Sexual Assault Prevention Compliance Statement - Part I
State University of New York at Buffalo Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Compliance Statement
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Prepared in compliance with the federal Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act (Title II - Crime and Awareness and Campus Security, Section 668.47 (a) 12) and State Education Law (Section 6450 (1) a).
As part of a continuing University at Buffalo effort to promote the personal safety of the academic community, the following information has been prepared for campus consideration. The information will be updated annually and is available to all current students and employees, as well as incoming students. It is made available to prospective students and employees on request.
Sexual Assaults on College Campuses
College students are more vulnerable to sexual assault than any other age group. Nationally, the majority of reported victims and offenders are of college age, with the rate of victimization highest among 16 to 19 year olds. The second highest victimization rate is experienced by women between 20 and 24 years of age. Offender populations shows a similar age distribution.
Traditionally-aged-college students are vulnerable to being victims of violence. They are typically in a new setting with a variety of environmental stressors, and away from direct parental supervision and past support systems. They are under peer pressure, their identities are not yet firm, their competence is not yet established, and they often have mistaken beliefs about their invincibility. They live among others who are experimenting with new freedoms. Thus, college students are a population at risk.
The most prevalent form of rape on college campuses is acquaintance rape. The acquaintance may be a date or friend of the victim, or someone the victim knows only casually, from a residence hall, a class, or through mutual friends.
Regardless of the relationship between them, if one person uses force to coerce another into submitting to sexual behaviors, or if consent is not given by the other party, the act is unlawful. The same criminal laws and penalties apply in cases of acquaintance rape and stranger rape, and other forms of sexual assaults.
Many acquaintance rapes involving college students follow similar patterns. Acquaintance rapes often occur at parties or in residential settings. Frequently, the students involved in these assaults have been drinking heavily or using drugs. Detailed UB crime reports and prevention information can be obtained from the Department of University Police.
There are many suggestions on how campus community members can reduce the risks of sexual assault, including:
- Walk with confidence and be alert. Assailants are less likely to target a person who appears assertive and difficult to intimidate.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
- Avoid shrubbery, dark doorways, and other places of concealment while walking. Shun shortcuts through poorly lit areas.
- Avoid areas where there are few people.
- Leave your car in places that will be lighted when you return at night.
- Walk or run with a friend.
- Before entering a room or car, check to ensure it is safe to proceed.
- Change directions if you sense you are being followed or someone suspicious is near. Don't be afraid to run or call for help. Go to a store, police or fire station, or a nearby house.
- Wear clothes and shoes that provide for freedom of movement.
- Contact the Anti Rape Task Force (ARTF @ 829-2584) walk & van escort service for hours and locations.
- Use personal safety devices and blue light telephones which may help deter victimization (devices available through University Police).
- Have first dates in public places. Separate transportation should be considered.
- Sexual desires and limits should be clearly communicated. Be careful to avoid giving or receiving mixed messages. Remember that leaving a party or other social event with someone you have just met can be dangerous.
- Be aware that use of force, pressure, or coercion is unacceptable and can lead to sexual assault charges.
- Don't take silence as consent. Respect the word "NO." Don't have sex with anyone who is drunk or passed out. Intercourse with someone who is unable to give consent or is physically helpless is rape, as defined by state criminal statutes.
- Seek education on rape prevention. Attend or request workshops and seminars (for both men and women) that are available through University Police, Anti-Rape Task Force, and Erie County Citizens Committee on Rape and Sexual Assault (CORSA: 858-7879).
- Call the Sexual Assault Information Line (645-3411) for information on action to take in the event of a sexual assault, options in reporting, and resources available to the victim.
- Many acquaintance rapes involve alcohol or drugs. Avoid drugs and excessive alcohol in a dating situation. Judgment should not be allowed to become impaired.
- More than 60% of all reported rapes occur between acquaintances and 40% of these occur in the home.