Going to College and Staying Healthy: Sexual Assault/Rape

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Going to College and Staying Healthy:
Sexual Assault/Rape

What should I know about sexual assault and rape?

Sexual assault and rape can happen at colleges. There are things you can do to protect yourself. If you are out at night, walk in well-lighted areas with a friend. Use the security escorts available at your college. If you are at a party, make sure that your friends know where you are.

More than half of all rapes are done by someone that the victim knows or goes on a date with. So when you are getting to know a person, be careful where you go and what situations you put yourself into. You may have heard about date-rape drugs being used on college campuses. These are drugs that are dropped into a woman's drink at a bar or at a party when she leaves her drink and goes off somewhere, or when she is distracted. To protect yourself against date-rape drugs, don't drink something that you didn't open yourself, don't share drinks with anyone, don't drink from a punch bowl, and don't leave your drink somewhere and then drink from it later.

How do I know if I was raped or sexually assaulted?

The definition of rape is any penetration into your vagina by a finger, a penis, or any object that happens without your consent. It is also illegal if, without your consent, someone touches your vagina with his or her mouth or penetrates you anally in any way. Keeping silent does not equal consent. Any of these things which are done without your consent are wrong and illegal!

What should I do if I am sexually assaulted or raped?

It is important to get medical help right away. If you are sexually assaulted or raped, you should go right to your Student Health Service or nearest hospital to get checked out. They'll help you contact your college or town police if you haven't already called them. Reporting a sexual assault or rape is important so that the person that did this to you will be caught and won't be able to do it to someone else. You shouldn't shower or change your clothes before you are examined, so that no evidence is destroyed.

Many women have a hard time reporting rape or sexual assault because they are embarrassed, in denial of what happened, just want to forget what happened, or think they caused it. It is very important to talk about all these feelings and all that you went through with an experienced counselor. Ask what the options are at your counseling center or Student Health Service. If you need something that your college doesn't offer, ask for some names of counselors or groups in the community. Some colleges also offer group sessions for victims of rape and sexual assault. Also, decide who in your family or among your friends can be supportive.

There are some hotlines listed in the Resources section. Just remember that resources are available for young women who have been through this.

Check out these other College Health Guides:

Knowing About My Health Before I Go to College

First Aid Supplies to Take with Me to College

Health Services and Health Care Providers

Staying Healthy at College

Some Common Health Problems at College

Violence/Abuse in Relationships