Below are several articles on College Women Rape and Self Defense
College Women Twice As Likely
To Be Stalked
By Megan Costello - WEnews correspondent
(WOMENSENEWS) -- A woman hears footsteps behind her as she walks back to her dorm at night. ... The same fellow seems to turn up in several of her classes. ... Should she be worried? ... The guy she turned down for a date calls her repeatedly for a week, stops and then starts again. ... She's getting e-mails that hint of violence and retribution.
The women are all targets of campus stalkers, all of them pursued, menaced and fearful.
Campus stalking has gone on for years but only recently has it registered on the collective campus radar screen and been defined as a crime. Little research has been conducted, especially on campus stalking.
Rutgers University Department of Urban Studies recently sponsored the first national research conference on stalking, which included police experts, stalking researchers and campus-based victims' advocates.
A centerpiece of the conference were the recent results from the first national survey, which found that college women were at least twice as likely to be stalked as women in the general population--and as much as 13 times more likely to be menaced by a stalker.
The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, reported that 13 percent of female college students were stalked in the seven months prior to the study. By contrast, a 1998 justice department study reported that only between 1 percent and 6 percent of women in the general population were stalked during the previous year.
"Stalking had not been studied with respect to college women," said Bonnie Fisher, primary author of the new study and associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati.
The national survey of more than 4,000 college women by University of Cincinnati researchers defined stalking as repeatedly following, watching, phoning, writing, e-mailing or otherwise communicating with someone in a way that seemed obsessive and caused fear or concern for personal safety.
"What we were trying to do was get a broad-based legal definition," said Fisher. "The key components were repeat, pursuit behavior that caused the target to be fearful."
Experts say the primary reason for the high stalking numbers in colleges may be that college life makes stalking easy. Campuses are closed communities in which it is easy to learn someone's routine, track the target, blend in, obtain a home address, telephone number and e-mail address for menacing messages.
But though stalking is a crime in all 50 states, many campuses don't have anti-stalking policies. Many include stalking under harassment policies, and universities are not required to report stalking incidents to the federal government. Moreover, victims are often reluctant to come forward, and cases are difficult to prove.
Overlooked for Years, College Stalking Only Now Is Studied
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Guidelines |
"Stalking is a new concept, and we don't understand it like we should and give it the credence that it deserves," said Dolores Card, director of the Syracuse University Rape Center and the Intercollegiate Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "We did that with sexual harassment five or ten years ago. The same thing is happening with stalking."
The element of fear and menace is the difference between female and male stalking victims, according to women's advocates. Although males are also frequently stalking victims, they are less likely to receive threats from their female pursuers and less likely to feel endangered by the pursuit.
Stalkers Either Former Lovers or Casual Acquaintances--Seldom Total Strangers
College women were more likely to be stalked by someone they know, typically fellow students who pursued them for an average of three months. Four out of five stalking targets knew their pursuers -- slightly more than in the general population. College women are most often stalked either by someone with whom they had an intimate relationship or with whom they have had casual contact -- not by total strangers.
"It's almost always a student in a classroom who obsesses on this victim, or a student who met her in a club," said Connie Kirklan, director of Sexual Assault Services at George Mason University in Virginia. "It is very rare that there's been a dating relationship. That's the reason some people don't come forward, because they hear it's always part of a relationship."
In the study of college women, 42 percent of targets had had an intimate relationship with their stalker, whereas 46 percent knew their stalker casually.
Card, from Syracuse University, said stalking also occurs in the aftermath of sexual assault, when the attacker or his friends will stalk the victim to intimidate her an effort to make her keep silent.
In over 15 percent of cases reported to the researchers, victims said their stalkers had threatened or tried to harm them. In over 10 percent of the incidents, victims reported that their stalkers had attempted or forced sexual contact.
"There is the potential in every case for it to escalate to physical or sexual violence, which is why it's so important to address it early," said Seema Zeya, senior program director at the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington.
Almost 30 percent of stalking targets in the study said they were emotionally scarred. "Its pretty clear that, psychologically, it's devastating," said Zeya. "They suffer from anxiety, depression, paranoia and post-traumatic stress disorder. They feel like they've lost total control over their lives. Stalking is a way to get power and control over the victim."
According to the Department of Justice study, college women reported stalking to the police in only 17 percent of incidents, whereas 55 percent of women in the general population said they had reported their stalking to the police.
