Campus Assault Response Effort (C.A.R.E)

College females are at a greater risk to experience sexual assault than the general population and a growing number of males are experiencing sexual assault. CARE is a proactive program and includes continuing education/prevention efforts for students, faculty, and staff as well as coordinated intervention efforts in the event of a sexual assault.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a serious concern that affects both women and men. Research shows that rape or attempted rape affects one in six college women at least once during their college years. Approximately 84% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows and 90% of date or acquaintance rapes involve alcohol. Although personal safety can never be guaranteed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being the victim--or perpetrator--of sexual assault. Things you can do:

• Look out for your friends. Share class and social schedules. Be sure your friends know how to reach your family and your family has their contact info.
• Stay in a group. Don't be alone with someone you don't know or trust.
• Don't leave your drink unattended-it could be drugged.
• Know where emergency phones are, what parts of campus are well-lit, and where people hang out.
• Communicate your wants early. Know what your limits are for both alcohol and sex before going to a party or bar.
• If drinking might have impaired your judgment-or your partner's judgment-say no for now; you can always reconsider tomorrow.
• Communicate your limits firmly and directly. If you say no, say it like you mean it. Be loud and clear, and be firm-in body language as well as words.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable for you, there is probably a good reason. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason.
• When on a date with someone new, make sure that you are responsible for your own transportation. It is safer to meet up with someone than to rely on an unfamiliar person for a ride.

If a sex offense does occur...

• Find a safe environment away from your attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you. And, remember, it's not your fault you were attacked.
• Preserve evidence of the attack. Though you may want to, do not bathe or brush your teeth. Do not wash or get rid of any of the clothing that you were wearing. If the crime scene is accessible to you, disturb it as little as possible. Don't change or launder bedding. Write down as many details as you can recall.
• Obtain a medical examination in all cases of sexual assault or rape. An exam will check for physical injury and the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. It is important for your well-being. If done promptly, the exam can obtain important evidence that can be used in a criminal prosecution.
  
  Area hospitals that can provide thorough rape exams and evidence collection are:
  
  
  • Edinburg Hospital (956) 388-6000, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg
  • McAllen Medical Center (956) 632-4000, 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen
  • Mission Hospital (956) 580-9000, 900 S. Bryan Road, Mission
    
    
• Contact the police to report the assault. It is important to remember that sexual assault is never the victim's fault and perpetrators should be held accountable.
• Students who have been the victim of a sex offense or other type of sexual misconduct can request modifications in their on-campus living and/or academic arrangements. Requests may involve academic support and changes in class schedules, housing, or phone numbers. The Dean of Students Office can help arrange changes.

Obtaining Assistance

Individuals who have been subjected to any form of sexual assault are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from:

• The Rape Crisis Center 1-800-580-4879, 420 N. 21st, McAllen
  
  
  • Women Together/ Mujeras Unidas offers services for sexual assault victims. The Rape Crisis center offers a 24-hour hotline, victim's assistance, and confidential counseling.
    
    
• Student Counseling Center, (956) 381-2574, UC 109
  
  
  • The counseling center has trained counselors who offer individual, personal and group counseling to students who are the victims of sexual assault.
    
    
• Student Health Services (956) 381-2511, Emilia Schunior Ramirez Hall 1.113
  
  
  • The Student Health Clinic provides medical services to students who have been victims of sexual assault; however, the Clinic does not have an emergency room and should not be used as the first medical contact after a sexual assault. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    
    
• Office of the Dean of Students (956)381-2260, UC 104
  
  
  • Should a victim choose to file charges through the campus disciplinary process the Office of the Dean of Students will assist the student in cases of alleged sexual offenses (forcible and non-forcible). Policies and procedures regarding campus disciplinary proceedings are described in Section 26 and 27 of the Student Guide. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary processing involving sex offenses and both will be informed of the final determination with respect to an alleged sex offense and any sanction that is imposed against the accused. Sanctions in University disciplinary proceedings regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses range from probation to expulsion.

How you can help a friend who has been sexually assaulted...

• Provide a safe environment. If possible, stay with your friend.
• Listen and accept what you hear. Do not press for details. Allow your friend to reflect on what has happened and to share some of her or his feelings.
• Put your own judgments and opinions on hold. Your friend needs to know that s/he will not be judged or rejected by you.
• Confirm the seriousness of the problem and let your friend know that she or he is not to blame. Many victims tend to blame themselves for the offender's actions, especially if the perpetrator was an acquaintance.
• Obtain information about all available resources and give the details to your friend.
• Encourage your friend to obtain a medical examination if s/he has not done so already, but in other respects resist your natural desire to give advice. Survivors of sexual assault need to regain a sense of control over their lives. Allow your friend to make their own decisions about the next steps.
• Seek emotional support for yourself.

Tips for men...

• Be a friend, not a bystander. Get involved if you see someone at risk. You might save a friend from becoming a victim or sexual assault - or from committing one.
• Know your sexual limits. Communicate them clearly. Listen to your partner. If the situation is unclear, ask.
• There are many ways to communicate refusal - both verbally and non-verbally. Pay attention to words and body language
• Alcohol and drugs are not an excuse - or an alibi. You are responsible for your actions, not matter what you have ingested.

How to obtain information about registered sex offenders...

The "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" is a federal law enacted on October 28, 2000 that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus.

This act amends the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act of 1974 to clarify that nothing in the Act may be construed to prohibit an education institution from disclosing information provided to the institution concerning registered sex offenders.

To learn whether information of this nature has been provided to the University, contact the University Police Department at (956) 381-2737. You may search for information regarding registered sex offenders at http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/soSearch/default.cfm