Purdue University Northwest Counseling Center RAINN Day Purdue University Northwest Counseling Center

What is RAINN DAY? RAINN Day is an annual day of action to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence on college campuses. It is a grassroots program designed to empower college students to educate their peers about risk reduction and recovery resources on their campus.

RAINN DAY

When Is RAINN day? RAINN Day is held the third Thursday of September (this year on Thursday, September 17). However, some schools extend RAINN Day events to last a week, or even a month.  Purdue University Calumet usually allocates one day in September to bring awareness to this day. We announce RAINN day well in advance via student email!

Statistics 44% of victims are under age 18 80% are under age 30 Learn more about victim statistics Every seconds, another American is sexually assaulted Each year, there are about 293,000 victims of sexual assault Read more sexual assault numbers 68% of sexual assaults are not reported to police 98% of rapists will never spend a day in jail or prison Learn more reporting statistics Approximately 4/5 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim 47% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance. Learn more about rapists

Types of sexual assault Sexual Assault of Men and Boys Sexual Harassment Child Sexual Abuse Incest Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

Sexual Assault What is sexual assault?  Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include: Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape Attempted rape Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body Fondling or unwanted sexual touching

Sexual Assault What is Rape? Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. The term rape is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent. For its Uniform Crime Reports, the FBI defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” To see how your state legally defines rape and other forms of sexual assault, visit RAINN's State Law Database.

Sexual Assault What is force?  Force doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family or other intimidation tactics.

Sexual Assault Who are the perpetrators? The majority of perpetrators are someone known to the victim. Approximately 4 out of 5 of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as in the case of intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape. The term “date rape” is sometimes used to refer to acquaintance rape. Perpetrators of acquaintance rape might be a date, but they could also be a classmate, a neighbor, a friend’s significant other, or any number of different roles. It’s important to remember that dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.

Sexual Assault In other instances the victim may not know the perpetrator at all. This type of sexual violence is sometimes referred to as stranger rape. Stranger rape can occur in several different ways: Blitz sexual assault: when a perpetrator quickly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact, usually at night in a public place Home invasion sexual assault: when a stranger breaks into the victim's home to commit the assault Contact sexual assault: when a perpetrator contacts the victim and tries to gain their trust by flirting, luring the victim to their car, or otherwise trying to coerce the victim into a situation where the sexual assault will occur

Sexual Assault Survivors of both stranger rape and acquaintance rape often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the perpetrator. It’s important to remember that the victim is a never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator. Related: Self-Care after Trauma Reporting to Law Enforcement Receiving Medical Attention To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673) or chat online at RAINN Online.

Sexual assault of men and boys Sexual assault can happen to anyone, no matter your age, your sexual orientation, or your gender identity. Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted or abused may have many of the same feelings and reactions as other survivors of sexual assault, but they may also face some additional challenges because of social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity.

Sexual assault of men and boys Common reactions  Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted may experience the same effects of sexual assault as other survivors, and they may face other challenges that are more unique to their experience. Men who were sexually abused as boys or teens may respond differently than men who were sexually assaulted as an adult.

Sexual assault of men and boys If something happened to you, know that you are not alone. The following list includes some of the common experiences shared by men and boys who have survived sexual assault. It is not a complete list, but it may help you to know that other people are having similar experiences: Anxiety, depression, fearfulness, or post-traumatic stress disorder Concerns or questions about sexual orientation Sense of blame or shame over not being able to stop the assault or abuse, especially if you experienced an erection or ejaculation Feeling on-edge, being unable to relax, and having difficulty sleeping Feel like "less of a man" or that you no longer have control over your own body Avoiding people or places that are related to the assault or abuse Fear of the worst happening and having a sense of a shortened future Withdrawal from relationships or friendships and an increased sense of isolation

Sexual assault of men and boys What if abuse happened when I was a child or teen? If you were sexually abused when you were a child or a teenager, you may have different feelings and reactions at different times in your life. RAINN partners with 1 in 6, an organization dedicated to helping men who survived unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood. Their website has answers to many of the questions or concerns you might have as an adult survivor. What if the assault or abuse occurred when I was an adult? Some men who have survived sexual assault as adults feel shame or self-doubt, believing that they should have been “strong enough” to fight off the perpetrator. Many men who experienced an erection or ejaculation during the assault may be confused and wonder what this means. These normal physiological responses do not in any way imply that you wanted, invited, or enjoyed the assault. If you were sexually assaulted, it was not your fault.

