0. Sexual Violence and Rape
Guest Speakers

1. Disclaimer This information is serious and can be uncomfortable
Please recognize that some of your classmates may have personal connections to these topics
Be Respectful
If you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to step out of the room

2. Questions before we start

3. Its complicated…
The gray area around
sexual assault and rape

4. Introduction How many people thought what happened to Melinda was:
Definitely rape?
Definitely not rape?
Not sure?
How many people were surprised when they found out Melinda had been sexually assaulted?

5. Purpose
To inform you of behaviors that would and would not be considered sexual violence or rape
To provide strategies for avoiding high-risk situations
To inform you of steps to take should you fall victim to a sexual assault or rape
To inform you of steps to take should somebody close to you fall victim to a sexual assault or rape
To help you avoid becoming a perpetrator of sexual assault or rape

6. Myths about rape
Usually, a person’s behavior has something to do with why they were raped.
Only young, attractive women are raped.
Rapists are sexually frustrated men, carried away by a sudden, uncontrollable sexual desire.
Rapists are psychopaths, mentally ill, or sexual perverts.
White women are more likely to be raped.
People of color’s cultures are violent; therefore, rape is a common or “natural” occurrence in those cultures.
Men cannot be raped.
Lesbians are less likely to be raped.
A husband/boyfriend cannot rape a wife/girlfriend.
A person can avoid sexual assault by resisting their attacker.

7. The Facts
Data on sexual assault and rape

8. Defining Sexual Assault
Any actor who knowingly inflicts sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim commits sexual assault if:
(a) The actor causes submission of the victim by means of sufficient consequence reasonably calculated to cause submission against the victim's will; or
(b) The actor knows that the victim is incapable of appraising the nature of the victim's conduct; or
(c) The actor knows that the victim submits erroneously, believing the actor to be the victim's spouse; or
(d) At the time of the commission of the act, the victim is less than fifteen years of age and the actor is at least four years older than the victim and is not the spouse of the victim; or
(e) At the time of the commission of the act, the victim is at least fifteen years of age but less than seventeen years of age and the actor is at least ten years older than the victim and is not the spouse of the victim

9. Sexting
Federal crime to create, possess, and or distribute explicit images of minors
prison time
register as a sex offender
others?
No exemption for minors

10. Statistics In a nationally representative survey:
• 42.2% of female rape victims were first raped before age 18.
• 29.9% of female rape victims were first raped between the ages of
• 12.3% female rape victims and 27.8% of male rape victims were first raped when they were age 10 or younger.
A 2011 survey of high school students found that 11.8% of girls and 4.5% of boys, from grades 9-12, reported they were forced to have sexual intercourse at some time in their lives.

11. When and Where? 4 in 10 take place at the victim's home
2 in 10 take place at the home of a friend, neighbor, or relative
1 in 12 take place in a parking garage
43% of rapes occur between 6:00 pm and midnight
24% occur between midnight and 6:00am.
The other 33% take place between 6:00am and 6:00pm

12. Speak and Sexaul Assault
If you were a student at Melinda’s school, what kinds of warning signs might alert you that she was struggling?

13. Effects of sexual assault
Guilt
PTSD
Humiliation
Grief/Loss Reactions
Agitation, crying spells, anxiety attacks, depression
Suicidal ideation/Self injury
Difficulty making decisions or carrying out everyday tasks
Reactivation of previous physical, emotional, or physical difficulties
Physical symptoms (e.g., headaches)
Acting numb or stunned
Direct effects of physical trauma
Fatigue, sleep disturbance
Edginess, jumpiness, trouble with authority figures
Appetite disturbances
Difficulty in future relationships

14. Victims of sexual assault are:
3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
4 times more likely to contemplate suicide

15. “Is that no meaning no, or no meaning yes?”
Consent
“Is that no meaning no, or no meaning yes?”

16. Consent
In the state of Colorado, “No” can be communicated verbally or physically
A victim can say no, even after a sexual act has begun
People with diminished ability to consent may not have the legal ability to consent

17. stop and think
The most important factor is your partner’s or victim’s view of your actions
Do not assume that, because you think something is okay, it actually is
Always be aware of verbal and nonverbal communication
It’s okay to stop and ask or to take a break

18. Now what?

19. tips for staying safe in relationships
Make sure you get together in a public place
Don't go to parties alone
Set personal boundaries before things get physical
Remember that just because someone pays for a movie doesn't mean they are entitled to anything
Don't drink or use other drugs
Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings
Be prepared in case something goes wrong
If the person doesn't respect you, seek a healthier relationship
If something doesn't look, sound, or feel, right - it probably isn't.
If someone is physically, verbally or sexually abusing you, get out of the relationship and get help.

20. What to do if you have been assaulted
Find a safe environment - get away from the perpetrator
Know what happened is not your fault and focus on what's best for you
Report the attack (to who?)
Don't: bathe, brush teeth, use restroom, change clothes, comb hair, clean crime scene, move anything the perpetrator touched
Do: write down details about the assault, get medical attention, get a forensic exam

21. Reporting
It is strongly suggested that rape survivors report the assault to the police
Rapists are often repeaters
Reporting a rape does not mean that charges must be filed
The involvement of an advocate is highly recommended

22. What to do if you have been assaulted
If you know that you will never report, seek medical attention
Call an advocate *brochures/cards*
Know that its never too late to ask for help
Many victims don’t realize they need help until months or years later

23. How to help a friend Listen Do not judge
Wearing a short skirt, getting drunk, flirting, etc. does not put the survivor at fault
Encourage a physical exam
Let the survivor decide on whether or not to prosecute
Encourage positive coping skills
Being with a pet, exercising, writing in a journal, listening to music, taking self-defense courses, seeing a counselor/therapist
Refer to a trusted adult
Suggest an advocate

24. Things to avoid Relying on alcohol or drug use
Disclosing personal information online
Seeking out situations in which you feel unsafe
Using food and unhealthy eating as a way to control your body and emotional state
Inflicting harm on your body
Blaming yourself for what happened

25. Sources of help
School Mental Health Professionals: Counselor/School Social Worker/School Psychologist
911
SAVA Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (970) or
Hotline: (970)
Alternatives to Violence: (970)
24-Hour Rape Crisis Hotline
National Sexual Assault Hotline HOPE
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
National Institute of Mental Health
Teen Health

26. Questions?
Comments?
Thoughts?