Student Health Center
Student Services Building, 567 N. 5th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809 | 812.237.3883, 812.237.7955 fax

Sexual Violence on Campus

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Rape

Rape usually occurs when a man forces a woman to have sex against her will.  However the incidence of rape in which a man is the victim is increasing.  It may be a man being raped by another man or a woman.  In fact, 91% of rape victims are women, and 9% are men, while 99% of offenders are men.
Usually rape involves forced sexual activity involving penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth, with the penis or other foreign object.
Rape is not a crime of passion, but a crime of violence.
An estimated 20% -25% of college women report  experiencing attempted or complete rape during their college career.   In the US, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their life.

 Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault is any activity of a sexual nature that you are forced to participate in against your will.  It includes Rape, Attempted Rape and Child Molestation, but it can also include activities that you might not consider.
SEXUAL ASSAULT can include:
Exposing yourself to another person in a suggestive manner
Touching or being touched inappropriately
Unwanted hugging or kissing
Sexually suggestive language or content of speech
If your partner expresses any desire to stop your activity and you continue, you may be guilty of sexual assault.

Sexual assault can also mean coercion.  If your partner asks or tells you to stop, and you "talk them into it" you may be guilty of coercion and sexual assault.

Risk Reduction Tips

These suggestions are helpful in reducing your risk of being raped.  However, there is no guarantee that these will work all the time.  Rape can be unpredictable.  Being aware of yourself and your surroundings is the most important aspect of avoiding rape.
  • Be clear, honest, and consistent in your verbal communication about your sexual desires and limits.
  • Set clear sexual limits. Clearly articulate what your sexual limits are, and communicate them early on.
  • Meet a first date or blind date in a public place.
  • Drive to meet your date.  Tell a friend who you are going out with and where you are going.
  • Don't give out your phone number, ask for theirs.
  • Say goodnight at the car rather than your front door.
  • Avoid use of alcohol and other drugs.
  • Don't leave a party or social event with someone you don't know well or have just met.  However, remember that most rapes are committed by someone you know.
  • Trust your instincts.  If a situation makes you nervous or uneasy, get out.
  • Do not open the door for strangers.
  • Keep keys in hand when walking alone.  They can be used as a weapon.

Warning Signs

Many rapists:

  • See women as sex objects and do not respect them. 
  • Resent women in positions of authority.
  • Often invade women's personal space.
  • Continue to touch a woman even when asked to stop.
  • See aggression and violence as normal behavior.
  • Expect relationships with women to be on their terms.
  • See their actions as seduction, not rape.


What if it happens to you?

  • Report immediately to hospital emergency room for evaluation.
  • Police will be notified for you.
  • Do not change clothes or undergarments.
  • Because clothing and undergarments may be collected as evidence, bring extra clothes and undergarments with you.
  • Do not shower, bathe or douche.
  • Do not eat or drink until medical staff approve it.

Other things to consider:

  • Pregnancy Prophylaxis (Morning After Pill)
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection testing.
  • HIV and Hepatitis Testing