Sexual Violence

1 in 20 ASU female students and 1 in 100 ASU male students have experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault in the last year.

American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Arizona State University Spring 2006. Baltimore: American College Health Association; 2006. (n=1222)

Sexual Assault

  • Attempted or completed non-consensual sexual act
  • Touching
  • Anal, oral, or vaginal penetration
  • Threats of rape

Sexual Consent

  • Verbal agreement to engage in sexual activity; silence does not mean "yes"
  • Must be given by a sober, conscious individual
  • Must be given freely, with no emotional or physical force
  • Consent to one act of sex does not mean consent to all acts of sex

"The Sexual Violence Continuum" from the Arizona Sexual Assault Network

The sexual violence continuum is an attempt to explain how social norms and beliefs allow for an environment where sexual violence can occur.

Death

Some sexual violence victims dies as a result of their assault. Some die or commit suicide because of the trauma.

Rape

Many survivors of sexual violence are orally, anally, or vaginally penetrated. This type of sexual violence may or may not include other types of physical abuse.

Sexual Assault/Abuse

Often sexual assault survivors are not penetrated but are force to engage in sexual acts. They many also be forced to watch others do so or to watch pornography.

Harassment

This type of sexual violence is a pattern of unwanted or uninvited sexual attention that is aimed at coercing someone to do or act in a way the harasser wants. This may include verbal and/or physical acts.

Unwanted Sexual Touch

This type of sexual violence is blatant or implicated touching in a sexual manner. This may include: fondling, grabbing of sexual body parts, and forced or coerced kissing.

Invasion of Space

This type of sexual violence is perpetrated by violating a person’s sense of safety in a sexual context. This may include: jokes/cat calls, obscene phone calls, leering at a sexual body part, “accidentally” rubbing up against someone, and voyeurism.

Individual Belief Systems

This is the way people think about sexual norms and gender roles. This may include beliefs such as the notion that if one person buys the other dinner the other person “owes” them sex, or a belief that only men can initiate sexual activity.

Social Norms

Social norms are accepted behaviors, attitudes and beliefs that create an environment in which all individuals are not treated equally. These norms allow a person or group to have power over another. Violence is an act of taking away someone’s power and it can only occur when social norms allow power differences between people. Some social norms include: portraying women and children as sexual objects versus full human beings; believing in strict gender or racial stereotyping; believing that victims are responsible for their own victimization.

Know or it's "NO"

Silence does not equal a verbal "yes." Make sure you have verbal consent before engaging in any sexual acts.

  • A person has the right to say no at any point during any sexual act, even if they have consented in the past
  • If your partner says no or tells you to stop, stop immediately

Acquaintance Rape VS. Stranger Rape

The majority of Sexual Assaults (95%) are perpetrated by people the victims knew, not strangers.

OJD Survey, 1996

Sexual Assault, Drugs, and Alcohol

  • Alcohol is the number one date rape drug
  • A person who is under the influence of alcohol or any other drug cannot give consent

Stopping Sexual Assault

  • The perpetrator is the only one who can truly prevent sexual assault
  • Prosecute perpetrators of sexual assault
  • Challenge sexist behavior

How To Help a Friend

  • Believe them
  • Tell them it is not their fault, only the perpetrator can stop sexual assault from happening
  • Help them feel safe
  • Listen and comfort without taking control
  • Encourage them to seek medical attention
  • Encourage them to seek counseling

Links About Sexual Violence

Sexual Assault Resources
Get Involved with Violence Prevention
Sexual Assault Presentations
Sexual Violence Prevention Events

For more information about Sexual Assault please contact Lauryn.Vosburgh@asu.edu.