Document Quick Links:

• Sexual assault/rape
• Date rape drugs
• Why you should contact University Police
• Prevention
• Acquaintance rape
• Sexual assault information line

According to New York State statutes, sexual assault is defined in various degrees. Sexual assault, of any kind, is a crime.

Sexual assault is an actual or attempted non-consensual sexual activity including, but not limited to, forcible anal or oral sex, attempted intercourse or sexual touching by a person(s) known or unknown to the victim.

Rape is the perpetration of a forcible act of sexual intercourse, whether by force or fear resulting from the threat of force, or by drugs administered without consent, or when the victim is unconscious or otherwise physically unable to communicate willingness. Be aware that having sex with someone who is unable to give consent by being mentally incapacitated or unconscious (passed out) is rape.

If you are a victim of a rape or sexual assault, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately. Call University Police on campus at 645-2222 or, if the rape occurs off campus, the local police at 911. Female officers are available upon request. University Police can provide you with transportation to the hospital, and a Crisis Services sexual assault advocate will meet you there. It is also suggested that you do not

• bathe or douche;
• change clothing, comb your hair, or brush your teeth;
• disturb the area in which the crime occurred.

Rohypnol ("roofies," "roopies," "circles," "the forget pills") works like a tranquilizer. It causes muscle weakness, fatigue, slurred speech, loss of motor coordination and judgement, and amnesia that lasts up to 24 hours. It looks like an aspirin -- small, white, round. GHB (also known as "liquid X," "salt water," or "scoop") also causes quick sedation. Its effects are drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, coma, and death. Its most common form is a clear liquid although it can be a white grainy powder.

Rohypnol and GHB are called the date rape drugs because when they are slipped into someone's drink, a sexual assault can take place without the victim being able to remember what happened.

If you think you've been assaulted while under the influence of Rohypnol or GHB, it is also suggested that, in addition to the above advice, you try not to urinate before providing urine samples, and, if possible, collect any glasses from which you drank.

Why you should contact University Police:

• You may decide days, weeks, or even years later to press charges. Only by officially reporting the assault immediately and preserving evidence, will you have the foundation for future prosecution.
• Reporting the assault does not mean you must prosecute, but the report may help authorities identify the offender and prevent the victimization of other people.
• A proxy report of the details of the assault can be filed with the Counseling Center or Student Health Center. While no police action can be taken against the assailant on the basis of a proxy report, the report protects your anonymity while still providing information that may help University Police or the police identify a multiple assailant.
• Reporting the offense to University Police does not obligate you to press charges and your name will not be released to the news media.

• Walk with confidence and alertness. Assailants are less likely to target a person who appears assertive and difficult to intimidate.
• Contact the Anti Rape Task Force (ARTF) escort & van service for their hours and locations.
• Personal alarms may help deter victimization.

Women--alternatives to vulnerability:

• More than 60% of all reported rapes occur between acquaintances, and 4 in 10 rapes occur in the home. Have first dates in public places.
• Communicate your sexual desires and limits clearly. Don't give mixed messages.
• Remember that leaving a party or other social event with someone you have just met can be dangerous.
• Avoid drugs or excessive alcohol in a dating situation. It is much harder for you to be in control of the situation if you're under the influence of these substances. Be aware of how much your date drinks as well.
• Do not accept beverages from someone you don't know and trust. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended.

• Never force, pressure or coerce anyone to have sex.
• Don't take silence as consent. Respect the word "NO."
• Don't have sex with anyone who is drunk. Be aware that having intercourse with someone who is unable to give consent or is physically helpless is rape.

Seek education on rape prevention. Attend or request workshops and seminars (for both men and women) available through University Police, Anti-Rape Task Force, and Erie County Citizens Committee on Rape and Sexual Assault (CORSA: 716-858-7879).

Call the Sexual Assault Information Line (716-645-3411) for information on action to take in the event of a sexual assault, options in reporting, and resources available to the victim.

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