Public Safety Resources
Sexual Assault Resources
If you or a friend has been Sexually Assaulted:
Rape can be terrifying and traumatic. After a rape, it's not
uncommon to feel fearful, confused, guilty, ashamed, or isolated. You
do not have to deal with these feelings alone. There are many concerned
people at Augsburg College and in the community to help you.
For Immediate Help:
- Get to a safe place. Take care of yourself first.
- Call a friend, family member, counselor on-call, resident assistant or victim advocate for support.
- Call the Security Department, who will transport you to the
hospital whether or not you choose to report the incident. (For an
on-campus assault, call Augsburg Security at x1717. For an off-campus
assault, call your local police department at 911.) You may request a
woman officer if that is your preference.
- Try to fight the urge to shower, bathe, douche, change clothes,
comb your hair, or straighten up the area. You will destroy evidence
you may need.
Campus and Community Support Services
On-Campus:
Augsburg College Security Dept., x1717 (330-1717)
Campus Pastor, x1732 (330-1732)
Campus Counselors, x1160 (330-1160)
Off-Campus:
Police, 911
Sexual Violence Center, 824-5555
Rape and Sexual Assault Center, 825-4357
Facts About Campus Sexual Assault
According to a 1993 survey of 6,000 college students:
- One out of four college females reported being victims of rape or attempted rape during preceding year
- 90% of rapes go unreported
- 50% of males believe women say "no" when they actually mean "yes"
women need to say "no" an average of three times before they are believed - 30% of male students continued sexual advances after partner said "no" and one out of every six admitted forcing sexual contact
Acquaintance/Date Rape is a serious violation of the code of student
conduct. The act will be handled as a campus disciplinary matter
resulting in possible dismissal.
Sexual assault is a serious crime. Victims are strongly encouraged to report the crime to the local police.
Ways for Men to Avoid Circumstances Which Might Lead to Sexual Assault :
- Understand your sexual desires and limits. You are responsible for
our actions as an individual and as a member of a group. Be aware of
and resist social pressure.
- Being turned down when you ask for sexual relations is not a
rejection of you personally. A woman who says "no" to sexual relations
is not necessarily rejecting you; she is expressing her unwillingness
to participate in a specific act at a specific time.
- Accept the woman's decision. "No" means "no." Don't read in other meanings. Don't continue after the woman says "no."
- Don't assume that just because a woman flirts or dresses in a
manner which you consider sexy that she wants to engage in sexual
activity.
- Don't assume that previous permission for sexual activity applies to the current situation.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
Ways for Women to Avoid Circumstances Which Might Lead to Sexual Assault:
- Understand your sexual desires and limits. Believe in your right to set those limits. If you are not sure, stop.
- Communicate your limits clearly. If someone starts to offend you,
tell him so, firmly and promptly. Polite approaches might be
misunderstood or ignored.
- Say "no" when you mean "no."
- Be assertive; passivity might be interpreted as permission. Be direct and firm with someone who is pressuring you sexually.
- Pay attention to what is happening around you. If you feel threatened, don't be embarrassed to ask for help or to leave.
- Trust your intuition. If you feel you are being pressured into
unwanted sexual relations, don't hesitate to express your
unwillingness, even if it might appear rude.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs
interfere with clear thinking, effective communication, and your
ability to respond in your own best interest.
