Risk reduction tips can often take a victim-blaming tone, even unintentionally. With no intention to victim-blame, and with recognition that only those who commit sexual violence are responsible for those actions, these suggestions may nevertheless help you to reduce your risk experiencing a non-consensual sexual act. 

  • If you have limits, make them known as early as possible.
  • Tell a sexual aggressor “NO” clearly and firmly.
  • Try to remove yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor.
  • Find someone nearby and ask for help.
  • Take affirmative responsibility for your alcohol intake/drug use and acknowledge that alcohol/drugs lower your sexual inhibitions and may make you vulnerable to someone who views a drunk or high person as a sexual opportunity.
  • Take care of your friends and ask that they take care of you. A real friend will challenge you if you are about to make a mistake. Respect them when they do.

 

If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual respect to your potential partner. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk for being accused of sexual misconduct:

  • Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give them a chance to clearly relate their intentions to you. GET ON-GOING CONSENT from your partner. It's the law (Senate Bill 967).
  • Understand and respect personal boundaries.
  • DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS about consent; about someone’s sexual availability; about whether they are attracted to you; about how far you can go or about whether they are physically and/or mentally able to consent. If there are any questions or ambiguity then you DO NOT have consent.
  • Mixed messages from your partner are a clear indication that you should stop, defuse any sexual tension and communicate better. You may be misreading them. They may not have figured out how far they want to go with you yet. You must respect the timeline for sexual behaviors with which they are comfortable.
  • Don’t take advantage of someone’s drunkenness or drugged state.
  • Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you, or fearful. You may have a power advantage simply because of your gender or size. Don’t abuse that power.
  • Understand that consent to some form of sexual behavior does not automatically imply consent to any other forms of sexual behavior.
  • Silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of consent. Read your potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal communication and body language.

 

Individuals are encouraged to report potential crimes of sexual assault or domestic/dating violence to law enforcement or call 911 to be taken to an emergency room for medical care and/or for immediate police protection and assistance.  In the meantime, do not change clothes, bathe, douche, or brush your teeth. This is important for the evidence collection process that will occur at the hospital.

 

Although the District strongly encourages all members of its community to report violations of this policy to law enforcement, it is the victim’s choice whether or not to make such a report and victims have the right to decline involvement with the police. The District or the Title IX Coordinator will assist any victim with notifying local police if they so choose.

 

Active bystander intervention

Bystanders play a critical role in preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault.  They are individuals who are not directly involved but make a choice to intervene and/or speak up to prevent violence and to look out for each other’s safety.  If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 911. Below are ways in which someone can be an active bystander:

  • Look out for your friends and fellow students/employees. If someone appears to be in trouble or needs help, ask if they are OK or create a distraction.
  • Intervene when people make sexual advances toward people who are incapacitated.
  • Speak up when someone discusses taking sexual advantage of another person.
  • Support someone who discloses they have experienced sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
  • Refer people to on- and off-campus resources, including confidential and non-confidential resources.