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SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE GUIDE

DEFINITION:

Rape Defined:

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts rape is defined as:

The penetration of any bodily orifice without consent and with force or threat of force. Penetration can be with fingers, objects or penis to the vagina, mouth or anus.

In addition, in Massachusetts it is illegal to have sex with someone who is incapable of giving consent because:

• They are intoxicated.
• They are unconscious.
• They are mentally incompetent.
• They are under age.

What constitutes as consent?

You can't have sex with someone if they say "No". That is easy to understand. But the fact is that you cannot have sex with someone unless you have consent. So how do you know exactly what consent is? Generally defined, consent is explicitly communicated, reversible, mutual agreement in which both parties are capable of making a decision. But sometimes it is more complicated than this.

• Is it a simple "Yes"?
• Does it have to be verbalized?
• What if the person is drunk or high?
• What if they don't say anything at all?
• Can consent be implied?

Men and women are both constantly giving and receiving mixed messages about sex. Women are still taught by our culture that they are obligated to resist a little bit, even if they really want to have sex. Men are told that women's initial resistance to sex is to be ignored as a token effort. Men are taught to be persistent and women are taught to accept that their refusals may be ignored. This combination of cultural messages creates confusion over what exactly constitutes consent.

• Consent is a "Yes" in response to requests for sexual acts.
• Silence is not necessarily consent.
• "No" is not consent.
• In Massachusetts, consent cannot be given by someone who is not of sound mind and body. Someone who is drunk, high, unconscious or mentally incompetent may not be able to give consent to a sexual act.
• Submission is not necessarily consent. There is a fine line between persuasion and coercion. Having sex with someone who reasonably believes that there is a threat of force meets the legal definition of rape in Massachusetts.

IF YOU ARE RAPED:

If You are Raped…

• Get To A Safe Place
• Tell Someone
• Get Medical Attention
• Take Care Of Yourself
• Report It

Get To A Safe Place. Once you are safe, call Public Safety at (1-911 or x2304) or the Health Center at (x2242). Off campus call the local police at 911.

Tell Someone. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed, like no one will believe you or that you are in some way to blame for the attack. The most important thing to remember is that whatever happens no one should be forced to have sex against their will. Telling someone will give you an outlet to express your emotions. Feeling overwhelmed is a natural response and contacting someone who can help will assist you sorting out what resources are available and what, if anything, you want to do. Confidential resources that can be accessed at the time of the assault:

 

• Health Center x 2242 for medical assistance and counseling
• The local sexual assault hotline

(Everywoman's Center - 545-0800 or 1-888-337-0800)

Other important resources include:

• Dean on Call (call through Public Safety x 2304)
• Public Safety (1-911 or x 2304)
• Your Head Resident or SA.
• Residence Hall Staff

If you are not in the South Hadley area, rape crisis centers are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Rape" or "Social/Human Services."

Get Medical Attention. Medical care after a rape can detect injuries and test for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). In addition, a health care provider can collect evidence that could be used should you ever decide to take legal or disciplinary action. Although the Mount Holyoke College Health Center has trained staff, survivors* will be sent to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for the medical follow-up after the initial assessment. When appropriate, blood and urine samples to test for the drugs Rohypnol and GHB may be collected at the Health Center. Emergency contraceptives can also be dispensed.

* Both the terms "victim" and "survivor" appear in this booklet. "Victim" is used to refer to the individual at the moment of the crime, or shortly thereafter. "Survivor" is used as a less stigmatizing, more empowering way to identify the individual no longer powerless in that moment.

Take Care Of Yourself. Rape is a traumatic experience and there is no set formula for recovery. Seek counseling to support and guide you through the healing process.

Report It. Only 1 of 10 women ever reports their rape. The number of men who report is even smaller. There are many reasons why this number is so low. Survivors may…

• feel ashamed
• think that the pain will go away
• not be sure if what happened was really rape
• believe they are responsible in some way

The decision to report is totally up to you. For many survivors having their number counted, at least, is an important step in regaining the power they lost. You can discuss your situation with any of the resources listed in this booklet before you make a decision. There are many options to explore; the most important thing is to choose the path that is most comfortable and productive towards your recovery.

