WEBVTT

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Sexual assault on campus has received a lot of media attention,

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as studies show that as many as 1 in 5 women

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are sexually assaulted in college.

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Most sexual assaults are by someone the victim knew,

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and most are never reported.


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In this short video,

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we’ll help you understand what sexual assault is

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and explore the important concept of consent.

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We'll then talk about how to keep you and your friends safe,

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as well as the obligations on your school to help you

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continue your education if an assault does occur.


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Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior

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that occurs without the agreement of both partners.

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This can include forced or unwanted kissing,

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touching or rape,

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as well as persistent or unwanted sexual comments.

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Although most victims are women,

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1 in 16 men are also assaulted.

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Countries and cultures around the world

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have varying standards to determine what is unacceptable

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or criminal sexual behavior,

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so it’s important to know the rules in the United States

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and it all starts with consent.


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Consent is when both people agree to engage in sexual activity,

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and requires both you and your partner to voluntarily say “yes”

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every step of the way, without feeling pressured

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or intimidated and without being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.


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Here are a few tips for understanding sexual consent:


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A person’s body language, dress, previous sexual activity,

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silence or even marriage

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are not an indication that your partner agrees to sex.

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the legal age for sexual activity in the US varies from state to state.

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Make sure you know the legal age of your state,

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as sexual activity with anyone under these ages is against the law,

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even if they said “yes” every step of the way.

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Even if your partner has said yes in the past,

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they still have their right to change their mind at any time.

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Someone who is drunk, on drugs,

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passed out or simply asleep cannot consent to sex,

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even if it seemed like they wanted to before.

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Without consent from both parties,

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any sexual behavior can be considered sexual assault under US law

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and can be prosecuted,

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with the chance of long prison sentences.

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While there is no way to completely eliminate

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the risk of sexual assault,

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here are some tips to help you stay safe

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as an international student in the US:

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Over half of all reported sexual assaults

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by college students involved alcohol.

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Drinking too much can put you in situations

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where you might be vulnerable.

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Incidents also occur when drugs

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(known as date-rape drugs)

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are slipped into your drink without your knowledge,

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making you feel sleepy or even pass out.

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Make sure to keep your drinks with you at all times,

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and if you happen to let it out of your sight,

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don’t drink it!


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If you feel uncomfortable,

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it is always okay to remove yourself from the situation

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or say “No”.

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Be clear and confident about your limits,

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leaving no room for misunderstanding.

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Keep your cell phone charged at all times,

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and avoid walking home alone at night.

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Stay with a group of trusted friends

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who can make sure that everyone gets home safely

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It’s very important to remember that

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the victim of sexual assault is never to blame.

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We all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault,

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and there are many ways in which

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you can make a difference

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if you see someone at risk.

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The four main steps to “Bystander Intervention”

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starts with CARE:

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Do what you can to interrupt the situation

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if you see something occurring.

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Talk to the person in trouble

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and see if they need help.

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Talk to an authoritative figure

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who can change the situation,

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like a bartender, security guard or the local police.

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Ask others to help you intervene!

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It’s important to help your friends and peers

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when they are in need,

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so take a stand and help others

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when you can.


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Sexual assault is a crime,

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but most assaults are never reported.

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It is a personal decision,

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but reporting an assault can help you

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regain a sense of personal power and control,

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and it could prevent it from happening

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to someone else.

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Medical professionals and police

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are trained to treat victims of sexual assault,

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and your school has counselors that can help.

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It is also important to know

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that you can report to your school

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and that does not necessarily mean

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that the police or law enforcement will be involved

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that is a decision you can make for yourself.


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Often students are concerned

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that if they report a sexual assault,

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it will somehow interfere with their education.

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If the assault occurred on campus

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or by another student,

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your school is required by law to:

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Have an established procedure

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and designated person to handle your situation;

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Take action to help you

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continue your education;

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Keep you safe from discrimination,

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harassment and violence

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This could include counselling,

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private tutoring, changing your campus housing,

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or other remedies to ensure

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that your education continues without feeling threatened.

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Remember your school is on your side

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and there to help you!


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All international students deserve to have

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a safe and enjoyable college experience.

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Remember to be aware of your surroundings,

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mindful of drugs or alcohol,

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help keep your friends safe,

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and be very clear

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about sexual consent.

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If you, or someone you know

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is the victim of sexual assault,

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medical personnel, law enforcement,

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your school and counselors are there to help.

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You can also get help and support from RAINN at: