Taking action when something doesn't feel right is proven to help protect those who are vulnerable and prevent sexual violence. You can –

• Be aware, speak-up and get involved
• Watch out for your friends
• If you see something suspicious call 911 or Chemeketa Public Safety 503.399.5023
• If you see someone in trouble, ask if they are OK
• If you see a friend doing something wrong, speak out
• Do not laugh at offensive or disrespectful jokes

• Speak up
• Call out your friends, classmates, or others on their disrespectful behavior and language
• Be courageous
• Look at your own attitudes
• Think about how your actions may impact others
• Help debunk rape myths:
  • "She asked for it." No one asks to be sexually assaulted. People have the right to be safe from any sexual violence. The offender, not the survivor, must be held accountable.
  • "Women often lie about being raped." The FBI reports that false accusations account for only 2% of all reported sexual assaults. This is no higher than false reports for any other crime.
  • "She was raped because she had too much to drink." Alcohol doesn't cause rape, people do.
• Listen and gently ask what you can do to help

• Find a safe location away from the perpetrator
• Ask a trusted friend to be with you for support
• Call 911
• Seek medical assistance
• Preserve all evidence of the incident –
  • Do not bathe or wash
  • Do not clean up the area where the crime occurred
  • Keep torn or soiled clothing
  • Photograph your injuries

Sexual abuse survivors often feel alone and powerless. Guilt, shame and fear are common feelings.

• Sexual assault is a particular problem on college campuses: 1 in 5 women has been sexually assaulted while in college
• While women are the vast majority of victims, men are also assaulted, bullied, or stalked
• Most victims know their perpetrator. Stranger rape accounts for only 14% of rapes and sexual assaults
• Remember, what happened to you is not your fault

• It’s normal to feel alone and powerless
• Guilt, shame, and fear are common feelings
• Recovery takes time, but there are a number of things that can help
• Seek professional and personal support

• Listen and be there
• Don’t judge or blame the victim
• Validate your friend’s experiences and reactions
• Encourage your friend to seek medical attention, counseling, or the assistance of an advocate
• Be patient, it might take your friend some time to deal with the crime
• Respect your friend’s decisions