The incidence of violent crime is low at NMSU, but some does still occur.
Facts
Learn more about violence at WAVE’s website.
- In the United States, a sexual assault occurs every 116 seconds.
- There were 272,350 sexual assaults in 2006 (U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Study).
- On college campuses, at least 80% of sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim (Bureau of Justice 2001).
- College-aged women are 4 times more likely to be sexually assaulted (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- 1 in 6 American women have been the victim of attempted or completed rape (RAINN)
- A man has a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of rape or attempted rape during his life. Boys have an even higher risk when they are under age 18.
- Rape is not an act of passion or lust: it is a crime of humiliation and power.
- Sexual assault has the same rate of being falsely reported as any other crime.
There Is No Average Victim
- Victims can be anywhere from 2 months to 96 years old.
- A majority of victims are assaulted in their home, a friend’s home or the offender’s home.
There Are No Average Rapists
- 1 in 12 male students surveyed have committed acts that met the legal definition of rape (RAINN).
- Around 93% of rapists are male — 96% of rapists claim heterosexuality.
- 60% of rapists are married, with regular sexual partners.
- 60% of rapes are premeditated.
- In 1 of 3 sexual assault cases, the perpetrator was intoxicated.
Respect Yourself and Others
- Let your limits be known. If you aren’t ready for sex, say something.
- Ask questions. If you aren’t sure what the other person wants, ask!
- If the other person changes his or her mind, you must respect that decision.
- Remember, ask for consent.
Protect Yourself
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTiQbjbVORA
- In most murders, rapes, and assaults reported in the United States, the attacker and victim know each other.
- Avoid taking unnecessary risks.
- Stand up for yourself and your rights.
- Be extra careful when visiting foreign countries. Your rights as a US citizen end when you cross the border.
- Protect your belongings. Theft is the largest crime category at NMSU. Your vehicle, car stereo, tv, computers, etc. are attractive targets for criminals.
What To Do If You Suspect You Were Sexually Assaulted
- Find a safe place — anywhere away from the attacker. Call someone you trust, such as a friend, relative, or police officer to come meet you.
- Get medical attention immediately. You may have injuries that aren’t evident, and immediate medical care is important to reduce risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. You do not have to press charges if you seek medical attention.
- Preserve evidence. You don’t have to decide if you want to prosecute right away, but preserving the evidence helps if you decide to prosecute at a later date.
- Don’t bathe or brush your teeth
- If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag (NOT plastic) to preserve them.
- To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you suspect you were drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected for analysis by a forensic lab.
- Get professional help. Getting help does not mean you have to prosecute. Professionals trained in crisis intervention are available free to NMSU students (see info below). As you are considering your options, it is vital to remember:
- It is not your fault
- Every rape or sexual assault is different
- It doesn’t matter what you did or did not do during the assault
- Healing from a sexual assault takes time
- It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago.
- Report the assault. If or when you are ready, report the assault to the police.
