Students

Dear Student...A Letter From A Student on Sexual Assault

By Janitta Crockett
Peer Educator
Temple University

Dear Student,

You are now out on your own. You do not have to worry about most of your parent's rules. You can party Monday - Friday if you wish and if you skip class your parents will not get a phone call. Congratulations, you are officially independent of your parent's everyday rules. You still have to listen to your parents and follow some rules, maybe get good grades. But for the most part you are independent.

With this new-found independence there are some things you need to be aware of that go on at college. Two really important things you need to be aware of are sexual assault and rape. A lot of people try to take advantage of freshman girls and guys because they believe that they are young, stupid and will do anything to be cool. With a few tips and facts you can over come those perceptions:

Facts	Tips
1. 90% of college women who were raped knew their attacker.	1. When you go out with someone for the first few times go out with a group.
2. 1 in 4 women will be raped and 1 in 7 males will be raped in their lifetimes.	2. Always go to parties with a group of friends and never leave the party alone.
3. Date rape drugs do exist and are present on college campus. These drugs will incapacitate you.	3. Never leave your drink unattended and never accept a drink that is already open. Never drink the party punch.
4. Most rapes or sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol or drug use.	4. If you are going to drink alcohol or do drugs make sure you are in safe environment with friends you trust.
5. Fewer then 50% of rapes are reported.	5. If you become a victim of rape be sure to call the police, tell a Resident Assistant, and do not bath or change clothes. You need to go to the hospital, call a hotline to seek guidance, and use your campus resources; such as the counseling center.

Also, remember to have fun and study hard. College is what you make it, it can be fun and drama free or it can be the worst experience you ever had. Just think smart and follow you heart.

Sincerely,

Janitta Crockett

About the Author

About the Author Janitta Crockett is a Peer Educator for the Sexual Assault and Counseling Education Program (SACE) at Temple University. She is a senior year student pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, who will graduate in May of 2001. Janitta's other involvement includes her work as a tutor for 2nd grade students in an after school program, and her role as a member in the Criminal Justice Society at Temple. Janitta is also a Specialist in the Army Reserves. After graduation, Janitta's career goal is to start a boarding school for lower income urban youth, to provide them with the same educational opportunities that are available to middle class youth.