Sexual Assault | SAFE | University of Portland

Home >>
Sexual Assault

SAFE
University Health Center
5000 N Willamette Blvd.
Portland OR 97203
503-943-SAFE
health@up.edu

SAFE: Sexual Assault

At least 1 in 4 college women will be the victim of a sexual assault during her academic career. At least 80% of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim and 48.8% of college women who were victims of attacks that met the study’s definition of rape did not consider what happened to them rape.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, class status, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or physical appearance. There is no particular time of day or place where sexual assault does not occur. Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. It is often easier to blame ourselves for our experiences of violence than it is to believe that we live in a world where someone would choose to harm us.

By definition, sexual assault occurs when the act is intentional and is committed either by a) physical force, violence, threat, or intimidation; b) ignoring the objections of another person; c) causing another's intoxication or impairment through the use of drugs or alcohol; or d) taking advantage of another person's incapacitation, state of intimidation, helplessness, or other inability to consent.

It is a criminal offense for a person to engage in sexual contact or sexual intercourse with any other person without his/her consent. This may include unwanted sexual touch, penetration, forcing, or tricking a person into touching him/her, or to pose for sexually explicit photos. Some behaviors indicating sexual violence include: the use of physical force; coercion or verbal manipulation; verbal and/or visual harassment; use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate an assault.

Sexual assault is a manipulation of trust between the offender and their intended victim. It is often an expression of hatred and anger; a tool of oppression. Family members, friends, partners, colleagues, caregivers, and other people in authority are often our perpetrators. Often that experience can be confusing as we begin to seek support after an assault.

Alcohol and drugs put a person at higher risk for sexual assault. According to Oregon law, consent cannot be given while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol or other drugs may be used as a means of coercing or forcing sexual intimacy. Alcohol is the most prevalent date rape drug. The U.S. Dept. of Justice has stated that alcohol is a factor in 90% of sexual assaults that occur on college campuses. Other common date rape drugs include: Rohypnol, Ketamine, and GHB.

How can I protect myself and help someone else?

[Print]

SAFE: Sexual Assault

Contact Us

Campus Contact Information