Sexual Violence: Education and prevention The Counseling Center Purdue University Northwest

Sexual Violence Statistics Victimization is higher among college-aged women (18- 24-year-olds) than among other age groups (Brener et al., 1999). College women are at higher risk for sexual assault than their non-college-bound peers (Fisher, Cullen, & Turner, 2000). College women come in contact with high numbers of men on college campuses. Sexual assault is widely considered the most under- reported violent crime in America (Karjane, Fisher, & Cullen, 2005).

Sexual Violence Statistics Did you know?... Every two minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Each year, there are about 213,000 victims of sexual assault in this country. About 2/3 of sexual assaults are committed by a person the victim knows. Approximately 38% of rapists are friends or acquaintances of their victims (RAINN, 2009).

Educate yourself Sexual violence primarily affects women, but any person can become a victim of sexual violence. Sexual violence can occur to a person regardless of their age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Men can also be victims of sexual violence. In the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have reported an attempted or completed rape (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). These numbers are underestimated since most victims do not report their sexual violence experiences to authorities. Become educated on ways to help prevent the risk of sexual violence occurring to you.

Who may be at risk for perpetrating sexual violence? The following are risk factors which may increase the probability of a person engaging in sexual violence (CDC, 2011). Being male Having friends who are sexually aggressive Witnessing or experiencing violence as a child Alcohol or drug use Being exposed to social norms, or having shared beliefs with others which support sexual violence

How can I help reduce the risk of sexual assault occurring to me? Always trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, do not try to be ‘polite’ and stay. Remove yourself immediately and call university police at (219) 989-2911, or local authorities at 911. When going out to social events, try to go with friends you trust. If you go alone, notify others of where you will be going. If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages, do not drink from open containers of alcohol (e.g. open punch bowls). Open containers of alcohol can be easily spiked with other drugs. Keep an eye on your drink at all times. Be mindful of the amount of drinks you consume. Alcohol decreases your ability to be fully aware of your environment. Program emergency contacts into your phone. (Click on link) Do not walk home alone. If you do not have a ride, there are local taxi services you may utilize. (Click on link)

Emergency contacts Purdue University Northwest Police Department. When on or near the university campus, call University police first as emergency responders will be nearby to help as soon as possible. Emergency: 911 (from a mobile phone); 9-911 (from a campus phone) Anonymous Crime Hotline: (219) 989-2912 Hammond Police Department Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: (219) 853-6490

PNW counseling Center contact info Hammond Campus 2200 169th Street Gyte 005 Hammond, Indiana 46323 Westville Campus 1401 S. U.S. Hwy. 421 TECH 101 Westville, Indiana 46391

Local taxi services Yellow Cab of Northwest Indiana: (219) 932-9999 Best Calumet Cab Company: (219) 932-2169 Howard’s Cab: (219) 932-8050

References Brener, N. D., McMahon, P. M., Warren, C. W., & Douglas, K. A. (1999). Forced sexual intercourse and associated health-risk behaviors among female college students in the United States. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 252-259. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, February 9). Understanding Sexual Violence: Fact Sheet. Retrieved August 19, 2011 from CDC Violence Prevention Website Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Turner, M. G. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women. (Publication No. 182369). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from NCJRS Website Karjane, H. M., Fisher, B. S., & Cullen, F. T. (2005). Sexual assault on campus: What colleges and universities are doing about it. (Publication No. 205521). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from NCJRS Website RAINN: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network. (2009). Statistics. Retrieved from RAINN Statistics Tjaden, P., & Thoennes, N. (2000). Extent, nature, and consequences of intimate partner violence. (Publication No. 181867). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from NCJRS Website