Sexual assault is a serious issue on college and high school campuses. Every student should know how to stay safe, support survivors, and take action to prevent sexual violence.

This guide covers:
✅ What sexual assault is & warning signs.
✅ How to prevent assault & stay safe.
✅ What to do if you or someone you know is assaulted.
✅ Campus resources & support organizations.

Step 1: Understanding Sexual Assault & Consent

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual act, including:
✔ Unwanted touching, groping, or kissing.
✔ Rape or attempted rape.
✔ Coercion or manipulation into sexual activity.
✔ Sexual harassment or intimidation.
✔ Any sexual act involving someone unable to give consent (due to alcohol, drugs, or mental incapacity).

What Is Consent?

✅ Consent is:
✔ Freely given – No pressure, force, or threats.
✔ Enthusiastic – "Yes" means yes, and silence is NOT consent.
✔ Reversible – Anyone can change their mind at any time.
✔ Informed – Both people understand what they’re agreeing to.
✔ Specific – Consent for one act doesn’t mean consent for others.

❌ Consent is NOT:
"They didn’t say no."
Someone who is asleep, drunk, high, or unconscious.
Pressure, guilt-tripping, or intimidation.

Final Tip: Always ask for clear, enthusiastic consent. "Are you comfortable?" "Do you want to continue?"

Step 2: How to Prevent Sexual Assault & Stay Safe

✅ 1. Trust Your Gut & Set Boundaries
✔ If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, leave immediately.
✔ Clearly communicate your personal boundaries in dating & social situations.

✅ 2. Look Out for Friends & Use the Buddy System
✔ Go to parties, clubs, or bars with friends—leave together!
✔ If you see a friend being harassed or uncomfortable, step in & help.

✅ 3. Be Cautious with Alcohol & Parties
✔ Keep your drink with you at all times—never accept an open drink from a stranger.
✔ If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or more intoxicated than expected, tell a friend & seek help immediately.

✅ 4. Use Campus Safety Services
✔ Many colleges offer escort services or campus security patrols at night.
✔ Know the location of blue emergency phones on campus.

✅ 5. Learn Self-Defense & Emergency Contacts
✔ Many campuses offer self-defense classes for free.
✔ Save emergency numbers like campus police, Title IX office, and crisis hotlines on your phone.

Final Tip: Trust people who respect your "NO." If someone pushes your boundaries, it’s a red flag.

Step 3: What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is Assaulted

If You Are Assaulted:

1️⃣ Get to a Safe Place – Find a friend, RA, campus security, or trusted person.
2️⃣ Seek Medical Care ASAP – A hospital can:
✔ Check for injuries & provide emergency care.
✔ Perform a forensic exam (rape kit) to collect evidence (DO NOT shower or change clothes if considering legal action).
✔ Provide emergency contraception or STD prevention medication.
3️⃣ Report (If You Choose To)
✔ Campus Title IX Office – Schools must investigate & offer accommodations.
✔ Police – Filing a police report is optional but helps with legal action.
✔ Counseling Services – Many schools offer free trauma-informed therapy.

Final Tip: You are NEVER to blame for an assault. It’s OK if you freeze, don’t fight back, or aren’t ready to report.

If a Friend or Classmate Is Assaulted:

✅ Believe them – Never blame or question what they did.
✅ Offer support – Ask, "How can I help?" instead of telling them what to do.
✅ Encourage medical attention & counseling – But let them make the decision.
✅ Respect their choices – Some survivors may not want to report immediately.
✅ Help them access resources (see below ⬇️).

Final Tip: Saying “I believe you” is one of the most powerful things you can do for a survivor.

Step 4: Campus & National Resources for Support

Most colleges have sexual assault prevention programs & survivor support.

✅ Campus Resources:
✔ Title IX Office – Investigates sexual assault cases.
✔ Campus Police – Provides emergency response & protection.
✔ Student Health Center – Offers medical exams & counseling.
✔ Counseling Center – Many schools offer free therapy for survivors.

✅ National Support Organizations:

1. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – www.rainn.org
✔ 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
✔ Live chat & anonymous support for survivors.

2. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) – www.nsvrc.org
✔ Sexual assault awareness resources & prevention training.

3. Love Is Respect (Dating Violence & Abuse Support) – www.loveisrespect.org
✔ 24/7 Help Text: Text LOVEIS to 22522
✔ Support for dating violence & sexual coercion.

4. End Rape on Campus (EROC) – www.endrapeoncampus.org
✔ Helps students navigate Title IX complaints & legal action.

5. It’s On Us – www.itsonus.org
✔ National campaign for sexual assault prevention & bystander intervention.

Final Tip: If your school isn’t handling your case properly, you can file a federal complaint through the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Final Thoughts: Prevent, Support, and Take Action

Every student has the right to a safe, respectful, and supportive campus environment. By learning about consent, prevention, and available resources, you can help create a culture that stops sexual violence and supports survivors.

✅ Quick Recap – Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention:
✔ Understand consent – Freely given, enthusiastic, and reversible.
✔ Take steps to stay safe – Trust your instincts & look out for friends.
✔ Know what to do if an assault happens – Seek medical care & support.
✔ Use campus & national resources – Help is available 24/7.

Final Pro Tip: Preventing sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility. Speak up, step in, and support survivors.

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