Fifty States Have Passed Anti-Stalking Laws, but Prosecution Is Difficult
The first anti-stalking law was enacted in California in 1990. Today all 50 states have anti-stalking laws under which stalking is generally a misdemeanor. When the perpetrator is a repeat offender or uses violence against his target, stalking becomes a felony. In 1996, Congress passed a federal anti-stalking law, which was amended in 2000 to include cyberstalking.
At the university level, stalking has only recently become a major source of concern. The problem is largely invisible except to the victims and to those providing victims' services.
Campus police and victims' advocates suggest strategies besides prosecution. Targets can use call blocking, caller ID and other technologies to make themselves less available; they can move to another dormitory or off-campus housing. Some universities provide escorts. In some cases, women can obtain restraining orders. University judicial affairs proceedings can also offer some relief through sanctioning the offender.
But awareness of campus stalking and its gravity have a long way to go. Shirley Smoyak, professor of urban studies and community health at Rutgers and a stalking researcher, said her presentation on stalking was greeted with scorn at Oxford University in England. Men in the audience told her that stalking was just part of men's natural pursuit of women and told her to "go study something serious."
"The unnatural part is when women get hurt or killed," said Smoyak. "They put blinders on and don't see it."
Megan Costello is a free-lance writer in New York.
Read another Women's Enews story about campus violence:
Sexual Assault, Stalking Widespread on Campuses
For more information, visit:
National Center for Victims of Crime, Stalking Resource Center
George Mason University Stalking Policy
Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics
Copyright 2001 Women's Enews
Magic Stream: http://fly.hiwaay.net/~garson/
Email: garson@hiwaay.net
Everything a Female Should be Aware of
Scary Statistics
- A woman is raped every 46 seconds in America... that's 78 rapes each hour...1,871 women are raped every day !
- Every day, four women are killed by their abusive partners
- 25% of girls and 17% of boys will be sexually assaulted by the time they are 18 years old
- 14% of all American women acknowledge having been violently abused by a husband or boyfriend
- Twenty-nine percent of all rapes occur when the victim is less that 11 years old and 32 % of all rapes occur when the victim is between the ages of 11 and 17
- 25% of rapes take place in a public area or a parking garage
These shocking facts support the fact that violent crimes can affect anyone at anytime, regardless of where they live or work. These crimes include assault, domestic violence, robbery, car jacking, rape and murder. Based on these statistics it's possible that at some point in your life you might be a victim of a violent crime.
(1.) The three reasons women are easy targets for random acts of violence are:
(a.) Lack of Awareness You MUST know where you are & what's going on around you.
(b.) Body Language Keep your head up, swing your arms, stand straight up.
(c.) Wrong Place, Wrong Time DON'T walk alone in an alley, or drive in a bad neighborhood at night.
The criminal's primary strategy is to use the advantage of surprise. The pattern of an attack followed by most human attackers is:
1. Select an easy victim. Someone who seems oblivious, fearful or unaware.
2. Create a position of advantage to gain privacy and control.
3. Dominate the victim through intimidation, physical assault, or robbery.
4. Escape so they can get away without getting caught.
The sooner we interrupt this pattern, the safer we will be. Our strategies are to:
- Be and Act Aware,
- Take Charge
- Get Help
An aware confident attitude
will prevent most attackers from selecting you as their victim. Make sure your stance and attitude lets people know you know they are there. It works best to glance with a "soft eye" towards the person rather than making prolonged eye contact. Our message is "I see you." not "I'm challenging or inviting or afraid of you."
Take charge by controlling distance
so that a potential attacker does not have the opportunity to create a position of advantage by getting close to you. The "I'm OK, You're Ok" approach works most of the time. Just leave cheerfully and get to a safe place. If you can't just leave, take charge by setting a boundary. Get into ready position and tell the person politely and assertively what you want, "Stop right there.... Turn around and leave....I'm leaving now." Be sure you use a calm firm voice and strong centered body language.
Know where safety is and how to get help
Always have a plan for where you would go if you have a problem. Be willing to make a scene and order bystanders to call the police or come to your aid. Be willing to embarrass, inconvenience, or offend other people in order to protect your well-being. Know how to set clear boundaries with people you know. Most of the people who bother us are people we know.
As a last resort, know how to physically defend yourself
The basic strategy is to use your body as a weapon and the vulnerable parts of an attacker's body as targets. Common front attack techniques are strikes to the eyes, heel palm hits to the face, knee strikes and kicks to the groin. Most rear attacks can be stopped by your NO! stance, foot stomps, slaps to the groin, grabbing and squeezing the testicles, and elbow strikes to the solar plexus or head. Most attacks are stopped by just one strong move, but be prepared to keep fighting until you feel it is safe to leave and get help.
The same strategies usually work even if the attacker has a weapon
or you end up on the ground, or there are two or more attackers. Our experts say that your risk of injury goes up if you fight to keep someone from taking your possessions--so we do not recommend that you fight over your stuff--but your risk of injury goes down if you fight to keep an attacker from hurting you or from having more privacy and control which would put you in a more vulnerable position.
Guidelines For Choosing A Self-Defense Course
Self-Defense Philosophy
Ideally, a good self-defense program should reflect these
philosophical points in its outlook
1. No one asks for, causes, invites, or deserves to be assaulted. Women and men sometimes exercise poor judgment about safety behavior, but that does not make them responsible for the attack. Attackers are responsible for their attacks and their use of violence to overpower, control and abuse another human being.
2) Whatever a person's decision in a given self-defense situation, whatever action she/he does or does not take, that person is not at fault. Someone's decision to survive the best way she can must be respected. Self-defense classes should not be used as a judgment against a victim/survivor.
3. Good self-defense programs do not "tell" an individual what she "should" or "should not" do. A program should offer options, techniques, and a way of analyzing situations. A program may point out what USUALLY works best in MOST situations, but each situation is unique and the final decision rests with the person actually confronted by the situation.
4. Empowerment is the goal of a good self-defense program. The individual's right to make decisions about her participation must be respected. Pressure should not be brought to bear in any way to get someone to participate in an activity if she's hesitant or unwilling.
Questions to ask when evaluating a self-defense course
1. What is self-defense?
Self-defense is a set of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills with safety strategies and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully escape, resist and survive violent attacks. A good self-defense course provides psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just physical training.
2. Does self-defense work?
Yes. Self-Defense training can increase your options and help you prepare responses to slow down, de-escalate, or interrupt an attack. Like any tool, the more you know about it, the more informed you are to make a decision and to use it.
3. Is self-defense a guarantee?
No. There are no guarantees when it comes to self-protection. However, self-defense training can increase your choices/options and your preparedness.
4. Is there a standard self-defense course?
No. There are many formats for training. They may be as short as two hours or as long as 8 weeks or a semester. Whatever the length of the program, it should be based on maximizing options, simple techniques, and respect for individuals' experiences.
5. Is there a course I should stay away from?
Only you can answer this question. Find out about the philosophy of the program and the background of the instructor. Observe a class session if you can, and talk to an instructor or a student. Is the instructor knowledgeable and respectful of your concerns? Is it a length at you can commit to and at a cost that you can afford? You deserve to have all your questions answered before taking a class.
6. Who's better, a male or female Instructor?
For women, there is an advantage to having a female instructor as a role model, who has similar experiences surviving as a woman. All-woman classes tend to provide an easier atmosphere in which to discuss sensitive issues. On the other hand, some women feel having male partners to practice with can add to their experience. The quality of a class depends on the knowledge, attitude and philosophy of the instructor, not necessarily on gender. The most important aspect is that the instructor, male or female, conducts the training for the students geared to their individual strengths and abilities. Feeling safe and building trust come before learning.
7. Must I train for years to learn to defend myself?
No. A basic course can offer enough concepts and skills to help you develop self-protection strategies that you can continue to build upon. Self-defense is not karate or martial arts training. It does not require years of study to perfect. Many people have successfully improvised and prevented an assault who have never taken a class. People often practice successful self-defense strategies without knowing it!
8. If I use physical self-defense could I get hurt worse?
The question to answer first is what does "hurt worse" mean? Rape survivors speak eloquently about emotional hurts lasting long after physical hurts heal. Studies show a physical self-defense response does not increase the level of physical injury, and sometimes decreases the likelihood. Also, going along with the attacker does not guarantee that you will not be brutally injured anyway. The point of using self-defense is to de-escalate a situation and get away as soon as possible. Knowing some physical techniques increases the range of possible self-defense options, but the decision to choose a physical option must remain with the person in the situation.
9. What does "realistic" mean?
Words like "most realistic", "best", "guaranteed success", etc., are all advertising gimmicks. Choosing a self-defense class is a serious decision and is preferably based on some research. No program or instructor can replicate a "real" assault since there are so many different scenarios, and because a real attack would require a no-holds barred fight which would be irresponsible and extremely dangerous to enact. Responsible self-defense training requires control. It is important that each student is able to control her own participation in the class and never feel forced to participate.
10. What is the role of mace or other aggressive "devices" as self-defense aids in harming an attacker?
Any device is useless to you unless you understand how to use it, and you have it in your hand ready to use at the time of the attempted assault. There is nothing "guaranteed" about any of these devices. None are foolproof. None of them can be counted on to work against all possible attackers (no matter what the labeling may state to the contrary). Realize that anything you can use against an attacker can also be taken away and used against you. While some of these devices have sometimes helped women escape to safety, it is important to be aware of their limitations and liabilities.
11. How much should I pay?
Paying a lot of money for a course does not mean that you automatically get better instruction. On the other hand, don't assume that all programs are the same and just go for the cheapest. It is always beneficial to be an educated consumer. Shop around the same as for anything else you buy that is important to you.
12. Where can I find a self-defense class?
Check with your local rape crisis center. Some centers provide self-protection classes or can refer you to one. YWCA's and Community Colleges sometimes offer classes. Some martial arts schools provide seminars and workshops. Check the phone book. If there isn't one in your community, get involved and try to organize one.
13. Am I too old? Out of shape? What if I have some disabilities?
You don't have to be an athlete to learn how to defend yourself. A good program is designed to adapt to every age and ability and provides each student with the opportunity to learn. Each individual is unique and students should be able to discuss their own needs. Some programs have specialized classes for specific groups.
14. How can I tell a "good" course from a "bad" one?
A good course covers critical thinking about defense strategies, assertiveness, powerful communication skills, and easy-to-remember physical techniques. The instructor respects and responds to your fears and concerns. Instruction is based on the belief that we can act competently, decisively, and take action for our own protection. Essentially, a good course is based on intelligence and not muscle. It offers tools for enabling a person to connect with her own strength and power. These courses are out there. Good luck in your research. Taking a self-defense class is one of the most positive things a you can do for yourself!
Element of surprise key to self-defense, local instructors say
Jaclyn O'Malley RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 2/4/2004 11:33 pm
In terms of personal safety, one has two choices: get armed or know how to defend yourself.
While there are no guarantees that either will prevent harm, local self-defense experts said they’d rather surprise and immobilize an attacker than fire a gun.
“There’s nothing wrong with carrying a gun if you’re proficient in using it, but don’t depend on it,” said Kim Olivas. “If it malfunctions or you can’t get to it and never took hand-to-hand self defense, then you have nothing.
“At least take self-defense to add to your tools of personal safety.”
Olivas is a certified self-defense instructor who trains bodyguards, security guards and law enforcement officers, as well as the general public. He teaches at Danger Prevention Services in Sparks, which uses the CDT- Non-Deadly Force method, (Compliance Direction Takedown).
During the past few years, more women have been taking self-defense classes to be proactive to crime or prevent crime survivors from being victimized again, Olivas said. A course geared for women, “Training for Life,” is offered at Danger Prevention Services.
“One out of 10 of our ladies has in some sort or another been assaulted, either domestically or sexually,” Olivas said. “These classes help women walk away more confident and more aware.
“Women are not going to get into a fistfight with a man, that’s just not going to happen, so they need to know how to stun and immobilize their attacker, get the heck out and let the cops do their job.”
Reno police Lt. Ron Holladay said most victims of street crimes are men. Women are more likely to be sexually assaulted by someone they know, according to the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence.
While defensive tools such as pepper spray can be purchased from local stores and gun shops, Holladay said that women need to be prepared to have them taken from them and used against them.
“If you think the risk of getting hurt outweighs retaining your property, what you do next is an individual choice,” Holladay said. “But it’s my opinion that money is not worth your life.”
If a victim were to shoot their attacker, or shoot a bystander, they can be liable for injuries and be sued, Olivas said. He said that liability is why people want an alternative to deadly weapons.
Rick Collup, owner of the Reno Academy of Combat and Self Defense, encourages women to get a permit to carry a knife for their protection. He said it’s easier to use than a gun during an attack.
“Usually women aren’t serious about self-defense until after an attack, then it’s too late,” Collup said. “But by knowing how to defend themselves, they can prevent bad things from happening to them just by carrying themselves with confidence and not getting into certain situations.”
Some examples of bad situations include parking in dark areas, not avoiding suspicious people, walking alone at night in bad neighborhoods and giving the appearance you are carrying a lot of cash and valuables.
“Women have the right to defend themselves and self-defense is an alternative to using deadly force,” Olivas said. “Don’t go into things blind and think a gun will take care of things, because it won’t, and you’ll be in more trouble.”
Olivas suggested women scream “fire,” or “leave my child alone,” to alert help if they are confronted by an attacker.
“Our methods surprise attackers, and the point is for women to stun and run,” Collup said. “You can’t fight your attacker, that’s movie stuff, but if you stun and run chances are you’re going to get away and still have your life.”
