women living alone should use only initials on mailboxes and for telephone listings.
  • If you receive an obscene phone call hang up and don't react.
IN YOUR CAR
  • CHECK your back seat for uninvited guests.
  • LOCK your doors and keep your windows up when driving or parked; keep your valuables out of sight.
  • SOUND YOUR HORN if someone does get in.
  • IF FOLLOWED, drive to a busy area or police station.
  • NEVER pickup hitchhikers.
  • KEEP car doors locked at all times.
  • ALWAYS have your keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay. Never walk across the parking lot while digging in your purse for your keys; have them in your hand before leaving the building.
  • Make certain you have enough gas to get you to where you are going, and always keep your vehicle in good running condition.
  • If possible, travel on well-lighted, busy streets, and avoid isolated back roads and short cuts
  • Park in areas that will be lighted when you return.
  • Never leave your house keys with your car keys at a service station or parking lot.
  • Women driving alone should never stop to aid a stranger in a stalled vehicle. Proceed to an open business and report the stalled vehicle to the police.
  • If you have trouble, raise the hood and stay in your vehicle. When someone offers assistance, roll the window down just enough to talk to them. Ask them to stop at the first phone to call a relative, friend, garage, or the police for you. Never get into a strangers car.
WHILE WALKING
  • Whenever possible, AVOID WALKING ALONE, especially at night. Walk with someone, or walk in areas where other people are near.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas away from alleys, bushes, and entry ways.
  • don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
  • If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting near the car.
  • If you are being followed, go to the nearest business or residence for help.
  • If you are harassed by the occupants of a car, simply turn and walk the other direction. The driver will have to turn around to follow you.
  • Hold your purse close, not dangling, and avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person.
  • DON'T TAKE SHORT CUTS through deserted areas such as alleys, parks, parking lots.
  • Have your keys in your hand so your house or car can be opened immediately.

ABOVE ALL, STAY ALERT. CONSIDER CARRYING A WHISTLE. BE AWARE OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT.

DATE RAPE

Some say it's a shame; some say it's a misunderstanding; some say it's a lie; some say it's her fault; some say it's his fault.

IT'S DATE RAPE, IT'S WRONG, AND IT'S A CRIME!

It's hard to think of someone familiar i.e. a date, a steady boyfriend or a casual acquaintance as a rapist. Familiarity makes you less inclined to trust your self-protective instincts. Being forced into having sex even if it's by someone you know is still RAPE and it's a CRIME. Nothing you do, say or wear gives anyone the right to assault you sexually or otherwise.

Some Things To Think About
Men and women are both responsible for preventing sexual assault and rape. Poor communication, mixed signals, body language that contradicts the spoken word are often key factors in DATE RAPE.

  • You have the right to set limits.
  • Communicate those limits clearly; ESP doesn't work.
  • Trust your instincts. If a situation doesn't feel right, change the situation or get away from it.
  • Be aware of sex-role stereotypes such as it's macho to score and Being assertive is UN-feminine. These attitudes get in the way of honest relationships.
  • Speak up when others joke or talk about their sexual conquests. Let others know where you stand.
  • Party time? Remember, drugs and alcohol decrease your ability to take care of yourself and to make sensible decisions.
  • Don't fall for these tired old lines...read between them.
    • How about an intimate dinner for two at my place
    • Want to come up and listen to my new CD?
    • Your roommate's out for the evening. let's study at your place
    • This party's a drag. let's leave
Plan Ahead
  • First date or blind date? Check him out with friends. Go to a public place such as a movie, restaurant, or campus event; and with friends, not alone.
  • don't leave a party, concert, or bar with someone you just met, or don't know well, no matter how charming.
  • Be wary of behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable. If it persists, leave.
  • Stand up for yourself. If someone is pressuring you, say that you don't like it and mean it.
For Men Only
  • It's never all right to force yourself on a woman, even if she teases you or dresses provocatively, she says no and you think she means Yes
  • you've had sex with her before
  • you've paid for a night on the town or expensive gift, or
  • you've been dating a long time, and you think it's time

Do not assume you both want the same degree of intimacy. If you have any doubts, stop, ask, and clarify. Protect yourself from a charge of rape because you didn't ask.

It's OK not to score. Real men can take no for an answer.

Gang rape: a dare, a joke, a party game? No. it's RAPE, it's WRONG, it's a CRIME.

Note: Men can be victims of rape, and they have the same rights to counseling and to legal action as women have.