December 2002

Talking about sexual assault

	As Shannon Blair watches, fellow student Vanessa Landry prepares to strike a pad held by instructor Lisa Sanders in a self-defense class offered through the Campus Violence Prevention Program. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis Mediaworks photo)

"So this hot girl, Betsy, wandered into my room from the party downstairs. I had been talking to her earlier and figured she followed me up. So I made sure she got what she was looking for, and soon enough, we were all over each other."

This quote, called Dave's version, precedes Betsy's version in a remarkable interactive CD that will be distributed to freshmen next quarter by the Campus Violence Prevention Program. As you might imagine, Betsy's account differs. She was just looking for the bathroom.

The "Voices not Victims" CD is among the new efforts of the program that helps victims of sexual assault and tries to reduce their numbers by promoting an environment of vigilance and concern. Established in 1979, the program offers crisis response, ongoing counseling, educational programs and information on sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, hate crimes and other bias-related behavior.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, the staff is developing materials to educate students about sexual assault and to support education efforts at universities around the country. A comprehensive awareness campaign — including a series of powerful posters, a Web site, and the CD — encourages students to "determine your sexual comfort zone before someone else does." The script for the CD was derived from 200 interviews with our own students.

Campus data reveal that while our students are well-informed about where to go for help, many can benefit from information on how to avoid unwanted sex. According to program manager Jennifer Beeman, many students fail to trust their own instincts.

"More often than not, you'll hear victims say, 'You know, it felt weird.' Or 'I didn't feel comfortable, but I didn't want him to think I was a bitch.'"

Students also misjudge because of their prior experience. For example, a trusting rural student who leaves her door unlocked in Davis is making a serious mistake.

As part of the program, a team of undergraduate students works to correct misconceptions and improve dialogue among students by presenting a series of skits called "Unspeakable Acts" in residence halls, fraternities and public forums. Although they receive academic credit for their efforts, most are drawn to intangible rewards.

Darci Delgado, for example, volunteered three years, graduated, and now works as paid staff. She is still deeply touched when a student comes up after a performance and says, "This happened to me a month ago. Thank you for doing this."

Last year, program staff met in person with 193 people who were impacted by sexual assault, directly or indirectly, recently or in the past.

Victims of crime can receive immediate counseling and ongoing help — whether or not they become involved with the police and the judicial system. A highly trained advocate is available 24 hours a day. The program also welcomes phone calls and visits from students who want to talk about past incidents that still trouble them or about something that happened to a friend.

Describing the most common phone call her office receives, Beeman says it would be a young woman calling about a sexual assault by an acquaintance. About half the time, alcohol is involved.

What ultimately happens to victims — and their parents? Are their lives shattered forever? With the right support, not necessarily.

"It's a painful process emotionally, but students are incredibly resilient," says Beeman. "It's not unusual to have a student say, 'I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, but I like who I am now.'"

"Parents can help by finding support for themselves," Beeman adds. Through the program, parents too can receive advice on everything from reporting procedures to how to warn your daughter if you observe the beginning of an abusive relationship.

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