While it’s hard to remain calm, Olivas said, if confronted, it’s best to give the person what they want.
“Just let them take the money or the car,” he said. “Save your life instead of risking it.”
Safety Tips and Advice
On this page I've collected some general tips on how to avoid dangerous situations outside your home. Generally, the best idea is to use your common sense!
Unfortunately, that's not always enough. First I'll list some common sense tips on how to avoid violence in the first place. Actually, that's the most effective way of self defense!
Remember, most of the violent situations (mainly domestic violence) starts after verbal quarrel. Always try to "cool down" the situation or try to get out of your home before it's too late.
General:
- If you see or sense problems on your way, just change your route and - prepare to run or defend yourself
- Do not wear conspicuous jewelry when you are walking on the streets alone
- Do not hitchhike, use buses or taxis instead
- Do not act or look like an easy target - look confident!
- Most "fights" are won before they start, and aggressors will back down if you maintain eye contact and are not intimidated by them.
Public transport:
- Remember, there is usually safety in numbers. Wait in a coffee shop or in a well lit area for the public transport to arrive
- Don't choose the window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant; always choose an aisle seat for quick exit
- After peak hours, always choose the train compartment carrying the most passengers or the compartment directly behind the train driver
- On buses, sit behind the driver or next to the door for quick exit.
Motor vehicles:
- Danger areas are stepping out of your car either at home or in isolated areas, and also walking to your car
- Always approach your vehicle with the keys ready
- Windows should be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. (Please note that this conflicts with quick entering and exit procedures in the event of an accident)
- Always check your car before entering
- Never leave your car unlocked, even for the few minutes it may take you to return a video, buy milk and so forth. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity.
- Never get into a car even if someone is pointing a knife or a handgun at you from inside. Just start to run away from the car screaming at the same time. It's much more likely that he will drive away to find an easier target than attacking or killing you. But if you get into the car, he has a much better opportunity to drive to a quiet place and start to abuse you and later maybe kill you.
- Never pull your car over from a quiet road even if someone drives alongside your car pointing at the tires etc. Always continue driving to a well-lit and crowded area before exiting your car. The problem might be a bluff and the driver wants you to stop at the side of the road to "help" you without a reason.
- Always be alert in parking lots, specially when it's dark. If you are afraid, don't be too shy to ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, it's easy for someone to hide and wait until an adult person comes along.
Taxis:
- Always check the identification of the driver (usually located near the visor) and ensure that it matches the driver
- Be wary of cars with central locking
- Don't sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear passenger door - always choose the adjacent seat
- Always order taxis so that the driver can be traced
- Avoid flagging taxis from the street
Walkers / joggers:
- If you have car trouble and are walking to look for help, always walk against the traffic so that you can see what is coming
- If shadowed by a car, run back in the direction from which you came. If you continue in the same direction, you will make it easy for the shadowing to continue
- Be wary of alert passengers
- Don't use a "walkman" when walking in isolated areas at any time
- Regularly change your routines
- Mark out houses at intervals on each route you take that may be used as "safe houses" in the event of attack such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance. Try to incorporate these houses every time you vary your route
- Be alert at all times
- Don't presume that because your area has been "safe" thus far, that it will continue to be so.
Public phone boxes:
- When you are calling from a telephone box, after dialing the numbers always turn around so that you have your back to the phone and may see what is coming. You will then be able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the attacker.
Clothing:
- Think about your clothing - where will it be worn? Will you be going out after work? Get into the habit of leaving restrictive clothing and shoes for those occasions when you are certain that you have no reason to anticipate danger, such as large crowds, being picked up after work or going out and so forth.
- Choose a wardrobe which maximizes freedom of movement. The best self defense techniques will not help you if you cannot run away because of tight skirts or shoes with straps and high heels. In these situations, it will be necessary to disable your attacker to ensure you are not followed unless you have some means of a quick exit such as a motor vehicle. This places additional, unnecessary pressure on you to be successful. Further, if you focus too much attention on disabling you opponent, you may not be sufficiently aware of an additional threat to yourself
"...Domestic abuse may include emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using children, threats, using male privilege, intimidation, isolation and a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation and power. In all cultures, the perpetrators are most commonly the men of the family..."
