Sexual Assault, Rape, and Prevention
This webpage is a free resource to help students at American University and more. It contains statistics, definitions, and tips to help you and your loved ones stay informed and safe.
Definitions
Learn more about the terminology and risk factors.
Catcalling
Verbal sexual harassment, commonly out in the open on the streets.
Sexual Harassment
Comments about unwanted sexual contact or unwanted sexual attenion.
Sexual Assault
Includes either attempted or completed sexual penetrations of the mouth, vagina, or anus.
Rape
Unwanted vaginal or anal penetrations.
Risk Factors
- Gender: being a woman or girl
- First year college student
- Going out alone
- Excessive drinking or use of drugs
- Lack of self confidence
- Lack of sexual assertiveness
Tips and Advice
Prevention Tips
Prevention is important to be mindful of while still recognizing that sexual assault is never and will never be the survivor’s fault. Some of these tips are overly cautious for certain situations and cannot be followed at certain points. These are only things to think about in potentially dangerous situations.
- All students should look out for predatory behaviors and be cautious.
- Travel in pairs.
- Have a strong support network of trusted friends and family.
- When going out, drink responsibly.
- Be aware of your surroundings and drinks.
- Never blame a victim.
- Remind people to ask for consent.
- Report any situation that occurs– make a paper trail.
Supporting Survivors
When a sexual assault survivor comes to you:
- Be an active listener
- NEVER blame them for what happened
- Be trustworthy
- Encourage the survivor to seek medical attention
- Encourage them to report the incident if they feel comfortable doing so
- Remind them that they are not alone
I Know Someone
IKnowSomeone is a group of survivors and advocates dedicated to educating the public about sexual assault, empowering survivors, and evoking change within our communities in regards to sexual assault and rape culture.
Find us on Instagram: @iknowsomeoneofficial