Surviving the Assault:

If you are assaulted, your goal is survival. Your best weapon is your ability to think clearly and put your welfare first. Whatever you do to escape is okay: scream, bite, punch, kick, grading your keys into the assailant's body. There are as many responses as situations. Here are some possibilities:

• Use your voice---talking can effectively diffuse some assaults. Speak calmly, not crying, pleading, or moralizing. Try to maintain eye contact. If help is within hearing distance, you may try screaming "Fire!" or "Help!" instead of "Rape!" since the former are more recognizable distress calls.
• Stalling is an intermediate approach to give you time to recover from initial shock and to assess your situation. Do the unexpected convincingly. Stalling can take many forms: pretending to cooperate, going limp and sinking to the ground, or faking sickness.
• Running away is an option if you are sure you can make it to a safe place.
• Physical resistance must be quick, hard, and vicious in order to be effective. This option is not for everyone; many people cannot use physical resistance. Remember, the goal is to survive the assault. Resistance should be geared to allow escape. If you think your natural reaction would be to fight, then make sure you know how to do so effectively. The Department of Public Safety regularly offers self-defense classes. The Office of Residential Life and the Office of the Dean of the College can also assist with crime prevention programs.
• Weapons can take the form of many items---combs, keys, nail file, hair spray, books, pens, pencils, umbrellas. You can also use your body, voice, teeth, knees, hands, fingers, thumbs, feet, and legs to defend yourself. Direct your defense to vulnerable locations such as the eyes, throat, knees, top of the foot, and groin. Remember, though, any weapon could be taken away from you and used against you.

Preserving the Physical Evidence:

If you report an attack, before public safety officers arrive, go to a safe place like a neighbor's room, but try to preserve the physical evidence. If the attack occurs outside, use the Public Safety Blue Light phones to call for help.

• Do not change your clothing. If you must change, place your old clothes in a paper bag.
  • Pack a change of clothes to bring to the Health Center or the hospital.

    Note: The Health Center will refer and may be able to accompany survivors to the Cooley Dickinson Hospital for the evidence collection examination.

  • Do not wash or clean your clothing.
  • Do not take a shower, bathe, or clean up.
  • Do not apply medication or cosmetics.

How and to whom may a student victim report a rape or sexual assault?

Mount Holyoke College uses an anonymous sexual assault recording form to gather accurate information on the incident of these crimes on this campus. Requiring a minimal amount of general information, the form in no way identifies the survivor.

How does the College handle report of a sexual assault?

Team Approach:

Mount Holyoke College uses a Team Approach in responding and supporting survivors of sexual assault. Typically the team will consist of a Public Safety sexual assault investigator, a counselor from the Health Center or Everywoman's Center, and the Dean on Call. Team members will only be called with permission of the victim.

Confidentiality:

By Massachusetts General Law, the police and court records that contain the name of the victim in a case of rape or assault with intent to rape must be withheld from public inspection. Except as permitted by a judge, it is unlawful to publish or disclose rape victim's names.

Public Safety will not release your name to other College officials without your permission. Public Safety is required by federal law to notify the members of the community of any events or incidents that place people at risk; and will do so while maintaining the confidentiality of your identity.

In conducting a thorough investigation of a rape or an assault, Public Safety will assign an officer who has received specialized training in investigating sexual assaults. During the investigation, the officer will ask you many questions and go over the details of the crime. This is necessary because a person frequently recalls additional information and details during subsequent interviews. This procedure is not intended to embarrass or intimidate you.

Public Safety, the Dean's Office, and the Health Center staff collaborate to assist victims. However, because of confidentiality constraints on victim information, each organization needs permission to exchange information. Departments will not release information without the survivor's permission.

PROCEDURES:

What are the Police Procedures in Dealing with Rape?

If you decide to call the Mount Holyoke Department of Public Safety:

1. A uniformed officer will arrive and insure your safety. The officer will encourage you to go and escort you to the Health Center or other medical facility for treatment, based on the nature of your injuries and get a description of the assailant(s) for possible apprehension.
2. You will receive medical attention and a medical report will be made for use should you decide to press charges.
3. The officer from Public Safety will call in one of the department's sexual assault investigators who will interview you about the details of the rape. A Public Safety officer will suggest that a counselor be present along with medical staff to reduce the number of times a survivor retells the incident. Other options such as notification of the Dean on call will also be discussed.

If you decide to report a rape to Public Safety, it does not mean that you must go to court and prosecute. Decisions about prosecution are made later. Filing a report preserves evidence and documents the incident to protect your rights.

