April 1999
Sexual Assult Awareness
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and a good time to think about how individuals, families, and communities can become educated, aware, and responsive to sexual abuse and assault. Sadly, sexual assault is an adolescent issue; sexual assault affects many more teenagers' lives than we might commonly think. According to the most recent statistics, teens 16-19 are three and one-half times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. (National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1996.) During the 1996-97 school year, schools reported experiencing 4,000 rapes or other types of sexual battery (Heaviside, et al, 1998). Among college students, one in 12 men admitted to behaviors that qualify as rape or attempted rape (Ms. Magazine, Campus Project on Sexual Assault), and one out of four women are sexually assaulted on their campuses (Hirsch, 1990).
A significant proportion of sexual assaults on college campuses are committed by acquaintances (Parrot, 1991). Acquaintance rape is defined as forced, manipulated or coerced sex by someone the victim knows. It is often referred to as date rape, even when the rapist is not a date but a friend, classmate, coworker, neighbor or anyone else the victim knows. The emotional effects of date or acquaintance rape are especially devastating because the crime happens when the victim feels safe.
Sexual Assault and Substance / Drug Abuse
Alcohol and the use of drugs are many times connected with date and acquaintance rape. The perpetrator and/or victim may be abusing/using alcohol prior to the assault. Alcohol does not give the offender the right to commit a sex crime, but it can make the offender and/or victim feel more relaxed and less inhibited. Victims who were under the influence of substances at the time of the assault are in no way to be blamed or held responsible for the perpetrator's actions. The facts are that 75% of men and 55% of women involved in acquaintance rapes reported using alcohol or other drugs prior to the incident. (Warshaw, 1988)
In the past, "Mickey Finns" seemed to be the buzz word associated with persons misusing drugs to involuntarily sedate individuals for sexual assault. Many times the drugs are slipped into drinks and the victim is unaware until it is too late. Possible effects include impaired judgement and memory (making it hard to prosecute a perpetrator), diminished inhibition, dizziness, and confusion. Recently there have been reports that other substances are being used. The new buzz words include:
- Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) - called the "date rape drug," "roofies," "Roche," "rope,-R-2," and others.
- Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) - called "liquid ecstasy."
- Ketamine - called "Vitamin K" or "Special K" (chemically related to angel dust)
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What You Can Do In Your Community and Schools for Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
Hold a candlelight vigil to remember victims of crime, support their families, alert the public to the realities of crime, and express hope for a less violent future. The goal is to have people leave feeling they have done something positive in honoring the memory of a loved one.
Arrange for displays at bookstores, public and school libraries, and music stores featuring relevant books, information, and music artists supporting RAINN - Rape Abuse & Incest National Network. (Music artists include Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Jewell, Counting Crowes, Tracy Chapman, Indigo Girls, and Dave Matthews.) Hand out bookmarks at store checkout counters quoting facts and statistics.
Arbor Day is in April; plan a planting for survivors.
Incorporate statistics and facts, local crisis center number(s), poems, etc. into church bulletins in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Poetry/Film night followed by discussion.
April is Volunteer Recognition Month. Volunteers working in the field of sexual assault and rape can be recognized with a certificate, award ceremony, reception, or some other form of recognition. Send local media information regarding event.
Poetry or essay contest. Have winner's piece printed in school and/or local paper.
Host a talk at your school or organization and invite a local prosecutor, medical professional, or crisis center service provider.
Have youth draw pictures of communities without violence and display these at libraries, businesses, etc.
Take up a collection of clothing and present to those hospitals with rape crisis centers. (Many times victims have to give up their clothing as evidence.)
Volunteer at your community's local rape crisis center.
Have a local official in your community issue a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Have them present it to a local crisis center at the beginning of April.
Hold a silent auction as a fund raiser for a local crisis center. Have businesses donate items to be auctioned.
Sources and further reading:
Alternatives To Fear Newsletter 2811 East Madison, Seattle WA 98112 (206-328-5347)
Bass, Ellen, and Davis, Laura. The Courage to Heal. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1988.
Intimate Betrayal: Understanding and Responding to the Trauma of Acquaintance Rape. Sage Publications, 1995.
Parrot, Andrea. Acquaintance Rape and Sexual Assault: A Prevention Manual
Rush, Florence. Best Kept Secret. NY: McGraw Hill, 1980.
Sanford, Linda. The Silent Children: A Parents Guide to the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. NY: McGraw Hill, 1980.
Schwartz, Martin ed. Sexual Assault on the College Campus: The Role of the Male Peer Support.
This Ups and Downs was written by Mary Pilat, Associate Professor, 4-H Youth Department, at Purdue University.
Ups & Downs is edited by Stephen T. Russell, Ph.D.,
Assistant Youth Development Cooperative Extension Specialist,
University of California, Davis
If you have any questions about this newsletter or would like more information you may contact
Dr. Stephen T. Russell, Assistant Youth Development Cooperative Extension Specialist