What You Can Do To Help Stop Sexual Violence

• Sexual contact requires mutual consent. An incapacitated person (for example, a person who is intoxicated by drugs or alcohol) is incapable of giving consent.
• No one deserves to be sexually assaulted, stalked or victimized in any way.
• Don’t engage in any behavior that may be considered dating/domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or any other form of violence.
• Never use force, coercion, threats, alcohol or other drugs to engage in sexual activity.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
• Remember “no” means “No!” and “stop” means “Stop!”
• Report incidents of violence (including coercion) to law enforcement and campus authorities.
• Discuss dating/domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking with friends—speak out against violence and clear up misconceptions.
• Don’t mistake submission or silence for consent.

What You Can Do To Help Minimize Your Risk of Becoming a Victim

• Be aware. Does your partner: Threaten to hurt you or your children? Say it’s your fault if he or she hits you and then promises it won’t happen again (but it does)? Put you down in public? Force you to have sex when you don’t want to? Follow you? Send you unwanted messages and gifts?
• Be assertive. Speak up.
• Stay sober and watch out for dates and/or anyone who tries to get you drunk or high.
• Clearly communicate limits to partners, friends, and acquaintances.
• Never leave a party with someone you don’t know well and trust.
• Trust your feelings; if it feels wrong, it probably is.
• Learn all you can and talk with your friends. Help them stay safe.
• Report incidents of violence to law enforcement and campus authorities.

What You Can Do If You Are a Victim, in General

• Go to a safe place as soon as possible.
• Preserve evidence.
• Report the incident to University Police or local law enforcement.
• Report the incident to your campus Title IX Coordinator.
• Call a domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking hotline.
• Call a friend or family member for help.
• Know that you are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur and you are not responsible for someone else’s violent behavior.