— Caroline Young
Sexual Assault, Stalking Widespread on Campuses Run Date: 02/19/01 By Megan Costello In a seven-month period, more than one in four college women experienced unwanted sexual attention from stalking to rape, according to a new Justice Department report. Yet, shame and self-blame persist, especially when alcohol and drugs are involved. (WOMENSENEWS) -- Sexual assault and stalking of college women are widespread and grossly underestimated by official statistics, a recent study funded by the Department of Justice indicates. An estimated 28 percent of college women surveyed said they had suffered completed or attempted rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, or stalking during a seven-month period, according to this unprecedented in-depth research effort. The national survey of more than 4,000 college women found that almost 3 percent, or 1 in 36, suffered a completed or attempted rape in the seven months prior to the study by University of Cincinnati researchers. Thirteen percent of college women surveyed reported they were stalked during that period. The study was the first national survey of college women to include stalking, which was defined as repeated, fear-inducing behavior. "We were trying to get a broad view of what was going on," said Bonnie Fisher, an author of the study and associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. "It doesn't paint a healthy picture." The study was funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Official university annual crime reports generally indicate that a mere handful of rapes occur on any given campus. Universities are not required by law to include stalking incidents in their official crime statistics, or to record incidents of sexual assault that are revealed to counselors at rape crisis and women's centers. "You're not going to hear the real numbers," said Dolores Card, director of the Syracuse University R.A.P.E. center. "You're going to hear campus security numbers." She said that more than 40 women reported being sexually assaulted to the R.A.P.E. center during the last year, yet campus security reported five incidents of rape. At least 300 schools have been cited by the Department of Education for failing to properly report campus crime statistics as required by the Campus Security Act. Several of the universities that were reviewed by the department for incorrect reporting failed to include incidents of sexual assault. "There's still a lot of gross mishandling," said Howard Clery, co-founder of Security on Campus, a nonprofit organization for the prevention of college campus violence. College Women Don't Report Sexual Assault While campuses may be underreporting the rapes they know about, college women are not informing them of much of what takes place. Fewer than 5 percent of the surveyed women who were raped reported it to law enforcement or other campus officials. "When you see that women are not reporting these incidents to the authorities, the official statistics are really underestimating the extent of what women are experiencing," said author Fisher. "That's what I find eye-opening and startling." College women are among the female population most vulnerable to sexual assault. Over 80 percent of women who reported being raped were under the age of 24, according to a 1992 survey by the National Victim Center. Moreover, current evidence indicates that college women are less likely than other women to report being sexually assaulted to law enforcement. Sixteen percent of women in the general population reported their rape to the police, according to the National Victim Center study. By contrast, Fisher's survey showed that only about 2 percent of college women reported their assault to the police. Almost half of the college women surveyed who were sexually assaulted did not report it because they did not want other people to know. Nearly Half Did Not Think Their Rape Warranted A Report According to the survey, well over 40 percent of women who were raped said they did not report the incident because they did not think it was serious or were not sure that a crime had been committed. Almost half of the college women who were identified by the researchers as having been raped did not consider it to be a rape. The survey indicated that 9 of 10 victims knew their offenders. "When you're talking about college rape, you're talking about date rape and acquaintance rape primarily," said Syracuse's Card. "They're uninformed," she added. "That's why it's so important to have some type of prevention and education program. The other part of prevention is telling them what to do if it happens." Card noted that most college campuses do not have rape crisis centers, where women are fully informed of their medical and legal options. More than 13 percent of the women surveyed who were raped said they did not know how to report it. Another factor in the reluctance of college women to report sexual assault is that rapists are fellow students with whom they are likely to have future contact. "Rape splits peer groups into who believes him and who believes her," said Irene Anderson, Director of the Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence at the University of Arizona. "Often times it's a very disruptive event. Women as caretakers are trained to not make that conflict in their peer groups." The consumption of alcohol also decreases the likelihood that women will report being sexually assaulted. Ninety percent of campus rapes involve alcohol, according to a 1994 study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. And Fisher's study showed that over 40 percent of sexually victimized college women had been drinking or taking drugs before the incident. Underage college women who were assaulted under the influence of alcohol are often afraid of being sanctioned or blamed for their drinking, said Card from Syracuse. Anderson from Arizona agrees. "In my experience, when there is alcohol or drugs involved, the feelings of self-reproach and shame are likely to be much higher," she said. "It's far more difficult for a woman to be very clear in