Sexual Assault | SAFE | University of Portland

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Sexual Assault

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? Before you go out:

Make a plan before going out (set personal limits on drinks and sexual activity)
Buddy system (never leave without your buddy)
Be aware of the Danger Signs - Power and Control Wheel
Acknowledging that you are at risk and knowing that most perpetrators of alcohol and other drug facilitated sexual assault are friends or acquaintances, allows you to make decisions to reduce your risk and that of your friends
Share information about substance-related rape with friends and talk about ways to look out for each other when you are at parties and social events

While you are out:

Be aware of your surroundings
Do not leave beverages unattended
Pour and open your own drinks or watch them being made by the bartender
Carefully monitor your intake of alcohol and drugs
Ask a friend to keep an eye on you and do the same for him or her. Anyone appearing disproportionately drunk in relation to the amount of alcohol they have consumed may be in danger
Don't be afraid to say 'no'