What you can do to prevent sexual assault

Sexual assault happens in our culture at a shockingly high rate. In epidemic proportions, it affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men, according to some estimates.

Both women and men should begin to look at the conditions in American culture, including the less explicit forms of sexism and sex-role stereotyping that can give rise to sexual assault.

Most men are not physically or sexually violent. But violence against women is rooted in cultural norms, in the inequalities between men and women and in the ways men learn to express “manhood.” Rape and sexually coercive behavior exist as part of a continuum that begins with disrespect and ends with violence.
Take some time and consider the following tips for preventing sexual assault:

• Take responsibility for ensuring that sex is consensual by listening to your sexual partner. Direct communication is the best way to make sure the activity you are about to engage in is consensual. If you feel you are receiving mixed messages from your partner, take responsibility for getting clarification.
• Be aware of the role of alcohol in sexual assault and be especially careful in situations involving alcohol or other drugs. Remember that alcohol and other drugs can interfere with one's ability to think and to communicate clearly (this goes for both you and your partner). Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who is unable to give consent for any reason constitutes rape.
• Having sex with a person who is drugged, intoxicated or unconscious is considered rape.
• Be especially careful in situations involving group peer pressure. Be aware of your own responsibility regarding the behavior of any group you are involved in.
• Remember that sexual assault is a crime. Regardless of any cultural or social messages you may have heard, and in spite of your own physical urgency, it is illegal to force someone to have sex.
• Don't assume someone wants to have sex with you just because that person is dressed provocatively or has had sex with you previously.
• Don't assume that because someone invites you to his or her room, he or she wants to have sex with you.
• Don't assume because someone consents to kissing or other sexual activities that he or she is also consenting to sexual intercourse.
• Be aware of some of our culture's myths about sexual interaction and make sure you don't fall for them (“No really means Yes,” “If a girl gets drunk and loses control, what happens in not the guy's fault,” “Girls are responsible for stopping because guys can't,” “Any girl who goes off with a guy alone is asking for it,” etc.)