KNOW THE FACTS
- Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who is unable to give consent for any reason — such as being intoxicated or unconscious — constitutes rape and is prosecutable under New York state law.
- Using force, threats, coercion, alcohol or other drugs to get sex is unacceptable, inappropriate and criminal.
- One in six women in the U.S. has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape; 10 percent of sexual assault victims are men.
- Rape is not about sexual attraction. It’s about power and control.
STAYING SAFE
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, or you’re getting a strange feeling from the person you’re with, remove yourself from the situation.
- Communicate clearly. You and your partner should both be okay with the level of sexual intimacy you’re involved in. Don’t make assumptions. Remember, the absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” Speak up about what you want or don’t want. And remember, you have the right to change your mind.
- Be wary of someone who doesn’t respect your choices — from food to friends or clothing. It’s likely they won’t respect your personal, intimate choices either.
- Use the buddy system. If you’re unsure of a new acquaintance or date, double-date or go out in a group. Avoid situations where you may become isolated from others.
- If you see someone in an unsafe situation, do something about it.
- Report suspicious activities or persons to a law enforcement official.
AT PARTIES
- Drink responsibly and moderately. It’s easy to get caught up in the social aspect of drinking, but you need to remain aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times. Intoxication puts you at risk of being a sexual assault victim. The number one “date rape” drug is alcohol.
- Don’t drink punch. You don’t know what kind of alcohol is in it or how much, which makes it impossible to monitor your consumption.
- Keep an eye, and hand, on your drink at all times. Don’t drink anything you didn’t open or see made. “Date rape” drugs are easily slipped into open cups.
- Use the buddy system. Go to and leave parties with friends you can trust
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'VE BEEN RAPED
- Go somewhere safe, before anything else happens. Your safety is your first priority.
- Seek help from law enforcement, medical facilities and/or counseling services.
When seeking medical treatment, it’s critical that you get to an emergency room so you can make sure you’re physically well. It’s your right to have an advocate present to let you know what your options are and to be there for you during a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE). Medical professionals perform SAFEs to collect forensic evidence that helps with prosecution, but you’re not obligated to press charges just because you allow the exam. SAFE data will be kept in a secure place for a minimum of 30 days in case you change your mind. - If the rape took place in your home, try not to disturb the scene since there may be evidence that is useful to the case.
- Don’t shower, change your clothes, brush your teeth, eat, drink, smoke or wash your hands. Doing these things may result in losing valuable evidence.
- Remember, it’s not your fault.
HOW TO HELP A FRIEND
- Believe your friend. People rarely lie about rape, abuse or harassment.
- Listen to your friend and concentrate on understanding your friend’s feelings.
- Ask how you can help, and then do it. Sometimes, just listening is enough.
- Offer to go with your friend to get medical attention or counseling, or to report the incident to law enforcement.
- Be available and supportive.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULTS?
- Talk about personal safety issues with your friends and family.
- Hold friends and acquaintances accountable if they mistreat or degrade others.
- When someone says “no,” believe it. “No” means “no.” Always.
- Learn about educational, counseling, advocacy and other resources in your community.
- Take a self-defense course, such as Rape Aggression Defense (RAD).
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
In an emergency, call 911 or from a cell phone, call 607-777-2222.
NYS University Police, 607-777-2393
University Counseling Center, 607-777-2772
Offers individual and group counseling to students
Decker Student Health Services Center, 607-777-2221
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Harpur’s Ferry, 607-777-3333
A 24-hour emergency ambulance service
Binghamton University Office of Student Conduct, 607-777-6210
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crime Victims Assistance Center, 607-722-4256
Provides advocates to support victims through medical examinations, legal
proceedings and other processes associated with sexual assault
Interpersonal Violence Prevention, 607-777-3062
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
