College women at risk for date rape
- The Sexual Victimization of College Women Institute estimated that over 4,800 Oklahoma college and university women experience rape each year.
- Most rape victims know the attacker, hence the label “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.”
By Raquel Haggard, News Writing Student
College age women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in the general population, according to the website for Rape Abuse & Incest National Network.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women Institute estimated that over 4,800 Oklahoma college and university women experience rape each year.
When people think of rape, they picture a man jumping out of a dark corner and attacking a woman he’s never met.
That picture is inaccurate. Most rape victims know the attacker, hence the label “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.”
The Oklahoma Department of Health indicates that in 89 percent of rapes in Oklahoma the victim knew the perpetrator so most rapes in Oklahoma are date rapes.
Almost 1,500 forcible rapes were reported to Oklahoma law enforcement agencies in 2006, the latest year for which statistics are available.
Oklahoma’s rate of forcible and attempted rapes is 38 percent higher than the national rate.
According to the FBI, only one in 10 rapes is reported. YWCA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator Shannon Liew speculated the increase in sexual assault services in Oklahoma for victims may have spurred the high report numbers of reported rapes in the state. The SANE program at the YWCA started in 2002.
Edmond Police Detective Chris Cook agreed with Liew.
“Organizations like the YWCA have made it easier for people to report the rape and have a good support system. These types of organizations really help the victims.”
Liew said some victims don’t realize they are a victim of date rape.
“Victims say, ‘I was taken advantage of’ or ‘I don’t remember what happened,’” she said.
They may not view themselves as the victim of a crime.
Recent journals, such as Justice Quarterly and Violence Against Women, report that half of all student victims do not label the incident “rape.” This is especially true when no weapon was used, no sign of physical injury is evident, and alcohol was involved, factors commonly associatedwith campusacquaintance rape.
The RAINN website says women can never completely protect themselves from sexual assault. Date rape is tricky. The attacker is usually someone you trust. Still, there are some ways to reduce the risk.
Make sure to have a charged cell phone and cab money.
“You have to acknowledge the fact that date rape can happen to anyone, so that you’ll always be on your guard,” said Shelly Storts, Student Support Services Counselor at OCCC.
“Then and only then will you be able to accept the need for the precautions.”
Storts also suggested that students be cautious in relationships.
“Don’t spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable,” Storts said.
In addition, be clear about what kind of relationship you want with another person. If you are not sure, then ask the other person to respect your feelings and to give you time. Don’t be pressured into something you don’t want to do.
“If you are on a date with a guy and you feel he is coming on too strong, tell him to stop. Do not be afraid of hurting his feelings,” Storts said.
Going out with a group of people you trust may keep you safe.
“Discuss before you go out how to watch out for each other, so you are all alert,” Storts said. “Stick together and keep an eye on each other.
“Do not leave a party with somebody that is intoxicated or that you do not know very well.”
One student described a time her mother was almost raped by a colleague on a business trip. The man had put a date rape drug in her mother’s drink. This student believes her mother’s advice saved her from experiencing the same fate.
“Don’t let someone bring you a drink,” said Monica, who asked that her real name be kept confidential. “Get your own drink. Never set your drink down. If you do, don’t drink from it again.”
A journalism student at OCCC said she has a friend who was raped in her college apartment by someone she had known for a year.
“She considered him a friend so she thought nothing of being in her bedroom with him after an evening of drinking.” This proved to be just the opportunity he needed to rape her while her roommate was in another room.
Rape victims should not blame themselves. “Don’t blame yourself at all. You are not accountable for what happened,” Liew said she tells victims.