What is Public Safety's Approach to Sexual Assaults?

Mount Holyoke College complies with the Federal Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-325), which contain provisions requiring colleges to develop and disseminate sexual assault policies. Therefore it is crucial that women report crimes of sexual assault so that the offenders can be apprehended and kept from repeating their actions.

The Mount Holyoke Department of Public Safety in recent years has provided specialized training for its officers to handle and investigate such offenses. Public Safety officers will assist victims of rape and sexual assault by obtaining medical attention for any injuries, fully investigating the incident, providing liaison with the South Hadley Police Department and the Hampshire County District Attorney's office, and advising victims of their rights to counseling and other services offered by the College and the community. Survivors are involved in all decisions about proceeding with criminal charges. The victim's name in all reports of sexual assaults is kept confidential, by Massachusetts law, and will not be released without her or his permission.

If a sex offense occurs on campus, contact the Department of Public Safety. All College officials, including deans, directors, and head residents, will notify Public Safety personnel if they receive a report of a sexual assault. These reports do not reveal the survivors’ names without permission. However, the College must comply with federal law in providing statistical information for the community. The Department of Public Safety has been designated to receive all statistical reports of sexual assault and to report those centralized statistics to the community.

Although pastoral and professional counselors are exempt from reporting campus crimes, the college encourages them, if appropriate, to inform persons they are counseling of the process of reporting on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual statistic or for a criminal investigation.

Confidential, sensitive care, examination, and treatment are available twenty-four hours a day at the Health Center, hospital, or other medical facilities. An important part of the criminal investigation is the collection of physical evidence. Victims should go to the Health Center as soon as possible after the incident (without showering, douching, or changing first, although they should bring a change of clothes if possible). The Health Center is available for initial assessment. Survivors are sent to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for the complete evidentiary examination and treatment. The evidence will be used only if the victim chooses to prosecute. Public safety is always available for campus transport of sexual assault or rape victims.

Civil/Criminal Complaints

If a student is the victim of a crime on campus, they will be given information about off-campus resources and procedures for filing a civil/criminal complaint. Students are strongly encouraged to consider and investigate this option.

The Victim/Witness Assistance unit of the Northwestern District Attorney's office provides information and guidance to victims throughout the investigation and complaint process. Members of this department will provide information about the court process, victim's rights, restraining orders and social service referrals. The Victim/Witness office will also facilitate consultation with an attorney to discuss the viability of a case. In cases in which a student is considering pursuing both disciplinary and criminal complaints, the District Attorney's Office normally advises that the student pursue the complaint through the criminal justice system first, since college disciplinary records can be subpoenaed, and could affect the outcome of a criminal case.

What are College Judicial Procedures for Sexual Assault?

Sexual assaults allegedly committed by a Mount Holyoke student can be reported and adjudicated by the College student judicial system. However, in cases of a concurrent criminal prosecution, the College defers to the criminal case. During a College on-campus disciplinary case, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the disciplinary hearing. Both parties are informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding. Sanctions arising out of a campus disciplinary proceeding alleging a rape (including acquaintance rape) or other sex offense (forcible or nonforcible) include but are not limited to suspension or expulsion from the College.

Sexual assaults allegedly committed by a Mount Holyoke employee can be reviewed under the College's Human Resources disciplinary policies. However, in cases of a concurrent criminal prosecution, the college reserves the option to initiate a separate disciplinary investigation. Although the criminal case will lead to a conclusion, disciplinary action may be taken to protect the college community regardless of that outcome. Sanctions arising out of an employee disciplinary proceeding alleging a rape (including acquaintance rape) or other sex offense (forcible or nonforcible) include but are not limited to termination of employment.

What are some of the Considerations?

In cases of assault there are numerous options for a survivor to explore if she/he decides to take disciplinary action. There are resources on campus and in the Amherst/Northampton area to assist victims.

It is important for survivors to investigate their alternatives carefully. When deciding which path to follow it is important to keep a few things in mind:

• What outcome is desired? What do you as a victim of a crime want to see happen next? While it is important to recognize the difficulty of presenting and proving these cases, it is also imperative that you examine all your options and rights.
• Action on campus does not exclude action off campus as well.
• Many victims become frustrated because everyone is telling them what to do or, conversely, everyone seems unwilling to give an opinion. Only you can decide what to do. Taking action against your perpetrator is a step that takes a great deal of courage, and although the decision to proceed has to be made by you, this does not mean that you have to go through the decision-making process alone.

WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND OR ACQUAINTANCE IS RAPED:

What should you do if a friend or acquaintance has been raped or sexually assaulted?

If a friend who has been sexually assaulted asks for your help, you can support her by providing what comfort you can and seeing that she receives the necessary medical aid. You can also ensure that she takes the appropriate steps for reporting the incident to the police. It is important that you accompany your friend to the police, staying with her until all necessary procedures have been completed.

Here are some suggestions of ways you can help a friend who has been raped:

• Be supportive. Let her know that you care about her, that you believe her, and that she is not alone.
• Encourage her to express her feelings about what has happened to her.
• Be interested and empathic without prying or pressing for details.
• Try not to criticize or judge.
• Respect her decisions about what she wants: who to tell, whether or not to report to the police, what makes her feel safe, etc.
• If you are a man, be aware that her reaction to you may be complicated; she may want affection, or she may have generalized fears of all men.
• Try not to express your own feelings of anger or helplessness to her, or to project them onto her. Talk about these feelings with another friend or professional counselor.

For Residence Hall Staff: When a Student Is Assaulted…

If a student comes to you voluntarily, you know that she trusts you; it is important to remain a supportive reassurance as she makes decisions about what to do. Studies show that a survivor of sexual assault is significantly affected throughout her recovery by the actions of and attitudes of the people in her support system. Your openness, willingness to listen, and nonjudgmental support may be a key factor in her progress from victim to survivor.

You may wonder if what happened was "really rape". You may ask yourself why the student did not scream, run, or fight back. These concerns properly belong to the courts and to psychological counselors. Your job is to listen, to make referrals, and to offer support.

Take special care to help the student obtain the assistance of legal, counseling and college resources. Follow up with her to see how she is doing.

You must also be aware that if a student's life is in danger or if a student poses serious risk of harm to others, you may not be able to maintain confidentiality. As an employee of the College, you have an obligation to report your concern that someone's life may be threatened to other college officials.

Guidelines for Helping a Friend or Acquaintance who has been a Victim of a Rape:

Very few people lie about rape or sexual assaults.

No one asks to be raped. No matter what your friend was wearing, how they were acting, how much they had to drink, they are not responsible for being sexually assaulted.

Encourage your friend to seek medical attention at the Mount Holyoke College Health Center or a hospital, if the rape occurred recently. A medical examination can detect and prevent injuries, STDs, and pregnancy and maybe able to detect memory-altering drugs.

No matter where the survivor lives, there are always services listed in the phone book. The Yellow Pages list local rape crisis centers under "Rape" or "Social/Human Services".

Allow your friend to tell you as little or as much as they want at their own pace.

Although you may not mean to, some questions may put your friend on the defensive.

For example: "Why didn't you just leave?"

"Did you scream?"

"Why did you go to the room alone?" Instead try asking: "What happened?"

"How are you feeling?"

"What do you feel you want to do now?"

Although your natural response may be to give your friend a hug, be aware that after a sexual assault many victims do not feel comfortable with physical contact.

Speaking to one of the resources listed in this book may be helpful to your friend. Volunteer to accompany him/her. Having someone s/he trusts may make it easier to talk about the attack. A discussion with one of these people could explore counseling, medical, disciplinary, and legal issues, as well as academic concerns and housing alternatives.

The most important part of a survivor's recovery is regaining the control that the rapist took away. Help your friend find what options they have, and be supportive of whatever decisions they make.

Hearing about a sexual assault is an upsetting experience. You may want to talk to a trusted friend or counselor about your own feelings.

GENERAL FACTS:

It is illegal for anyone to force you into any sexual act without your consent.

In Massachusetts, the legal definition describes rape as "having sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person, by compelling such a person to submit by force against her or his will, or compelling such a person to submit by threat of bodily injury." In this state, rape is considered a felony and is punishable by imprisonment.

It is not your fault if you are raped by someone you know.

The majority of rape survivors are raped by people they know: someone they see at the bus stop, the guy who lives down the hall, a person they've dated, or a partner. In the stereotypical image of rape, a woman walking alone at night is suddenly attacked by a strange man. Women (or men) whose experiences do not fit this scenario often have difficulty identifying what happened to them as rape. While these non-stereotypical rapes may be more difficult to prosecute, they are no less damaging, and the survivors have a right to all resources available.