that situation that she was not responsible for the assault." Approximately 20 percent of the surveyed college women who were raped said they did not report it because they anticipated harsh or dismissive treatment by the police or others in the justice system. "I'm more surprised that anyone reports to the police," said Jennifer Beeman, director of the Campus Violence Prevention Program at the University of California at Davis. Date rapes are rarely prosecuted, and adversarial proceedings encourages victim blaming, she added. "Over and over and over, it's about blaming victims," she said. Megan Costello is a New York-based freelancer. A joint report from BJS and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that explores the prevalence and nature of sexual assault occurring at colleges throughout the nation. The study found that about 3 percent of college women experienced a completed and/or attempted rape during the current college year. The study also included a comparison component conducted using methodology similar to that of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) conducted by BJS. The report was authored by Bonnie S. Fisher, Francis T. Cullen, and Michael G. Turner under grants from BJS and NIJ. You've seen it in movies: A girl walks through an isolated parking garage. Suddenly, an evil-looking guy jumps out from behind an SUV. Girl jabs bad guy in the eyes with her keys — or maybe she kicks him in a certain sensitive place. Either way, while he's squirming, she's leaping into her red road racer and speeding to safety. That's the movies, though. Here's the real-life action replay: When the girl goes to jab or kick the guy, he knows what's coming and grabs her arm (or leg), pulling her off balance. Enraged by her attempt to fight back, he flips her onto the ground. Now she's in a bad place to defend herself — and she can't run away. Many people think of self-defense as a karate kick to the groin or jab in the eyes of an attacker. But self-defense actually means doing everything possible to avoid fighting someone who threatens or attacks you. Self-defense is all about using your smarts — not your fists. Use Your Head People (guys as well as girls) who are threatened and fight back "in self-defense" actually risk making a situation worse. The attacker — who is already edgy and pumped up on adrenaline (and who knows what else) — may become even more angry and violent. The best way to handle any attack (or the threat of an attack) is to try to get away. This way, you're least likely to be injured. One way to avoid a potential attack before it happens is to trust your instincts. Your intuition, combined with your common sense, can help get you out of trouble. For example, if you're running alone on the school track and you suddenly feel like you're being watched, that could be your intuition telling you something. Your common sense would then tell you that it's a good idea to get back to where there are more people around. Attackers aren't always strangers who jump out of dark alleys. Sadly, teens can be attacked by people they know. That's where another important self-defense skill comes into play. This skill is something self-defense experts and negotiators call de-escalation. De-escalating a situation means speaking or acting in a way that can prevent things from getting worse. The classic example of de-escalation is giving a robber your money rather than trying to fight or run. But de-escalation can work in other ways, too. For example, if someone harasses you when there's no one else around, you can de-escalate things by agreeing with him or her (you don't have to actually believe the taunts, of course — you're just using words to get you out of a tight spot). Then you can redirect the bully's focus ("Oops, I just heard the bell for third period"), and calmly walk away from the situation. Something as simple as not losing your temper can de-escalate a situation. Learn how to manage your own anger effectively so that you can talk or walk away without using your fists or weapons. Although de-escalation won't always work, it can only help matters if you remain calm and don't give the would-be attacker any extra ammunition. Whether it's a stranger or someone you thought you could trust, saying and doing things that don't threaten your attacker can give you some control. Reduce Your Risks Another part of self-defense is doing things that can help you stay safe. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council and other experts:
Take a Self-Defense Class If all else fails, it may be necessary to use physical force to protect yourself. If a person blocks your path to safety or physically attacks you, your only recourse may be to fight back. The best way — in fact the only way — to prepare yourself to fight off an attacker is to take a self-defense class. We'd love to give you all the right moves in an article, but some things you just have to learn in person. A good self-defense class can teach you how to size up a situation and decide what you should do. Self-defense classes can also teach special techniques for breaking an attacker's grasp and other things you can do to get away. For example, attackers usually anticipate how their victim might react — that kick to the groin or jab to the eyes, for instance. A good self-defense class can teach you ways to surprise your attacker and catch him or her off guard.
One of the best things people take away from self-defense classes is self-confidence. The last thing you want to be thinking about during an attack is, "Can I really pull this self-defense tactic off?" It's much easier to take action in an emergency if you've already had a few dry runs. A self-defense class should give you a chance to practice your moves. If you take a class with a friend, you can continue practicing on each other to keep the moves fresh in your mind long after the class is over. Check out your local YMCA, community hospital, or community center for classes. If they don't have them, they may be able to tell you who does. Your PE teacher or school counselor may also be a great resource.
Sexual Assault, Stalking Widespread on Campuses Run Date: 02/19/01 By Megan Costello In a seven-month period, more than one in four college women experienced unwanted sexual attention from stalking to rape, according to a new Justice Department report. Yet, shame and self-blame persist, especially when alcohol and drugs are involved. (WOMENSENEWS) -- Sexual assault and stalking of college women are widespread and grossly underestimated by official statistics, a recent study funded by the Department of Justice indicates. An estimated 28 percent of college women surveyed said they had suffered completed or attempted rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, or stalking during a seven-month period, according to this unprecedented in-depth research effort. The national survey of more than 4,000 college women found that almost 3 percent, or 1 in 36, suffered a completed or attempted rape in the seven months prior to the study by University of Cincinnati researchers. Thirteen percent of college women surveyed reported they were stalked during that period. The study was the first national survey of college women to include stalking, which was defined as repeated, fear-inducing behavior. "We were trying to get a broad view of what was going on," said Bonnie Fisher, an author of the study and associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. "It doesn't paint a healthy picture." The study was funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Official university annual crime reports generally indicate that a mere handful of rapes occur on any given campus. Universities are not required by law to include stalking incidents in their official crime statistics, or to record incidents of sexual assault that are revealed to counselors at rape crisis and women's centers. "You're not going to hear the real numbers," said Dolores Card, director of the Syracuse University R.A.P.E. center. "You're going to hear campus security numbers." She said that more than 40 women reported being sexually assaulted to the R.A.P.E. center during the last year, yet campus security reported five incidents of rape. At least 300 schools have been cited by the Department of Education for failing to properly report campus crime statistics as required by the Campus Security Act. Several of the universities that were reviewed by the department for incorrect reporting failed to include incidents of sexual assault. "There's still a lot of gross mishandling," said Howard Clery, co-founder of Security on Campus, a nonprofit organization for the prevention of college campus violence. College Women Don't Report Sexual Assault While campuses may be underreporting the rapes they know about, college women are not informing them of much of what takes place. Fewer than 5 percent of the surveyed women who were raped reported it to law enforcement or other campus officials. "When you see that women are not reporting these incidents to the authorities, the official statistics are really underestimating the extent of what women are experiencing," said author Fisher. "That's what I find eye-opening and startling." College women are among the female population most vulnerable to sexual assault. Over 80 percent of women who reported being raped were under the age of 24, according to a 1992 survey by the National Victim Center. Moreover, current evidence indicates that college women are less likely than other women to report being sexually assaulted to law enforcement. Sixteen percent of women in the general population reported their rape to the police, according to the National Victim Center study. By contrast, Fisher's survey showed that only about 2 percent of college women reported their assault to the police. Almost half of the college women surveyed who were sexually assaulted did not report it because they did not want other people to know. Nearly Half Did Not Think Their Rape Warranted A Report According to the survey, well over 40 percent of women who were raped said they did not report the incident because they did not think it was serious or were not sure that a crime had been committed. Almost half of the college women who were identified by the researchers as having been raped did not consider it to be a rape. The survey indicated that 9 of 10 victims knew their offenders. "When you're talking about college rape, you're talking about date rape and acquaintance rape primarily," said Syracuse's Card. "They're uninformed," she added. "That's why it's so important to have some type of prevention and education program. The other part of prevention is telling them what to do if it happens." Card noted that most college campuses do not have rape crisis centers, where women are fully informed of their medical and legal options. More than 13 percent of the women surveyed who were raped said they did not know how to report it. Another factor in the reluctance of college women to report sexual assault is that rapists are fellow students with whom they are likely to have future contact. "Rape splits peer groups into who believes him and who believes her," said Irene Anderson, Director of the Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence at the University of Arizona. "Often times it's a very disruptive event. Women as caretakers are trained to not make that conflict in their peer groups." The consumption of alcohol also decreases the likelihood that women will report being sexually assaulted. Ninety percent of campus rapes involve alcohol, according to a 1994 study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. And Fisher's study showed that over 40 percent of sexually victimized college women had been drinking or taking drugs before the incident. Underage college women who were assaulted under the influence of alcohol are often afraid of being sanctioned or blamed for their drinking, said Card from Syracuse. Anderson from Arizona agrees. "In my experience, when there is alcohol or drugs involved, the feelings of self-reproach and shame are likely to be much higher," she said. "It's far more difficult for a woman to be very clear in that situation that she was not responsible for the assault." Approximately 20 percent of the surveyed college women who were raped said they did not report it because they anticipated harsh or dismissive treatment by the police or others in the justice system. "I'm more surprised that anyone reports to the police," said Jennifer Beeman, director of the Campus Violence Prevention Program at the University of California at Davis. Date rapes are rarely prosecuted, and adversarial proceedings encourages victim blaming, she added. "Over and over and over, it's about blaming victims," she said. Megan Costello is a New York-based freelancer.
WEnews correspondent
Sexual Victimization of College Women
Self-Defense
WEnews correspondent