Study Tour Safety Program Presented by: The Office of Student Outreach & Support and the Wellness, Alcohol & Drug Education Program

Overview Sexual Assault Alcohol & Drugs Crime Prevention Contact Information

Safety Issues and Planning  Preparation is the key to your safety!  Know tips to reduce your risk of sexual victimization  Familiarize yourself with customs where you are traveling  Use the buddy system

Alcohol & Drugs  Although alcohol may be legal in certain countries at a younger age abroad, it is tied to negative consequences.  Injury, violent victimization, and accidents  Drug use abroad can result in sever consequences- plan on being treated guilty until proven innocent outside the United States. “Your not in Kansas anymore!”

Alcohol or drugs may cause you to…  Ignore or miss cues  Not notice attempts to isolate you as a way to facilitate an assault  Be encouraged to drink more to facilitate an assault  Unsuccessfully resist an assault

Crime Prevention  Be aware of stereotypes of US men & women  Sexual harassment- unwanted attention from strangers  Stay together or in a group  Alcohol and Drugs can cause you to ignore cues that help you to evaluate your safety…  Someone may encourage you to drink to facilitate an assault  Be aware of “date rape” drugs: pills, liquid, cigarettes

Sexual Assault & Rape  Sexual assault is a traumatic experience for anyone.  It can happen anywhere & to anyone.  Sexual assault is a crime of violence. It is never about love or affection- it is about power & control.  Victims of sexual assault may feel violated and powerless.

Perpetrators  Perpetrators of sexual violence may use drugs, threats, power, force, or manipulation to attempt to control their victim.  Perpetrators are more often male but males can also be victims of sexual assault.  Trust your gut.  Perpetrators are not always strangers…

Risk Reduction

Boundaries  Intrusive Invasion of Boundaries  If someone gives you more attention than you want, or is finding excuses to touch you, this can be potentially dangerous.  Trust your “gut” feeling- your intuitive sense that something is not right.

Tips to Reduce Risk  Be aware of surroundings & if you are uncomfortable, leave  Use the buddy system  Be aware of unwelcome attention  Do not accept drinks from anyone or leave them unattended  Alcohol is the #1 date rape drug- know your limits  Don’t allow yourself to be isolated

Response  Sexual assault is a crime of motive & opportunity. Ultimately there is no surefire way to prevent an attack and it is never the victim’s fault.  Find someone you know & trust to support you. You need to be control of the response.  Get medical assistance  Decide whether or not to report the assault to police.  Counseling  Support at SJU

How to help a friend  Always believe a victim and reaffirm that it is not their fault  Try and offer a safe environment  Do not blame the victim  Do not push the victim to make quick decisions. Let them decide in a pace in which they want to talk about the experience  Be patient and supportive

Contact Marci Berney Director of Student Outreach & Support (610) Campion Hall, 212 Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (610) Merion Gardens A504 REPP (Rape Education Prevention Program) (610) Office of Public Safety & Security (610)