Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeSexual assault program provides tips to stay safe
October 30, 2006 —
According to SVSU's "Watch Out for Gators" program, approximately 80 percent of rape victims are under the age of 30. In addition, one in four college women have survived attempted rape or have been raped rape since their 14th birthday.
The Gators program is designed to inform young women about both sexual assault and rape and give them tips on how to protect themselves. This hour-long session aims to provide those who attend with a lifetime's worth of knowledge.
The program is called "Watch Out for Gators" for two reasons. One is because of the story that is used to kick off the session. Two, like alligators, sexual predators can be camouflaged as anyone: a friend, a co-worker, etc.
The Gators program is put on by one of the BACCHUS groups called SANet.
BACCHUS is a network of peer educators who focus on "comprehensive health and safety initiatives." SANet stands for Sexual Assault Network. This group promotes sexual assault awareness and education and provides support for victims. Crystal Birchmeier, an intern at the Student Counseling Center, heads SANet.
Many of the tips that the Gators program provides can be viewed as common sense, but many people would probably never think about the possibility of using those tips on a daily basis.
Some of the tips for walking include knowing where you're going, walking at a good, steady pace, looking confident, and keeping your hands free.
In addition, those walking at night should not wear headphones, trust their instincts, stay in well-lit areas, and carry a whistle or another type of noise maker.
Some of the tips for when traveling in a car include keeping doors locked, having your keys out, checking the backseat before getting in, properly maintaining your car, and keeping an eye on your fuel level.
Other safety tips include never walking alone at night, switching up your routine, trusting your intuition, using the "buddy system" at parties, driving yourself on dates, and clearly setting your boundaries on dates.
The Gators program was created due to some previously reported incidents of sexual assault on campus. However, this does not account for all the non-reported incidents. It is estimated, on a national scale, that over half of all rapes or sexual assaults are not reported.
The most important message the Gators program delivers is that rape or sexual assault is never the victim's fault. If you know of someone that has been a victim, one of the best things to do is to remind that person that it was not their fault.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if something was done against your will, then it was a crime. Even if you were intoxicated and only later felt that what was done was wrong, it is still a crime.
While women are more commonly seen as the victims of rape or sexual assault, men can also be victims. It is estimated that 1 in 33 men have been raped or sexually assaulted.
This program has already taken place four times during October. The final session will take place tonight, Monday Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Unity Room. Please call (989) 964-7000 if you wish to attend.