Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault is a criminal act defined by Minnesota State Law for Criminal Sexual Conduct as sexual contact achieved:

* without consent, or
* with use of physical force, coercion, deception, threat and/or
* the victim is
-mentally incapacitated or impaired
-physically impaired (due to alcohol or drug consumption)
-asleep or unconscious

Consent?

One of the most critical issues regarding sexual assault is consent. Sexual Activity should not take place unless both parties have freely given consent, and consent is understood by both parties.

* Silence does not mean consent.
* If consent is given under duress (physical or emotional threats) it is not given freely or willingly.
* If someone is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, it does not constitute consent (even if the person says yes). Consent, when given, must be given willingly and freely.

But Could It Happen to Me or Someone I Know?

Sexual Assault DOES happen at the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM). It happens on campuses all over the country and in all types of relationships. It would most likely be someone you know, someone you see in class or your residence hall or parties, someone you have no reason not to trust.

It most often happens between people who know each other.

As a Woman, What Can I Do?

Don't give away your power.

* Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to communicate clearly and to make decisions that are in your best interest. If you choose to drink, do so moderately and make arrangements beforehand with a friend to watch out for each other. Also, there are drugs which can be slipped into your drink that can cause memory loss and temporary paralysis -- watch your drink at all times.
* Being nice will not protect you in a situation where someone wants to hurt you. Create a scene, yell, scream, whatever it takes to stop or get out of the situation.
* Be assertive from the start in a relationship. If it is difficult to be assertive, learn it at a workshop, through counseling, by watching a mentor or reading a book.
Listen to your instincts.

* If a situation or relationship feels uncomfortable, leave. Be creative and make up an excuse to help you leave, such as, "I feel like I am going to throw up." or "My friend is expecting me."

As A Man What Can I Do?

Don't Abuse Your Power.

* It is never okay to force your sexual wishes on a partner, even if you think that person wants you to or if you have spent a lot of time or money on the person.
* Whenever you use or imply force or threats to have sex, you are committing the crime of rape, even if you know the person or have had sex with her/him before.
Listen to your partner.

* "No" means "No." If you think it means "Maybe," it also means "Not now." Pay attention to behaviors like pushing you away, shaking of head, or lack of response. If you are unsure, ask, but don't assume.

In General, What Can I Do?

* Confront people who make sexist statements or jokes that are degrading to women. This encourages the idea that women are objects and less than human.
* Take action in situations when you see someone being taken advantage of. Either intervene or get help. This often occurs at parties where alcohol is present.

As a Friend, How Can I Help Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted?

Things you can DO:

* believe what your friend says. Be supportive and listen; do not judge.
* assure your friend that it was not her/his fault.
* remember that your friend's feelings are most important right now -- not yours. Consider seeking counseling for yourself if needed.
* encourage your friend to determine her/his own choice of solution to the rape and respect that decision.
* be patient and understanding -- don't ask for details or specifics.
* support your friend by saying "I am so sorry this happened to you."
* offer to go with your friend to the hospital, the Student Counseling office, etc.
* understand that your friend may be afraid, and for the moment, need a place to feel safe.

Try to AVOID:

* blaming or being critical of your friend's behaviors before, during and after the assault.
* discussing the incident with others without your friend's permission unless you are concerned for her/his safety.
* attempts to seek revenge or "pay back" the attacker.
* forcing your friend to talk.
* assuming you can understand how your friend feels.

What if it Happens to Me?

IMMEDIATELY

* Go to a safe place.
* Call someone you trust (a friend or relative) to be with you.
* Consider calling or visiting a Residence Life staff member, Student Counseling (589-6060), or the Stevens County Sexual Assault Program (589-3208) to help you with the immediate effects of the assault. They will respect your privacy and choices.
* Don't take a shower or clean up until you have had a chance to review your options.
* Remember it is not your fault. Report the assault to police as soon as possible!

What if I Don't Want to Do Anything?

It is common to want to keep your experience secret, try to forget it and act as if nothing has happened. However, that choice leaves you vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and more limited choices later. A person who is raped needs medical attention. Even if you don't intend to report the rape, it is still important to be examined in case you change your mind.

How Do I Get Medical Attention?

Go to the emergency room at the hospital (589-1313) for a medical exam. They cannot report to the police without your consent, and they may find injuries you weren't aware you had. The hospital can:

* provide treatment for any internal injuries and STD's.
* if you choose, collect evidence in case you decide on legal action in the future. Do not wash, shower, douche, or change your clothes. Bring a change of clothes.
* allow you to have a friend or counselor with you for support.
There is a cost for the exam, however, if you file a report with the police or Campus Security, it will be paid for.

What Happens if I Make a Report to the Police?

Making a report to the Police allows the incident to be documented and evidence preserved. It is helpful to the Police if you report as soon as possible. Although the decision to press charges is up to the prosecutor, it is the policy in Stevens County to consult the victim and not to proceed with prosecution without the approval of the victim; except in unusual cases.

You can report a sexual assault by calling 911, 589-6000, or 589-1155. The appropriate law enforcement agency will respond. The agencies involved in an investigation are the Campus Police, Morris Police, and the Stevens County Sheriff's Department. All have trained sexual assault investigators.

* U.M.M. Advocate for Sexual Assault Prevention, 106 Blakely Hall, 320-589-6061; and Stevens County Crisis Center, 1-800-568-5955.
Call for an Advocate, 589-3208 or 1-800-974-3359 (24-hour response line)

* Student Behavior Committee 589-6475
If the assault took place on campus or during a campus sponsored activity, you can choose to make a formal complaint to the Student Behavior Committee, a committee of faculty, staff and students. You can find out more about the process by contacting them or by reading the Code of Conduct (available at the Office of Residential Life).

If you are unsure about what to do or having difficulty coping, Student Counseling offers free, confidential and supportive assistance for UMM students. Call 589-6060.

The agencies listed below can also be of assistance:

* UMM Violence Prevention Coordinator, 320-589-6061
* Someplace Safe Community Advocate Services, 320-589-3208
* Police and Local Law Enforcement, 589-1155
* Stevens County Sheriff, 589-2141
* Stevens Community Medical Center, 589-1313
* Emergency 911

Additional Sources of support if you are a UMM student:

* Your RD or RA
* A trusted faculty or staff member, or area clergy
* UMM's Affirmative Action Officer 589-6021
* Morris Campus Student Association 589-6086
* Minority Student Program staff 589-6095
* Center for International Programs 589-6464

Additional Sources of support if you are a UMM employee:

* UMM's Affirmative Action Officer 589-6021
* Your Discipline Coordinator or Division Chair
* The Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs
* Chair of the Consultative Committee
* United Staff Association officer(s)
* Union stewards