Only you have the right to decide when and with whom you will have sex.

If you do not struggle against a rapist or sustain cuts and bruises you may fear that no one will regard your experiences as a "real rape". However, it is natural to feel paralyzed by fear; furthermore, fighting back is not always the easiest and wisest thing to do.

57% of rapes occur while on a date.

"Date rape" and rape by someone with whom you have previously had sexual relations may be particularly confusing, due to the common assumption that such people are "entitled" to have sex with you. Another pervasive belief which can sometimes pressure people is that "once you start something you have to finish it". The underlying assumption behind this belief is that consent for some degree of sexual activity includes consent for all degrees of sexual activity. You have the right to stop at any point.

If you have not consented to sexual intercourse, it is rape.

Consent equals freely given agreement to a sexual activity. If you are forced to give consent this is called coercion. Additionally, silence, previous sexual relations, or agreement given while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is not considered consent.

• More than 60% of the rape victims have some acquaintance with their attackers.
• 75% of men and 55% of women involved in acquaintance rapes were drinking at the time of the incident.
• Only 10-16% of rapes are ever reported to the police.

Statistics on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence:

• Women with a history of rape or attempted rape during adolescence were almost twice as likely to experience a sexual assault during college, and were three times as likely to be victimized by a husband.
• Sexual assault is reported by 33% to 46% of women who are being physically assaulted by their husbands.
• Children who are raised in a family where there is domestic violence are eight times more likely to be sexually molested within that family.
• 40% of rapes take place in the victim's home.
• Approximately 28% of rape victims are raped by their husbands and boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances, and 5% by other relatives.
• One out of every seven wives is raped by her husband.
• As many as 14% of all married women in the US and at least 40% of battered wives have been raped by their husbands.

RAPE: MYTHS & REALITY:

Myth: Rape is an expression of sexual desire.

Reality: Rape is a crime of violence that uses sex to take power and control from the survivor.

Myth: Rape is usually committed by strangers.

Reality: In over 50% of reported rapes the victim knew their attacker well. Mary Koss found in her survey of college students in 1986 that 84% of women raped knew their attacker. Rape occurs everywhere, during the day and night, by people we know and total strangers.

Myth: Men are never victims of sexual assault.

Reality: 7% of rape victims are male (Massachusetts Department of Public Safety). However, the prevalence of crimes against men is surely under-reported, particularly because most men who have been raped are victims of childhood rapes. The additional stigma of being a male victim can make recovery that much more difficult.

Myth: Women who drink are asking to be raped.

Reality: No one asks to be raped. Rape victims transcend the boundaries of race, class, age, and appearance. There is no set formula; it can happen to anyone. Alcohol does play a role in the prevalence of sexual assault: 75% of male perpetrators and 55% of female victims in the Koss survey said they were drinking at the time of the attack. The intoxication of either party is never an excuse to force someone to have sex. If the victim is intoxicated s/he may not be capable of giving consent. On the other hand, the alleged perpetrator is responsible for his/her behavior regardless of intoxication.

ROHYPNOL:

What is Rohypnol?

Mention the drug Rohypnol anywhere in the United States, and a single phrase comes to mind : Date-rape drug. That association burned itself deeply into our collective psyche in recent years after multiple incidents of sexual assault were linked to the drug, a fast-acting sleeping pill that had the peculiar distinction of being both potent and undetectable when slipped into an unsuspecting woman's drink. And despite recent changes in the drug's formulation (so it now leaves tell-tale blue tracers and floating particles when mixed with liquids), it's likely to remain the "date-rape drug" in the public mind for a long time, if not forever.

Facts on Rohypnol:

Street Names: Roofies, rophies, roachies

Appearance: White tablet, scored on one side with the manufacturer's name (ROCHE) above the number 1 or 2 (reflecting 1- or 2-mg dosage) imprinted on reverse.

Effects: Like all depressants, Rohypnol reduces anxiety and induces sleep, but with a difference-several, in fact. Subjectively, users are more likely to experience intense intoxication at low doses, particularly when the drug is used with alcohol. In addition, complete or partial amnesia is a common side effect of Rohypnol.

Risks/side effects: Besides amnesia, side effects include rapid mood swings and violent outbursts of temper. Overdose is also a potentially life-threatening complication, especially since Rohypnol is so often used with alcohol.

