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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: