Awareness and Prevention

Victims of sexual assault can be women or men, and sexual assault can occur between individuals of the same sex or gender. Sexual assault by a friend, date, partner, or casual acquaintance is the most prevalent form of sexual assault on college campuses.

Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. Offenders are always responsible for the choice to assault someone else.

One of the many reasons UMHB takes a strong stand on abstinence is to protect students. We believe that God’s intent for sexual relationships is for our well-being. Outside of God’s intent for sexual relationship creates a risk. Good decisions, preventive measures, and appropriate conduct help safeguard from unfounded situations. While we can never completely protect ourselves from sexual assault, there are some things we can do to help reduce our risk of being assaulted in social situations.

A person impaired by alcohol or drugs may be legally incapacitated which means that they cannot legally give consent to sexual activity. If an incapacitated person gives consent, it is not considered, under the law, as a valid consent.

Anyone engaging in sexual activities with a person incapacitated by alcohol or drugs is committing sexual assault.

For additional information on specific drugs go to:

• http://www.nida.nih.gov

REMEMBER: It is not your fault if you are sexually assaulted. At any point when you are in a vulnerable situation, your partner has a range of choices. If your partner chooses to sexually assault, that choice is 100% your partner’s responsibility.