Duration: Effects begin 20-30 minutes after ingestion and typically continue for 8-12 hours. Rohypnol does not stay in the body for a long period so it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible to detect the presence of the drug.

Medical Uses: Although Rohypnol has never been approved for use in the United States, it is widely used throughout the rest of the world as both a tranquilizer and a treatment for insomnia. It is also used as a preoperative sedative prior to surgical procedures.

Legal Issues: Rohypnol was never sold legally in the United States, but prior to 1996 individuals were permitted to bring back a 90-day personal supply of the drug when returning from other countries. This loophole was closed for good by the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention Act, which banned all possession of Rohypnol in the United States.

GHB:

What is GHB?

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a chemical that's leaped into the limelight recently, due to its popularity in alternative culture and its semi-legal status. Sold over the counter as a dietary supplement for years, distribution was halted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1990. Since then, sale has been banned nationwide, while possession remained legal---until individual states began banning it in 1997, due to its alleged links to incident of date rape.

Facts on GHB:

Street Names: Liquid 'X', Liquid 'E' (due to similarities in effect to the psychedelic drug "ecstasy"), GBH, easy lay, grievous bodily harm.

Appearance: A clear liquid, GHB is often mixed with juice to conceal its metallic taste.

Effects: First synthesized by a French researcher in the 1960s, GHB is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter GABA and triggers a variety of effects in the body, apparently by temporarily increasing the supply of both GABA and dopamine in the brain. At moderate doses, GHB induces a state of relaxation, euphoria, and disinhibition similar to alcohol. At higher does, GHB can induce sleep so deep it has been mistaken for coma.

Side Effects/ Risks: Since GHB occurs naturally in the human body (and serves as a chemical precursor in the production of GABA), it seems relatively nontoxic. Still, synthetic forms of GHB can irritate the stomach and cause nausea or vomiting. Confusion and impaired motor skills may also occur, particularly at high doses, but food can reverse these effects.

Addiction Potential: Although tolerance to GHB's effects appears with long-term use, it does not produce physical dependence. GHB may be habituating. however, particularly for those with a history of drug abuse or alcoholism.

Duration: Effects begin within 5-20 minutes of ingestion and last 1-3 hours, but can be prolonged through repeated dosing. GBH does not stay in the body for long periods of time so it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible to detect the drug's presence.

Medical Uses: GHB is used in Europe as a general anesthetic and to aid during childbirth. It has also been used to treat both insomnia and narcolepsy, and tried as a treatment for alcoholism.

Trends: Following incidents of drink "spiking" and allegations that GHB was used in incidents of date rape and sexual assault, several states have recently passed laws to control both sale and possession of GHB. Similar legislation has been introduced in Congress, still pending at this time, to reclassify GHB as either a Schedule I or Schedule II Controlled Substance.

PREVENTION:

What are Suggested Rape Prevention Strategies*?

One step to creating a safer environment is for both men and women to begin clearly and openly communicating about what they want and do not want sexually. Clear and open communication is crucial in any sexual situation.

• Examine your needs and desires before you get into a sexual situation.
• Clearly tell your partner what you want. If there are limits that you want to maintain, state what they are and stick to them.
• Clearly ask your partner what he/she wants.
• Listen to each other.
• Be aware of non-verbal cues, but do not rely on them. If you are not sure, ask.
• Challenge the myths and stereotypes. Challenge your friends who minimize rape or don't understand it, who accept definitions of sex and gender roles that include forcing someone to have sex or getting them too drunk to say "no". Talk with friends and give one another the opportunity to be assertive, respectful, honest and caring.
• Think about your sexual desires and limits and how you respond to social pressures. How do alcohol and/or drugs affect your sexual-decision making? How do you learn someone else's desires and limits? How do you express your own? Knowing these things before going on a date can help prevent any misunderstandings later.
• Communicate clearly and be assertive. Saying "yes" or "no" may be difficult, but it is important. Passive or polite approaches can be misunderstood or ignored. Be direct and firm with someone who is pressuring you. Tell your partner what you want ---or don't want---and stick with your decision.
• If you feel uncomfortable during a conversation, perhaps as a result of hearing dirty jokes or derogatory remarks, stop the conversation. If you feel uncomfortable because of unwanted physical contact, such as rubbing your back or stroking your hair without your permission complain and stop it.
• If you are uncertain about what you want, stop and talk about it. It is okay to be unsure, and perhaps it means you want to wait. Remember that saying "no" now does not mean that you will never want to have sex with this person and saying "yes" doesn't mean you can't change your mind.
• Trust your instincts. Even if you can't explain why you feel a certain way, you have the right to trust your feelings and have them respected.
• Listen carefully to what the other person is saying and pay attention to what is happening around you. Are you getting mixed messages? If so, stop. Explain why you are confused. Do you understand the other person? If not, ask rather than assume. Talk together about what would be most enjoyable for each of you. Always watch for nonverbal clues.
• Remember that effective and assertive communication may not always work. Sometimes people just don't listen. However, no one ever deserves to be raped!

