Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

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SUNY Brockport is committed to providing services and resources to students who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence as well as those who want to support victims.

The College provides access to on-site medical care, legal and campus conduct reporting and counseling services as well as links to off-campus services.

For additional questions, comments or concerns please contact the Counseling Center at (585) 395-2414.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of an assault:

Immediate Steps

1. GET YOURSELF TO A SAFE PLACE

If the assault has just occurred on-campus, call University Police at (585) 395-2222 , or 911 if you are off campus. If you are on campus and near a blue light phone you can utilize that to get the police.

2. SAVE EVIDENCE

Even if you are unsure about whether you want to pursue criminal charges against the assailant, saving evidence now gives you the option to decide later.

Preserving as much evidence as possible means trying not to shower or bathe, eat, drink, smoke, or brush your teeth. Items that you were wearing at the time of the assault should not be washed and can be left on your body or if they have already been removed should be placed in a paper bag and brought to the emergency room or to the police.

3. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT

Not all injuries are apparent, so a medical exam is strongly advised. You can receive medical treatment and a forensic exam by going to the nearest emergency room.

Ideally a visit to an emergency room that has a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) Center is the best choice. From Brockport the closest Emergency Room Hospital with a SAFE Center is located at Strong West. Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and UMMC in Batavia are other nearby options.

Secondary Steps

1. REPORT THE INCIDENT TO AUTHORITIES

2. SEEK COUNSELING

Talking with a counselor about what you’re are feeling and experiencing can be very helpful to begin recovery from what has happened to you. SUNY Brockport Counseling Center has a counselor who specializes in sexual assault and abuse. To schedule a confidential appointment call (585) 395-2414.

Sexual Assault Prevention & Information

Definition and Explanation of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact against the will of the victim without consent. Sexual assault may include the following forms of contact:

 

  • Intentional touching, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through clothing, another person’s genitals, breasts, groin, or buttocks
  • Attempted rape
  • Sodomy (oral or anal intercourse)
  • Sexual penetration with an object

Rape is defined as sexual intercourse that is perpetrated against the will of the victim or without the victim’s consent. This definition applies whether the assailant is a stranger is or is known by the victim.

Lack of consent exists when one or more of the following factors are present:

  • Force
  • Intimidation or threat
  • Temporary or permanent mental incapacity on the part of the victim
  • Temporary or permanent physical helplessness on the part of the victim
  • Incapacity to consent due to the youth of the victim

(Lynchburg College)

Response Procedures for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

In cases of rape or sexual assault, the College’s response is based on several critical variables:

  • The safety of the victim
  • Medical concerns/needs of the victim
  • Legal and campus conduct interests of the victim
  • Counseling interests of the victim

College staff will provide support services and intervention for students who have been sexually assaulted, including helping to identify medical, police, campus conduct, and counseling assistance on and off campus. Upon request, assistance will be provided in changing academic schedules and living arrangements, when alternatives are reasonably available.

Response Procedures and Options Flow Chart

1. SAFETY - IS THE VICTIM SAFE NOW?

No: On-Campus: Call University Police at (585) 395-2222. Off-Campus: Call 911

Yes: Proceed to next response area.

2. MEDICAL - DOES THE VICTIM WANT OR NEED MEDICAL INTERVENTION?

Yes: If the victim wants an evidence collection exam, refer them to the SAFE Center (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Center) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester or United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia (585) 343-6030.

For treatment of injuries from the assault, or to receive STI, HIV and pregnancy intervention, victims may also be seen in Hazen Hall at the campus Health Center.

No: Proceed to next response area.

3. LEGAL - DOES THE VICTIM WISH TO REPORT THE SEXUAL ASSAULT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT?

Yes: If the assault occurred on campus, contact University Police at (585) 395-2222. If off-campus, call 911.

No: Proceed to next response area.

4. CAMPUS CONDUCT - IS THE VICTIM INTERESTED IN PURSUING CAMPUS CONDUCT REPORTING AND PROCEDURES?

Yes: Refer victim to a Student Conduct Coordinator at (585) 395-2122.

No: Proceed to next response area.

5. COUNSELING - DOES THE VICTIM WANT TO TALK WITH A COUNSELOR?

Yes:SUNY Brockport Counseling Center has a counselor who specializes in sexual assault and abuse. Contact (585) 395-2414 during regular business hours, Monday - Friday, 8 am – 4:45 pm. Rape Crisis Services provides trained advocates who are available by phone and in person 24/7, to assist victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse at 1-800-527-1757.

Both services are free and confidential. Victims are encouraged to utilize either or both services whether the assault/abuse occurred recently or in the past.

Helping a Sexual Assault Victim

WHAT THE VICTIM MAY BE FEELING

Many victims of sexual assault feel guilty, often blaming themselves instead of the person who really deserves it…the perpetrator. Victims sometimes feel they could or should have done something differently that would have prevented the assault. Another common feeling is fear. Something which they had no control over has happened to them. Feeling confused and overwhelmed is also common for a victim of sexual assault. These feelings, along with denial may be why it takes days, weeks, months or years for the victim to tell anyone.

WHAT YOU MAY BE FEELING

For the person who is close to a victim of sexual assault, this can be a very difficult experience. You may be having some of the same feelings as the victim. Guilt, anger, helplessness and confusion are common feelings. Do not be afraid to get help for yourself as well as the victim.

