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Sexual Violence

Brookdale Community College defines sexual assault as:

“…any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. This includes an offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape.”

In simple terms, sexual violence means any type of unwanted sexual contact. It can impact anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Sexual violence is an extremely serious crime that can have lasting repercussions for victims and their loved ones.  Brookdale strictly prohibits any act of sexual violence.

 

Causes

Sexual violence is not an act of love or attraction. It is an act of power and control. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the occurrence of sexual violence, including gender-based stereotypes or a perpetrator’s lack of respect for the victim.

Another contributing factor is victim blaming, or the contention that a victim “asked for it” by dressing or behaving a certain way.  Each of these factors can reinforce criminal behaviors and make it more difficult for victims to come forward in the future.

Changing the way we think about sexual violence is the first step toward prevention. Above all, it is important to remember that sexual violence is entirely the fault of the perpetrator.  There is simply no excuse for unwanted sexual contact.


Statistics

(from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “Campus Sexual Assault,” 2015)


According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, college students should be aware of the following risk factors:


The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) also offers a number of specific risk reduction tips, including advice for social media safety, alcohol safety, and what to do if someone is sexually pressuring you.

Tips include: