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

2. Sexual Violence Statistics
Victimization is higher among college-aged women ( 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).

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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) , 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)

7. 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); (from a campus phone)
Anonymous Crime Hotline: (219)
Hammond Police Department
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (219)

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

9. 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, 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 ). 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 ). 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 ). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from NCJRS Website