RESTORE

HOW TO HELP

  • Listen and offer support. Victims of sexual assault are victims of a crime and the blame rests solely on the person that did this to them
  • Encourage the victim to make their own decisions regarding their options to help them in regaining some of their own power and control back
  • Check out the options flow chart to provide information about resources

Sexual Assault Prevention Strategies

Most sexual assaults occur by acquaintances. While it is always good to be alert of your surroundings, avoid walking alone- especially at night and in isolated areas, lock windows and doors, and park in well lit locations. It is also important to:

  • Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
  • When you go to parties, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other and leave together. Don’t become isolated with someone you don’t know well or don’t trust.
  • Know your boundaries and be assertive. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to. “I don’t want to” is always a good enough reason not to do something.
  • Practice safe drinking. Limit your alcohol intake to avoid clouding your judgment. Pay attention to your beverage and watch it being prepared, don’t accept drinks from someone you don’t know well and don’t leave your drink unattended.

RAINN Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

Sexual Assault Prevention and Education

As part of the College’s philosophy of student development, educational programs to promote awareness of rape and sexual assault are provided throughout the year including:

  • Residence Hall staff trainings and meetings
  • Residence Hall programs
  • Classroom presentations
  • Take Back the Night rally
  • Student Health Fair and Hazen Take Outs
  • Special campus guest speakers/events such as Sex Signals, Angela Shelton, Don McPherson, and Vagina Monologues
  • Awareness activities coordinated with student groups such as Greek Life, SSTEP
  • Clothesline Project

Got consent?

Sexual consent means you have a clear “yes, this is ok with me” for every step during the course of sexual activity. Without consent, the sexual activity is legally considered rape.

For those that say that body language can give consent, consider this:

Someone who is scared may: start to perspire, breathe quicker and heavier, shift their eyes around, heart pumps faster
Someone who is aroused may: start to perspire, breathe quicker and heavier, shift their eyes around, heart pumps faster

No means no, not keep trying till your partner gives in.

GOOD SUGGESTIONS FOR GAINING CONSENT

  • You’re kind of cute, can I kiss you?
  • Do you want to have sex?
  • Are we moving at an ok speed?
  • Is it ok if I take off my pants?

BAD EXAMPLES FOR GAINING CONSENT

  • Do you want to go back to my room? (only gives consent for entering the room)
  • Do you want to get busy? (confusing, different ideas for what busy means)
  • Do you want to go back to my place and watch a movie? (only gives consent for the movie)

Sometimes a person may be too intoxicated to give consent. Maybe their responses aren’t making sense? Maybe a person feels threatened, intimidated, or too nervous to say anything at all? This is why you need a definite YES to have consent. The best way to gain to consent is to just ask.

IN ANY SITUATION:

  • Use the buddy system
  • Be aware of the people around you, who is drinking, and the mood
  • Pre-determine your plans for transportation home

IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO DRINK:

  • Make sure you are in an environment that supports this

IF YOU CHOOSE TO DRINK:

  • Know your limits and stick to them. Don’t become intoxicated
  • Keep one friend on sober duty
  • Make your own drinks and don’t leave drinks unattended
  • Don’t drink from communal drink containers such as “death punch.”
  • Understand the reasons you drink — don’t do it to cover up other insecurities

“NO MEANS NO”

Blames the victim because one of the first questions that people ask is “Why didn’t you say no?” This may make some people feel as if they weren’t violated if they didn’t protest strongly enough. “Yes mean Yes” puts the responsibility back to the perpetrator. For example: If someone breaks into a house and steals valuables, who is guilty of the crime? Obviously, the burglar. What about if I left my door unlocked? Still the burglar. What if I always leave my door unlocked? Still the burglar. How about if I not only left the door unlocked, but I also left it open with the lights on? Still the burglar. The perpetrator of a crime is always responsible, not the person who has been victimized.

THE “DUDE ROUTINE”

If you are attending a party and want to make sure that everyone is safe behind closed doors, you might want to try the “dude routine.” Knock or slightly open a closed door and use any excuse starting with “dude” (it somehow makes it more believable) to check the situation.

-“Dude, I thought this was the bathroom.”
-“Dude, what are you doing in my bedroom?”
-“Dude, I’m going to be sick.”

If they want to have sex, they will. But if one person isn’t comfortable, you just gave them an open door to get out.

Rape Myths

RAPE IS COMMITTED BY STRANGERS JUMPING OUT OF BUSHES IN DARK ALLEYS.

More than 60% of sexual assaults reported to the Albion rape crisis services are committed by people the victim knew. The incidence of rape was spread evenly through day and evening hours, 45% took place in the victim’s own home.

WOMEN ASK TO BE RAPED BECAUSE THEY ENJOY SEX. WOMEN COMMONLY HAVE RAPE FANTASIES AND WANT TO BE OVERPOWERED SEXUALLY BY A STRONG DOMINANT MALE.

No one asks to be raped. A fantasy is just that, a fantasy, and is an expression of desires that a person may never act out. A person is in control of how their fantasy progresses. This is in direct conflict with reality of sexual violence where one loses all power and may fear for their life.

WOMEN FALSELY ACCUSE MEN OF RAPE.

The NYPD did a study in the early 70’s that showed that rape has the same false report rate as other crimes, 2%.

MEN ARE ALWAYS READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO PERFORM.

If this is true then why don’t we see consenting sexual activity during church, in the middle of busy intersections, the opera or ballet? We would see sex everywhere!

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