On college campuses, the most prevalent type of sexual assault is acquaintance rape. In acquaintance rape, the attacker can be a friend, relative, spouse, lover, neighbor, co-worker, employer, employee, etc. It is not unusual for acquaintance rape to include physical force, with or without a weapon.
Remember:
- Be honest.
- Communicate what you want honestly and respectfully.
- Be aware of what is taking place around you.
- Trust your instincts, stand up for yourself, and be willing to “make a scene.”
- Support your friends; do not pressure them when they are unsure about the situation.
- It’s never okay to force yourself on an individual.
- Be aware that “force” can be emotional coercion and intimidation as well as physical force.
- “No” means NO!
Recommended Actions Following an Assault:
- Take the survivor to a safe place.
- Find out if he/she has severe physical injuries.
- Call Health Services at 501-916-3188. The professional staff can tell you how best to assist the survivor and furnish the appropriate contact numbers and/or resources he/she can utilize.
- If the survivor lives in university housing, call the Resident Assistant on duty and give him/her information without revealing the identity of the survivor. Ask the survivor if he/she wants to report the assault to the UA Little Rock Police at 501-916-3400.
- If the assault took place off-campus and the survivor wants to report the assault to the police, call 911.
- If the assault took place on-campus and the survivor wants to report the assault to the police, call UA Little Rock Police at 501-916-3400.
- Suggest seeking medical attention at a nearby emergency room. Also, suggest reporting to UA Little Rock Police or local law enforcement agency.
- Be respectful of the survivor’s privacy. Let him/her decide whom to tell and how much to tell.
