Stop Sexual Violence

Nobody is immune to sexual violence and its shattering effects. You can protect yourself and others by knowing the facts about rape and sexual assault. Here are some common questions:

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence involves any sexual acts that are forced upon another person. An act is “forced” when the victim refuses or does not consent—verbally or otherwise—because he or she is overcome by fear, is unconscious or physically powerless, or is incapable of refusing because of mental deficiency, disease, or the effects of alcohol or drugs.

Is it true that only women are victims?

No. Any person can be a victim of sexual assault. Research suggests that 10 to 15 percent of men will be sexually abused or assaulted in their lifetime. This issue is about control and power, and the right of each individual to give consent.

Protect yourself from sexual assault

How can I recognize a rapist?

You can't. Rapists don’t wear a self-identifying sign. They look like—and are—the guy next door, the student in your class, or someone’s brother.

Are rape and acquaintance rape the only forms of sexual assault?

No. Sexual assault can take many forms. It includes rape, sexual battery, and all other coerced sexual activity.

What is consent?

At the heart of consent is the idea that every person, woman or man, has a right to personal sovereignty. That includes a right not to be acted upon by someone else (especially in a sexual manner) unless given clear permission to do so. Here are some important consent facts:

• Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent means that you cannot make assumptions about what your partner does or does not want. Absence of clear signals is a sign to stop.

• Consent may be given verbally or non-verbally, based on an active, informed, mindful, freely decided choice. Intoxication from drugs or alcohol may make this legally impossible.

• To be valid, consent must be given before sexual activity. “After the fact” is not the time to discuss boundaries. Communicate!

Read what men can do to prevent sexual assault

How can I get involved?

Join a student group to keep our campus safe:

• Proactive Educators for the Elimination of Rape and Sexual assault (PEERS) is a two-semester, 3-credit seminar that provides in-depth training about the cultural, psychological, medical, criminal, profiling, and legal-system aspects of sexual assault. Members make presentations to campus organizations, living groups, and classes.

Get details about the PEERS class

• Wildcats Against Rape is a student group formed to bring activism to the issue of violence against K-State women and women in general.

Learn about WAR