Sexual-Assault
Resources
- How to Report a Sexual Assault/Violence
- Sexual Violence Pamphlet
(PDF file, 86K) - Gavilan Campus Safety
- AP 3540 / BP 3540
- Sexual Harassment.
- Community Solutions
* Gavilan College wishes to express its sincere thanks to Community Solutions for their incredible support.
What Affect Does Sexual Violence Have On
Academics and Achievement?
- In nearly every case of sexual violence, survivors cannot perform at the same academic levels that they did prior to the attack
- Survivors regularly withdraw from classes altogether.
- In more traumatic incidents, victims leave school until they recover - sometimes transferring to another school.
- ~ American Association of University of Women
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is any sexual act done to another person without their consent. Just because someone else does not say "NO" does NOTmean that they have given consent.
What is Consent?
Consent is based on choice. Consent is active not passive. Consent is possible only when there is equal power. Giving in because of fear is not consent. Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are incapable of giving consent. Minors under the age of 18 are not legally able to give consent to sexual intercourse.
What Are Some Examples of Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is a broad term used to describe many forms of sexual violence, including, but not limited to:
- Unwanted fondling or touching
- Child molestation
- "Flashing" or indecent exposure
- Incest
- Forced or unwanted oral sex
- Rape
Where Can Someone Go for Help if They Are Raped or Sexually Assaulted
The reality is, sexual assault can happen to anyone: men, women or children, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. It can happen anytime: day or night.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline RAINN (800) 656-HOPE
- Santa Clara County Rape Crisis, Community Solutions, (408) 779-2115
- San Benito County, Community Solutions 831-637-SAFE (831-637-7233)
What is The Process of Reporting A Sexual Assault Crime?
Each sexual assault crime is different so the reporting process and case outcomes may vary.
- A report is taken by law enforcement.
- Survivors are informed that they have the right to an advocate who will provide on-going support and information.
- Notify Campus Security by calling 408-848-4703 or 408-710-7490.
Services Available
Survivors of sexual assault can meet with a victim advocate for up to 10 peer counseling sessions. During these sessions, survivors are given a safe place to talk about their experiences with someone who understands what the survivor is going through and will listen without judgment.
The sessions also provide an opportunity for the advocate to discuss future safety, healthy goal setting and the availability of other community resources with the survivor. Sexual assault advocates also provide medical, law enforcement and court accompaniment/support services. Professional counseling may also be available to encourage the healing process.
Trained Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist survivors, their friends and family members.
- Santa Clara County Rape Crisis, Community Solutions (408) 779-2115
- Confidential counseling is available on campus through Counseling (408-848-4723) or Student Health Services (408-848-4791)
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a sexual act attempted or committed without consent, including:
- Inappropriate touching
- Threats of sexual violence
- Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
- Sexual intercourse that you say "no" to
- Rape or attempted rape
- Child molestation
Both men and women can be victims of sexual assault. If you're not sure whether or not you were sexually assaulted, talk to a counselor in a confidential setting.
Consent and Rape
Under California law, consent cannot be given if the person is asleep, intoxicated, unconscious, mentally disordered, or under threat of force. Intercourse under any of these circumstances is rape. Rape is never the victim's fault. No one is ever "asking for it". If you've been a victim of rape or any other form of sexual assault:
- Go to a safe place, such as the campus police or student health center.
- Consider reporting the crime to the police authorities and to the campus administration, if the assault took place on campus.
- Call a trusted person for support.
- Get medical attention. As soon as possible, go to a hospital or the Student Health Center, where you can be examined and treated for injuries. You may want to take steps to prevent pregnancy, as well as get tested and/or treated for sexually transmitted infections. Treatment for HIV prevention must begin within 72 hours.
- Consider evidence collection. Evidence collected soon after the assault will be valuable if you decide to report, and even if you don't report, you can still provide medical evidence to a hospital. It is best to not shower or clean yourself before you provide evidence. If you change clothes, place the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag.
- Consider filing charges. You may decide for yourself based on your own circumstances whether or not to file charges. Before you decide, you can speak with the police about what will happen. Some organizations listed on this web site are available to help you consider the pros and cons.
From: A Guide to Surviving Sexual Assault; City College of San Francisco.Full article
Coping with Feelings Produced by Sexual Assault
Being raped or sexually assaulted is a very distressing experience with effects that can be long lasting. Victims of sexual assault often describe feeling:
- Frightened
- Guilty
- Powerless
- Angry
- Ashamed
- Depressed
- Numb
- Lacking self-confidence
Sometimes victims have difficulty with eating or sleeping. They may lack concentration and find this makes academic work difficult. Every person reacts differently and it is not unusual for feelings to change from day to day.
In particular there can be a long gap between the assault and the emotional reaction. It can be difficult to talk about the attack to friends or family yet it is important to have understanding and support. It can be helpful to talk to a trained person in confidence, either a counselor on campus or a local Rape Crisis center.
People will react differently to the trauma of sexual assault or rape. Many will just try to carry on as normal and not tell anyone for a long time. However, frequently the trauma may resurface some time after the event. Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) is not uncommon in victims of rape and sexual assault.
A victim can still seek counseling and medical attention, no matter how much time has elapsed. Do not feel you have to cope on your own simply because you did not report the incident soon after it happened.
Sexual Assault Resources
- California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (Calcasa): Provides resources to rape crisis centers.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD can be caused by rape or sexual assault.
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Sexual Violence Morris: Brochure published by the U.S. Department of Justice on rape and domestic partner violence from an LGBT perspective.
- Male Sexual Assault 1 mscasa: Fact sheet of the Mississippi Coalition of Sexual Assault for men who have been sexually assaulted.
- Same-Sex Rape and Sexual Assault Stanford: Information from an anti-violence organization associated with Stanford University.