Reducing Risk

We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for reducing risk of encountering or creating an abusive or violent situation. 

Dating and Domestic Violence

Dating/domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a partner. They can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological. This includes actions that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate or isolate someone. It also covers actions that frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure or wound someone.

• Be aware. Does your partner:
  • Threaten to hurt you or your children?
  • Say it’s your fault if they hit you and then promise it won’t happen again (but it does)?
  • Put you down in public?
  • Force you to have sex when you don’t want to?
  • Follow you?
  • Send you unwanted messages and gifts?
• Be assertive. Speak up.
• Stay sober and watch out for dates and/or anyone who tries to get you drunk or high.
• Clearly communicate limits to partners, friends and acquaintances.
• Never leave a party with someone you don’t know well and trust.
• Trust your feelings; if it feels wrong, it probably is.
• Report incidents of violence to law enforcement and campus authorities.

Sexualized Violence

Sexual contact requires mutual and affirmative consent. An incapacitated person may be incapable of giving consent. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk of being accused of sexual misconduct:

• Avoid any actions that could be considered sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or other forms of sexual misconduct or violence.
• Never use force, coercion, threats, or alcohol/other drugs to engage in sexual activity.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Remember “no” means “No!” and “stop” means “Stop!”
• Don’t mistake submission or silence for affirmative consent.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
• Talk about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking with friends. 
• Speak out against non-consensual sex or violence and clear up misconceptions.

No one deserves to be sexually assaulted, stalked or victimized in any way.

What to Do if You Experience Sexual Misconduct

• Go to a safe place as soon as possible.
• Preserve evidence.
• Report the incident to University Police or local law enforcement.
• Report the incident to your campus Title IX Coordinator.
• Call/visit the campus Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate.
• Call a Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking hotline.
• Call a friend or family member for help.
• Know that you are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur and you are not responsible for someone else’s violent behavior.