Finding support Visit the Online SupportLine. 1in6 has partnered with RAINN to offer the 24/7 ‘Online SupportLine’ for men and the people who care about them who are seeking immediate information and resources related to unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood. Visit RAINN Online. Chat anonymously and confidentially with a RAINN support specialist who is trained to help. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call 800.656.HOPE (4763) to be connected to a trained staff member from a local sexual assault service provider in your area. Consider therapy or other mental health support. The Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center offers free counseling services. Some therapists specialize in issues you may be facing as a result of the abuse or assault. You can ask your insurance company which providers are covered by your insurance plan. You can also visit use the Mental Health Treatment Locator function from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Find the center that is closest to you and best fits your needs.

What should I do if I’m a victim of sexual violence & I am a Purdue Calumet Student? Call the Purdue University Calumet Police Department (open 24 hours a day) at (219) 989-2911 or dial 911 if you are off-campus. If you are off-campus and sexual violence occurs, still contact the campus police once you have returned. Contact the following individuals: Linda Knox, Title IX Coordinator Lawshe 105A; (219) 989-3169 University Village Staff-including RA’s Peregrine and/or Griffin Hall; (219) 989-4150 Dean of Students Office SULB 313; (219) 989-4141 Deans, Department Heads, or any person who has supervisory responsibilities such as RA’s, faculty members, and Human Resources may also be contacted.

What should I do If I’m a victim of sexual violence? Any person who has experienced or witnessed sexual violence, discrimination and/or harassment should report the incident(s) as soon as possible. Do not change clothes, bathe, shower or brush your teeth until medical treatment and a full medical evaluation has been completed. In addition, victims should be advised against use of enemas, changing or removing a tampon, sanitary pad or a barrier contraceptive before the medical exam. Although this may be difficult, this will help preserve evidence that can be used to prosecute the offender. Evidence collected within 24 hours of a sexual assault will be most accurate for analysis.

What should I do If I’m a victim of sexual violence? You may also contact the Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center (Gyte-5; 219-989-2366). Reports of sexual violence indicate an investigation as established through the Purdue Calumet Policy To learn more about sexual assault on campus and your rights as a Purdue Calumet student read our sexual assault webpage.

References Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network https://rainn.org/

Child Sexual Abuse When a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse. This section focuses specifically on child sexual abuse and the warning signs that this crime may be occurring. What is child sexual abuse?  Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor. A child cannot consent to any form of sexual activity, period. When a perpetrator engages with a child this way, they are committing a crime that can have lasting effects on the victim for years. Child sexual abuse does not need to include physical contact between a perpetrator and a child.

Child Sexual Abuse Some forms of child sexual abuse include: Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction Fondling Exhibitionism, or exposing oneself to a minor Masturbation in the presence of a minor or forcing the minor to masturbate Intercourse Sex of any kind with a minor, including vaginal, oral, or anal Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies of children Sex trafficking Any other sexual conduct that is harmful to a child's mental, emotional, or physical welfare

Child Sexual Abuse What do perpetrators of child sexual abuse look like? The majority of perpetrators are someone the child or family knows. As many as 93% of victims under the age of 18 know the abuser. A perpetrator does not have to be an adult to harm a child. They can have any relationship to the child including an older sibling or playmate, family member, a teacher, a coach or instructor, a caretaker, or the parent of another child. According to 1 in 6, “[Child] sexual abuse is the result of abusive behavior that takes advantage of a child’s vulnerability and is in no way related to the sexual orientation of the abusive person.” Abusers can manipulate victims to stay quiet about the sexual abuse using a number of different tactics. Often an abuser will use their position of power over the victim to coerce or intimidate the child. They might tell the child that the activity is normal or that they enjoyed it. An abuser may make threats if the child refuses to participate or plans to tell another adult. Child sexual abuse is not only a physical violation; it is a violation of trust and/or authority.

