This program was originally developed at The University of Virginia, in two parts. Only part two, "Sexual Assault," has been updated and made GMU- specific. Part one, "Alcohol Awareness," has not been updated, however, you may find the information useful as written.
1. OVERVIEWA. Introduction B. Definition of Terms C. Social and Political Issues D. Types of Rape E. Facts about Sexual Assault
2. FACTS AND DATAA. Misconceptions and Facts regarding Sexual Assault B. Misconceptions and Facts regarding Battering C. Date Rape/ Acquaintance Rape D. College Men as Perpetrators of Acquaintance Rape and Sexual Assault E. Stalking F. UVA Statistics (Replaced by) Sexual Assault: The Academic Impact G. State Statistics H. National Statistics
3. POLICIES AND LAWSA. UVA Sexual Assault (Replaced by) GMU Sexual Assault Policy B. UVA Sexual Harrassment (Replaced by) GMU Sexual Harrassment Policy C. State Sexual Assault: The Laws of Virginia D. Stalking E. Legal Procedures for the Victims and the Accused
4. IDENTIFICATION AND INVOLVEMENTA. Helpful Hints For Assisting Students Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted B. Danger Signals C. "Real Men Don't Rape" D. Helpful Hints for Families and Friends of Victims
5. GUIDE FOR SURVIVORSA. If You've Just Been Sexually Assaulted B. "Why Should I Go To The Emergency Room?" C. "What Are My Legal Rights?" D. "How Will I Feel?" E. "Will I Ever Feel Safe Again?" F. For the Partner of a Sexually Assaulted Survivor G. I am a UVA Student (Replaced by) I am a GMU Student H. "My Husband/Boyfriend Raped Me." I. Special Populations -Teenage Survivor -Lesbian Survivor -Male Survivor -Disabled Survivor -Deaf Survivor
6. STRATEGIES TO REDUCE RISKA. What To Do If Someone Tries To Force Sexual Activity On You B. Protecting Against Stranger Rape C. Protecting Against Acquaintance Rape D. What Is Self Defense E. Risk Reduction
7. RESOURCESA. Where To Go For Help/"Can Anyone Help Me?" B. Readings
Introduction
George Mason University on Sexual Assault
George Mason University is a community of trust whose very existence depends on strict adherence to standards of conduct set by its members. Sexual assault is a serious, violent crime; when it occurs at the University, it is also a flagrant violation of these standards. As such, it will not be tolerated.
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. A recent survey reported that one in every four women has been the victim of rape or attempted rape. In another survey, one in two college women reported being the victim of some kind of sexual aggression. And it is estimated that 10% of all men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes.
The great majority of sexual assaults involve acquaintances. Incidents of acquaintance rape are especially prevalent on college campuses.
When the assailant is an acquaintance, a survivor often has mixed feelings concerning both the incident itself and what to do about it.
Besides feeling hurt, frightened, angry, and ashamed, survivors can feel betrayed and even guilty for having "facilitated" the assault. In some cases, they do not even acknowledge they have been assaulted until well after the incident has occurred.
Survivors can also be unsure of how to deal with the assault -- administratively, legally, and otherwise -- and can wonder what course or courses of action are available and appropriate for them.
An unfortunate result is that many sexual assault survivors elect not to tell anyone about their ordeal, and decline to seek the help they need -- on an emotional level and otherwise -- to deal with the terrible hurt they have suffered.
The University and the Sexual Assault Services encourages all members of the University community to be aware of both the consequences of sexual assault and the options available to survivors. The Committee urges survivors to seek assistance using of the resources listed in this program.