Awareness best prevention
by Mary Barrera, reporter

    Student awareness is a deterrent against sexual assault, TCC’s crime prevention officer said recently.

    Sexual assault or rape is the most unreported violent crime in the United States, Sgt. Grady Patterson said during seminars on all four campuses.

    Studies show that nearly 12 percent of college women experience attempted or completed rape, Patterson reported. Eighty-four percent know their assailant, and 86 percent of assaults occur off campus. Only 5 percent are reported to the police.

    Many students find themselves in social situations such as double dates, parties and bars, where an acquaintance may make unwanted advances, Patterson said. The student, not wanting to seem unfriendly, most likely will not make waves in such a situation.

    Patterson said such passive behavior is a mistake because the long-term, devastating effects of rape are far worse than the short-term, awkward social event.

    “Sexual assault will destroy your sense of security and trust in other persons,” he said.

    To protect themselves from acquaintance rape, students should listen carefully and communicate clearly with others, be especially careful in the presence of alcohol or drugs, be aware of people’s behavior and get involved if they see someone else at risk, Patterson advised.

    Since so-called rape drugs can be harmful or lethal, students should not drink a beverage that they did not open themselves. They should not drink from a punch bowl, let anyone else carry their drink or leave their drink unattended, Patterson warned.

    Patterson also said that to protect themselves against stranger rape, students should be aware of their surroundings and walk with confidence. They should stay in well-lighted public areas, take special precautions in stairwells and bathrooms and avoid dark areas.

    If a student thinks someone is following him or her, the student should run as fast as possible and call the police immediately, Patterson said.

    The campus police are available to escort students and faculty if necessary.

    ”It is our job to make sure people can come and go safely,” he said.

    Patterson offered advice to rape victims:

    If a rape occurs, victims should get to a safe place and get help immediately. They should have a trusted friend assist them to report the assault, get a medical examination and preserve all evidence of the crime including clothing or a glass if the victim was drugged. They should not disturb anything in the crime area nor shower or wash. Rape victims should get immediate treatment for injuries and sexually transmitted disease.

    Reporting the crime may get the assailant off the street, will begin the healing process for the victim and perhaps prevent someone else from getting raped, Patterson said.

    Campus crime statistics are available at any campus police department. Patterson also said the Women’s Rape Crisis Center has a lot of useful, free information. To contact the center, call 817-927-2737.