Child Sexual Abuse How can I protect my child from sexual abuse? A big part of protecting your child is about creating a dialogue. Read more to learn about creating this dialogue and keeping your child safe. Talk to Your Child if You Suspect Sexual Abuse Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse What are the warning signs Child sexual abuse isn’t always easy to spot. The perpetrator could be someone you’ve known a long time or trust, which may make it even harder to notice. Consider the following warning signs:

Child Sexual Abuse Physical signs: Difficulty walking or sitting Bloody, torn, or stained underclothes Bleeding, bruises, or swelling in genital area Pain, itching, or burning in genital area Frequent urinary or yeast infections Behavioral signs Shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact Exhibits signs of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder Expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents Self-harms Develops phobias Has trouble in school, such as absences or drops in grades Changes in hygiene, such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively Returns to regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking Runs away from home or school Overly protective and concerned for siblings, or assumes a caretaker role Nightmares or bed-wetting Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors

Child Sexual Abuse Where can I get help? The Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center offers free counseling services. If you want to talk to someone anonymously, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800.4.A.CHILD (422-4453), any time 24/7. Learn more about being an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org. Related: If You Suspect A Child Is Being Harmed Help for Parents of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused Talking to Your Kids about Sexual Assault

Incest If you’ve experienced sexual abuse by a family member you are not alone — and what happened to you is not your fault. While it may be difficult to talk about, you should know that this is an issue that impacts many people. In the U.S., 44% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 181, and the majority of juvenile victims know the perpetrator. In fact, over 1/3 of perpetrators in cases of child sexual abuse are family members.2 While incest is often underreported, RAINN frequently offers support to survivors of incest of all ages through the National Sexual Assault Hotline. If you want to talk to someone confidentially about what you are going through, visit online.rainn.org, any time, 24/7 to speak with a RAINN support specialist

Incest What is incest? The term incest refers to sexual contact between family members. Laws vary from state to state regarding what constitutes crimes of incest, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape. Regardless of state laws, unwanted sexual contact from a family member can have a lasting effect on the survivor.

Incest Why is it difficult to tell someone about sexual abuse by a family member? It can be difficult for an individual to disclose sexual assault or abuse when they know the perpetrator. It can be especially difficult if the perpetrator is a family member. What can keep a victim of sexual abuse by a family member from telling someone? They may care about the abuser and be afraid of what will happen to the abuser if they tell. They may also be concerned about other family members' reactions, fearing they won’t be believed or will be accused of doing something wrong. They may have already tried to tell someone what happened, but the abuse was ignored or minimized. They have been told by the perpetrator that what is happening is normal or happens in every family, and they don’t realize that it is a form of abuse. They may not know that help is available, or they don’t know who to trust. They may be afraid of getting in trouble for telling, or that the abuser will follow through with threats.

Incest How to help someone who has experienced sexual abuse If you suspect a child is being harmed, talk to the child directly using these conversation tips. If the victim is a minor or a vulnerable adult, you can report it to Child Protective Services, the Department of Human Services, or the police. In some instances, you may be required to report by law. Learn more about mandatory reporting laws from RAINN’s State Law Database. If someone tells you that they have been abused, take their words seriously. Let them know you believe them, and thank them for coming to you. Learn more about how to respond to a survivor. If you are a child, tell an adult you trust who isn’t a member of the victim’s family, like a teacher, faith/religious leader, or a family friend. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.