*Adopted in part from "Acquaintance Rape", a publication of the American College Health Association.

General Strategies for Safety:

• Avoid secluded places.
• Tell someone where you are going and have a way to get home.
• Know your limits and observe them. Alcohol and drugs impair everyone's perception and judgement.
• Watch your drink carefully; do not leave your drink unattended or accept one from someone you do not know well or trust.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, do not ignore your feelings.
• Assert yourself. If you do not like something that your partner is doing, tell them clearly and firmly to stop.
• Use a buddy system when you go to parties. Before you go to the party, agree with your friends when you are going to leave, or under what circumstances you will leave each other.
• Agree upon signals to give your friends that will indicate needing and "escape" or a way out if a situation becomes uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to intervene if you think your friend is in a bad situation.

Developing Safe Habits:

Around Campus:

• Learn the locations of the blue-light phones and access phones on campus (there is a map on the general safety booklet). Blue-light phones are directly connected to the College operator. At an access phone, dial 1-911.
• Walk with others after dark. Avoid shortcuts and wooded areas; stay on lighted walkways. Vary your route.
• Let your friends know the route you are taking and when to expect you. Call ahead.
• Notice cars that pull beside you or pass you more than once.
• Pay attention to footsteps and voices.
• If you are followed, stay in a lighted area and seek safety in a public building where there are other people. If you are on campus, find a phone.
• Use the Campus Ride Van. This service provides safe and comfortable transportation for Mount Holyoke women on campus during evening hours. The Campus Ride Van uses clearly marked vans operated by community service officers from the Department of Public Safety. Students need only to dial R-I-D-E, extension 7433, and wait for the van driver, who will stop and honk the horn. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 7:00PM-1:00AM, and Friday and Saturday, 7:00PM-3:00AM.

At Home or in Residence Halls:

• Have you keys or One Card in your hand well before you get to your destination. If you feel you are being watched, get help. Go to a neighbor's door, a blue-light phone, an access phone, or Public Safety's offices.
• Close and lock the door immediately when entering a residence hall. Always keep room doors locked, especially when you are sleeping, and do not prop open outside doors.
• Be sensible with your keys and One Card---don't leave them in an outside hiding place. Report all lost or stolen College keys and One Card as soon as possible.
• Be careful about letting acquaintances sleep in your room or home.
• Vouch for visitors to a residence hall only if you know them. Report unauthorized persons or suspicious behavior to the head resident, hall staff, or the Department of Public Safety immediately.
• Know who is at the door before opening it. Ask for identification from anyone you don't know or feel uncomfortable about. If a stranger requests to use your telephone to call for help, offer to place the call for him or her rather than to invite the stranger into your home or room. If you live alone off campus, or with other women, use only your first initials on your mailbox and in telephone directories.
• Use caution over the phone. Never reveal your phone number or name to a wrong number caller. Don't reveal to a caller that you are alone. Be wary of telephone surveys, especially ones that ask for personal information. If you don't know who the person is, hang up. Warn roommates not to give out personal information over the phone.
• Be alert in Laundromats and laundry rooms. Try not to go alone.
• Report burned-out lights and broken locks, doors, and windows to Facilities Management immediately.
• Know which neighbors you could call in an emergency.
• Take public safety and security regulations seriously.

In Transit

• Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach the car.
• Have your doors locked at all times, and your windows up when possible.
• Check your back seat before you get into your car.
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Don't go to your car alone at night if you can avoid it.
• Always make sure you have enough gas, and your car is in good repair, before you leave.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Consider carrying a cellular phone.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive into a busy, well-lit establishment and call a law enforcement agency. If you know the location of the local police department, drive there and ask for help.
• Signal for help by raising the hood of your car, if you have car trouble. Remain in your car with the doors locked until help arrives. Make sure the assistance is legitimate. If another motorist offers help, stay in your car and ask the motorist to call the police or auto club.
• Don't stop if you see a disabled vehicle on the highway, but report it and send help for the driver.

