Sexual Assault
(more sexual assault info can be found here)
Facts & Myths
Risk Reduction
Christopher Newport University Sexual Misconduct
Policy
What Everyone Should Know : Facts vs. Myths
Facts
- One in six women is sexually assaulted while a student in college.
- One in four is the victim of an attempted assault.
- By age 18, 38% of young women, and 15% of young men have already experienced a sexual assault.
- 85% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known to the victim
- Every 45 seconds a woman is raped.
- Every 15 minutes a man is raped.
Myths
Sexual assault is surrounded by myths that may prevent victims from reporting the crime or seeking aid in dealing with the trauma. Accurate knowledge must be available to remove the myths and change attitudes.
MYTH: Sexual assault is a sexual crime that is motivated by desire.
FACT: Sexual assault is a violent crime which uses sex as a weapon. It is an attempt to hurt and humiliate.
MYTH: Sexual assault is an impulsive, uncontrollable act.
FACT: Over 50% of sexual assaults are planned in advance.
MYTH: Rape is the only type of "real" sexual assault.
FACT: Sexual assault also includes unwanted and/or forced touching, sexual penetration with an object, or attempted rape by a stranger or an acquaintance.
Risk reduction
If you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. You can, however, do some things that will reduce the risk of an assault in the future:
- Avoid excessive alcohol and other drugs.
- Trust your intuition. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get help.
- Be aware of what is happening around you.
- Be assertive, direct, and firm with anyone who is pressuring you.
- Stay with a group when walking at night and utilize lighted pathways or illuminated streets.
CNU Sexual Misconduct Policy (highlights)
"The University is a community of trust whose existence depends on strict adherence to standards of conduct set by its members. Sexual misconduct is a serious violation of these standards and will not be tolerated.
"The University encourages all members of the University to be aware of both the consequences of sexual misconduct and the options available to survivors. The University urges survivors to seek assistance using any appropriate resource. Sexual misconduct is defined as sexual contact without consent and includes intentional touching, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through the clothing, another person's genitals, breasts, thighs, or buttocks; rape (sexual intercourse without consent whether by an acquaintance or a stranger); attempted rape; sodomy (oral or anal intercourse) without consent; or sexual penetration with an object without consent. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by force, intimidation, or through the use of the victim's mental incapacity or physical helplessness."
See the CNU Student Handbook for complete policy.
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