Sending your child to college soon? Here is what you need to know.
By: Amy Ramsey, Director of Community Outreach & Education
As your new college bound student is ready and eager to head off to new adventures and to meet new friends and have the time of their lives…there are many dangers that lurk on college campuses. Sexual assault being a crime that happens to 1 out of 5 college students during their college experience. That is a staggering statistic. Yet, 80% of these assaults go unreported. Sexual violence is more prevalent at college, compared to other crimes.
The documentary “The Hunting Ground” (which can be viewed currently on Netflix) depicts the prevalence of sexual violence on college campuses throughout the nation and would be highly recommended that all students and their parents view this documentary prior to sending their children off to their coveted college. Students and their parents need to know about their rights, should sexual assault happen to them or one of their fellow students. Students and parents need to review The Clery Report for the campus and know about Title IX and who the Title IX Coordinator is on their particular campus.
Many students that are victims of sexual assault while at college do not report for many reasons, some of which are: believing it was a personal matter, fear of reprisal, feeling it was not important enough to report, not wanting to incriminate the perpetrator, believing police could not do anything to help, shame, humiliation, and self-blame. Also, many students believe that if they had been drinking it is was their fault or will get in trouble with the police. This is simply not true! No one has the right to sexually assault you regardless if you are drinking, what you are wearing, or where you have chosen to hang out.
Most sexual assaults transpire between acquaintances, or intimate partners…someone the victim knows! Basic safety guidelines to consider for students should include providing information to friends about where they are going, go places in groups and leave in groups. Know your personal limits, if you are at a party and you start feeling strangely, ask your trusted group of friends to take you home. Use social media with caution and do not post pictures of where you are…wait until you are safely home. Know your campus resources.
What should you do if you or one of your friends are sexually assaulted? Go to the nearest hospital within 72-96 hours (120 hours in Texas), do not shower, brush your teeth, or change clothes (if you must change clothes put the clothes you were wearing during the assault in a bag and take them to the hospital with you). Bring a trusted friend with you. You are not required to report, but seeking medical attention is best to ensure your body is checked out and the victim receives any medical attention needed.
College life can be the greatest time in a person’s life…but arming yourself with education and a plan of action to stay safe is the best way to start! For more information, contact Amy Ramsey @ The Hunt County Children’s Advocacy Center/Crisis Center of NE TX at 903-454-9999.