RECOVERY:

What Might You Expect to Experience after a Rape or Sexual Assault?

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted you are likely to experience an initial crisis period which may include some or many of the following reactions: emotional shock, denial, numbness, nightmares, sleeplessness, flashbacks, changes in appetite, difficulty working and concentrating, and feelings of guilt, despair, depression, self-blame, or anger. This is followed by a long period of recovery, during which you may seem to recover completely but then sometimes re-experience the traumatizing effects of the assault.

What Are Effective Ways of Approaching Rape Recovery?

You may feel that you want to put the rape behind you and get on with your life. You will probably find, however, that working through and talking about your Feelings will be most effective in the long run. There are many ways of working through the trauma of a sexual assault: some women see counselors regularly or attend support groups, other rely on family and friends, still others take self-defense classes like "Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.)" to help reduce their feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. Sometimes students find that bringing criminal charges and/or college disciplinary actions against their assailants helps to restore their sense of personal integrity and power.

Most important is that you not isolate yourself and that you make a positive choice to spend time with people who believe and support you. You may find that parents, friends, and partners have complicated feelings about what has happened to you. If someone reacts in a way that hurts you, get away from that person. Spend time with people who can assist you without trying to control you, who believe in you, and who can help you sort out what you need to do to take care of yourself.

RESOURCES:

What Resources Are Available to You if You Are Sexually Assaulted?

Pamphlets like this, "Sexual Assault Resource Guide", available at Public Safety.

• Public Safety Officers trained to assist victims and

investigate sexual assaults

• Counseling services at the Health Center
• Cooley Dickinson Hospital
• The South Hadley Police Department
• The Office of the Dean of the College
• WASH (Women Against Sexual Harassment)
• Victim Witness Advocates at the district attorney's office in Northampton

Students may be able to change their academic and living situations after a sexual assault if needed. Requests for these changes are coordinated through the Office of the Dean of the College, and Public Safety is available as liaison. Someone from the Office of the Dean of the College is available twenty-four hours a day to respond to a crisis when school is in session. The dean's office representative will help a victim who needs academic or residence hall assistance by working with the Director of Residential Life.

The Department of Public Safety, works in cooperation with the Health Center. The Office of Residential Life makes sexual assault awareness programs available to every residence hall and student group. Workshops on self-defense, crime awareness, and rape prevention are regularly offered on campus. Rape awareness information is included as part of first-year orientation.

There are a number of resources available to Mount Holyoke students both on and off campus. These services may be used in any combination and it is important to recognize that actions taken on and off campus are not mutually exclusive. The most important thing is to find the resources that will provide the best support and direction towards recovery.

This organization runs a state certified rape crisis center with a 24 hour hotline for survivors of sexual assault. Located on the U Mass campus, the Everywoman's Center trains Counselor/Advocates (CAs) who are on call to talk to survivors. A CA can assist the survivor while getting medical attention and/or reporting the crime to law enforcement agencies. In addition, a CA will be able to support the survivor and make them aware of the many options available. Finally, a CA will aid in the notification of the appropriate parties and can be an advocate and supporter during legal action.

The Everywoman's Center also provides educational programs and materials to the entire community.

Quick List of Resources:

Public Safety: x 2304 if on campus, or 538-2304, if off campus. (24 hrs)

Emergencies: Call 1-911 if on campus only. (24 hrs)

Mount Holyoke College Health Center: x 2242 (24 hrs) (the nurse will put you in touch with a sexual assault counselor)

Counseling Center: x 2037

Everywoman's Center, Amherst, MA - 24 hour hotline 545-0800 Toll free hot line 1-888-337-0800

Office of Dean of College x 2550 (On-call Deans are available through Public Safety 24 hours a day)

Ombuds Person x 2413

Director of Residential Life x 2088

Office of the Chaplains x 2054

Director of Human Resources x 2503

Cooley Dickinson Hospital 582-2000 (24 hrs)

South Hadley Police 538-8231 (24 hrs)

District Attorney Victim/ Witness Program 586-5780

District Court Clerk's Office/Courthouse 584-7400

Some material in this resource guide has been provided with permission from Amherst College.

June 1999