Study This Before Heading to College

College begins in just a few week. While it's not time to hit the books yet, here's a few facts to study before school starts:
Students experience some of the highest rates of sexual assault

• Between 20% and 25% of women will experience a completed and/or attempted rape during their college career. US Dep't  of Justice
• College freshmen and sophomore are at greater risk of  sexual assault. 84% of the women who reported sexually coercive experiences  the incident occurred during their first four semesters on campus (An Examination of Sexual Violence Against College Women)
• 90% of women know the person who sexually assaulted or raped them. US Dep't  of Justice 2000
• 90% of acquaintance rapes involve alcohol (National Collegiate Date and Acquaintance Rape Statistics)
• The majority of rapes occur in residences.

The key things to remember:

• Sexual assault is very prevalent in college.
• The victim usually knows the assailant.
• Alcohol is often a key factor.
• If someone is too intoxicated to give consent... it's rape.
• If you have been sexually assaulted, you are not alone and you are not to blame. There is help both on campus and through your local rape crisis agency.

If you or someone you know is raped:

• The decisions are yours to make:
• You do not have to report to law enforcement to get help.
• You can have a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE exam) to collect the evidence now, but don't have to make  any decisions about reporting. The evidence will be kept safe while you think about your decision.
• To preserve the evidence, avoid showering, urinating, brushing you teeth, eating or drinking.

You are not to blame for the assault.

A rape crisis advocate can help you to understand your options and begin the healing process.

In Saratoga County call

DVRC's 24 hour hotline at

518-584-8188.