Incest Where can I find support? Related: If you have experienced sexual abuse by a family member, you may encounter a range of short and long term effects that many survivors face. You may face additional issues related to your sense of safety and trust because this type of abuse often disrupts your primary support system—the family. The people who were supposed to protect and care for you may have caused harm or allowed the harm to continue. The Counseling Center at Purdue University Calumet offers free counseling services to all students currently enrolled. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). You’ll be connected to a trained staff member from a local sexual assault service provider who can connect you to resources in your area. Chat online at online.rainn.org with someone who is trained to help you talk through what happened. RAINN’s online chat is anonymous and confidential. For additional resources in your local community, visit Survivors of Incest Anonymous, an organization that can help you find survivor support groups in your area. Related: Child Sexual Abuse Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Help for Parents of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused by Family Members

Intimate Partner Violence A perpetrator can have any relationship to a victim, and that includes the role of an intimate partner. There are many different terms to refer to sexual assault committed by a person in a relationship with the victim, including: intimate partner sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner rape, marital rape, and spousal rape. No matter what term is used or how the relationship is defined, it is never okay to engage in sexual activity without someone’s consent. How does sexual assault relate to domestic violence? Sexual assault in a relationship rarely exists in a vacuum. It often occurs alongside other forms of abusive behavior. The majority of women who were physically assaulted by an intimate partner had been sexually assaulted by that same partner1. To learn more about dating and domestic violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.

Intimate Partner Violence Why should I reach out? If you have experienced sexual assault by an intimate partner, it can be challenging to come forward for many reasons. You may be concerned for your safety or the safety of your children, still have strong feelings for your partner, or aren’t convinced that what’s happening to you is really sexual assault. It’s understandable to feel this way. Ending an abusive relationship is not something that you have to do alone. Reaching out for help from friends, loved ones, local organizations or law enforcement can help you through this process.

Intimate Partner Violence Help is available You can find support from a confidential, non-judgmental source. The Counseling Center at Purdue University offers free counseling to all students currently enrolled. Call 219 989 2366 To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) any time, 24/7, or chat online. Learn more about safety planning to brainstorm ideas for safety or escape. Related: Sexual Assault What Consent Looks Like Safety Planning

Sexual Harassment You should be able to feel comfortable in your place of work or learning. If you are being sexually harassed, you can report it to the authorities at your job, school, or local law enforcement.

Sexual Harassment What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sexual harassment does not always have to be specifically about sexual behavior or directed at a specific person. For example, negative comments about women as a group may be a form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment interferes with your performance by threatening your job security or becoming an obstacle to effective work. Although sexual harassment laws do not usually cover teasing or offhand comments, these behaviors can also be upsetting and have a negative emotional impact.

What does sexual harassment look like? What does sexual harassment look like? Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. The harasser can identify with any gender and have any relationship to the victim, including a being a direct manager, indirect supervisor, co-worker, teacher, peer, or colleague. Some forms of sexual harassment include: Unwelcome sexual advances Requests for sexual favors Unwanted touching or physical contact Verbal harassment of a sexual nature Physical acts of sexual assault Making conditions of employment dependent on sexual favors

Sexual Harassment Where can sexual harassment occur? Sexual harassment can occur in the workplace or learning environment, like a school or university. It can happen in many different scenarios, including after-hours conversations, exchanges in the hallways, and non-office settings of employees or peers. Where can I learn more about sexual harassment? Visit the EEOC to learn more about sexual harassment laws. If you are a minor, you can learn more at Youth at Work, EEOC’s website for youth in the workforce.

Sexual Harassment Street Harassment You might also encounter sexually harassing behaviors outside work or school. People experience catcalling, being followed, sexual advances, groping or fondling, others exposing themselves, and many other unwelcome or threatening behaviors on the street or in public settings. The laws about these behaviors vary from state to state. You can find out more about this issues from your local sexual assault service provider or local law enforcement. Related: Sexual Exploitation by Helping Professionals Sexual Assault Stalking

Effects of Sexual Assault Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. These effects aren’t always easy to deal with, but with the right help and support they can be managed. Learning more can help you find the best form of care to begin the healing process. Some of the effects include: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-harm Depression Flashbacks Substance Use Sexually Transmitted Dissociation

Aftermath of sexual assault After a sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure what to do next. Learning more about what steps you can take to take following a sexual assault can help ground you in a difficult time. After Sexual Assault Receiving Medical Attention Safety Planning Importance of DNA in Sexual Violence Cases What is a Rape Kit? Recovering from Sexual Assault