Introduction
Considerations
Know Your Sexual Values, Expectations and Rights
If You Are Attacked
After an Assault
Victim Options
University Police Guarantee for Sexual Assault Victims
Sexual Assault Hearing and Appeals System

Introduction

Research findings indicate:

• Anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault - anywhere, anytime regardless of age, sex, race or sexual orientation.
• Rapist are usually not strangers. More than 80 % of sexual assaults are committed by people who knew the victim such as date, acquaintance, neighbor or relative. This type of sexual assault has been termed "acquaintance" or "date" rape.
• The 2002 National Crime Victimzation Survey found the rape/sexual assault rate for ages 16 to 19 to be nearly twice as high as all other age groups.
• Whether you know your attacker or not, many sexual assaults are planned.
• Over 70 % of sexual assaults involve the consumption of alcohol by the victim and or assailant.

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Considerations

• Take a free Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class offered by University Police.
• Practice possible responses to situations so that you can recall them even under the stress of a real encounter. Always have a safety plan of escape.
• Be alert at all times and trust your immediate instincts. Surprise and fear are two weapons an assailant relies upon the most. Awareness of your surroundings will help you minimize these advantages.
• Regarding "acquaintance" or "date" rape, know your own sexual values, expectations, wishes and intentions and communicate them clearly and openly.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization. Studies have shown that being under the influence of alcohol and or drugs is a contributing factor in many "acquaintance" / "date" rapes.
• In reference to rape drugs, (often slipped into a person¡s drink), never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink you didn¡t see made. Visit The National Women's Information Center web site for additional information on rape drugs. Follow other noted personal safety-oriented crime prevention tips.
• If you want to report the assault to Police you should not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes or clean up the area where the assault occurred. These actions could destroy evidence. University Police will ask you to accompany them to a hospital Emergency Room for medical treatment and testing.
• Follow other noted personal safety - oriented crime prevention tips.

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Know Your Sexual Values, Expectations and Rights

Women should know, you have the right to:

• dress as you please
• agree to have sex with someone and then change your mind at any time
• be treated with respect at all times.

Women have the responsibility to:

• talk openly and honestly about your sexual expectations, wishes and intentions
• assert yourself by standing up for your rights
• take an equal role in relationships with men
• reject sexual stereotypes that define women as passive, weak and irrational.

Men do not have the right to pressure or force a woman to have sex, even if:

• you paid for her dinner or a night out
• you've had sex with her before
• she agrees to have sex with you, then changes her mind
• she dresses provocatively, flirts, or "comes on" to you
• you think women enjoy being forced to have sex or want to be persuaded
• you met her at a bar, social event or hitchhiking.

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If You Are Attacked

If you're attacked, try to stay as calm as possible. Think rationally and evaluate your resources or options. Escape is always the best defense. Other tactics may include negotiation, screaming to attract attention, self-defense techniques, tell the offender you're menstruating or, even, acting "crazy".

You will have to make a decision based on the circumstances, such as the presence of a weapon, and the type of person you are. There is no one right answer. Your personal survival may be at stake and you must do whatever is necessary to insure it.

By choosing not to resist, you are in NO WAY consenting. You are doing what is necessary to survive. Even if you do not resist immediately, constantly be aware of your opportunity for escape or resistance throughout the attack.

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After an Assault

It is not unusual for a sexual assault victim to feel afraid to talk to someone after an attack, but it is very important. If the attack occurs at the University, call the University Police Department. If the attack occurs elsewhere, call the local police department.

Notifying the police, will assure that you receive necessary medical attention, contact with appropriate community services, and help the police gain information that may lead to the arrest of your attacker or aid in the investigation of other reported assaults. Don't worry about unrelated events, such as you being under age and having consumed alcohol and or drugs. Right now, the focus of the Police investigation is you, as a victim of an attack.

Bathing, douching and changing clothes might be the first things you want to do, but don't, even as much as you want to. You might literally be washing away valuable evidence. Wait until after the medical examination.

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Victim Options

Reporting the incident to the Police does not mean you are obligated to take your attacker to court, (i.e. prosecute). In addition to possible criminal prosecution, a student victim may also, or instead of, choose to pursue their complaint against a student offender through the University Sexual Assault Hearing and Appeals Systems (SAHAS) or decide to take no action at all.

If you do not want to contact the Police, it is very important that you contact Health Service, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Women¡s Center or your local rape crisis center. In any case, be sure to seek qualified medical attention.

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University Police Guarantee for Sexual Assault Victims

The Northwestern University Police recognizes sexual assault as a serious crime and encourages victims to report incidents. Our guarantee for sexual assault victims reflects our concern for survivors and emphasizes sensitivity, privacy and the need for trust and confidence. Our primary concern is for the victim. The investigation and the prosecution, or discipline, of the suspect may prevent future assaults. For these reasons Northwestern University Police has adapted this guarantee for sexual assault victims.

• We will meet with you privately, at a place of your choice, to take a complaint.
• If you feel most comfortable talking with a female or male officer, we will try to accommodate your request.
• We will fully investigate your case. We will keep you informed on the progress of the investigation and or prosecution.
• Our officers and other staff will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
• We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the law enforcement and judicial systems and be willing listeners.
• We will help arrange for any hospital treatment and or other medical needs.
• We will provide you with information regarding on and off campus counseling and other resources.
• We will treat you and your case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
• We will consider your case seriously, regardless of your gender or the gender of the suspect.
• We will not release your name to the media and will request the media to respect your privacy.
• Students have the option of filing a complaint through the University Sexual Assault Hearing and Appeals System.

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Sexual Assault Hearing and Appeals System

A student victim of sexual assault can file a formal complaint within the University through the Sexual Assault Hearing and Appeals System (SAHAS). SAHAS provides that both parties may present witnesses on their behalf and be informed of the outcome of any proceeding. Possible sanctions include exclusion, suspension, disciplinary probation, and conciliatory and educational sanctions, including counseling. For additional information on the SAHAS system, contact Student Affairs at 847-491-8430.

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