Speaker stresses awareness in seminar on avoiding rape
by Sherri Jones, reporter

    An estimated one in three women and one in seven men will be a victim of sexual assault during their lifetime, a rape crisis expert told a NE audience last week.

    In response to a kidnapping of a coed from the campus last month, Diane Mayfield from the Rape Crisis Center conducted a seminar for students, faculty and staff.

    Sexual assault, sometimes referred to as rape, is any type of forced sex, according to the Texas penal code.

    Mayfield pointed out that several types of sexual assault exist, including stranger, acquaintance, marital, male and gang. Whether the offender is known or unknown, the victim is male or female, or there is one offender or many, sexual assault is a devastating crime.
    National studies show that the majority (60-80 percent) of these crimes are perpetrated by individuals known to the victim.

    The majority of rape victims do not come forth because of feelings of guilt, shame and responsibility. Men are less likely than females to report rape because of the stigma attached to the crime. The National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center’s report in April 1992 showed a 16 percent reporting rate to police.

    Mayfield provided several tips for reducing one’s risks. If a situation feels dangerous, one should trust his or her instincts. They usually are correct.

    People should replace or rekey locks when moving into a new home or apartment and require all strangers and repairmen to show I.D. before allowing them entry. One should leave outside lights on at night and when not at home.

hen away from home, Mayfield suggested, people should stay on well-lighted, well-peopled paths. Also they should always have their keys ready when approaching their home or automobile.

    By paying close attention to the surroundings and letting others know they are indeed aware, people can avoid potential problems. If being followed, one should go to the nearest police department, fire station or open business.

    "I have a 19-year-old college daughter who runs on campus at night, which is asking for trouble,” she said.

    Assertiveness is one of the most important tools in reducing the risk of a rape situation, Mayfield said. The way a person walks and acts may dictate his/her personality. It is important to walk in a self-confident, assertive way and pay close attention to one’s surroundings.

    “Submission is NOT consent,” she said.

    A rape occurs in Texas every one minute, 17 seconds. As many as one in four children will be sexually abused before they turn 18.

    “Forced sex is rape. Period. And there’s only one real excuse for it: an individual chooses to act out deviant sexual impulses through violence with no regard for the victim. That’s it. Other explanations about things getting out of hand, people who can’t control themselves and women asking for or deserving it are simply excuses. The victim is NEVER at fault,” she said.

    The recovery time for the survivor of sexual assault depends upon many variables. The average length of time is one year with appropriate support and counseling.

    Mayfield said each survivor is an individual who brings many experiences to this point, and whatever this individual has done to survive the rape is the right thing.

    “Survivors of sexual assault should be treated with sensitivity and compassion. As professionals, it is important to remember the sexual assault is never the victim’s fault regardless of the circumstances. The offender is always to blame. A bad decision or mistake is not a repealable offense,” she said.

    Mayfield said that one piece of advice would be most beneficial.

    “The most important information is to be aware of your surroundings and realize the fact that YOU could be a victim,” she said.