For Men Only

Statistics

•  7.7% of men surveyed by the National Crime Survey reported being sexually assaulted.

•  1 in 6 males is assaulted before age 18, almost always by other males.

•  1 in 12 college men will commit an act that meets the legal definition of rape.

Pressure:  If you or someone else you know are using these pressure tactics for sexual contact, it is abuse.

 

Physical Pressure

• Sexual activity without consent
• Physical abuse
• Threatening physical harm

 

Psychological Pressure

• Intimidation: causing your date/partner to fear for their personal safety or to doubt their own judgment in an attempt to achieve sexual activity.

• Mind Games: intentionally causing your date/partner confusion or a sense of guilt about their sexual boundaries/comfortability in an attempt to achieve sexual activity.

• Begging: whining, nagging, making frequent sexual requests in an attempt to achieve sexual activity with your date/partner.

Terms and Definitions

Acquaintance Rape:  Occurs when a person known to the victim forces him/her into having sex.  85% of all sexual assaults is committed by an acquaintance.  An "acquaintance" can be a boyfriend/girlfriend, fiancée, classmate, co-worker, neighbor, family member, or other known person.

 

Date Rape:  The act of forcing sex on a date. 

 

Dating Violence:  One partner abusing another while in a dating relationship.  Abuse can include words or actions and the intent to control or hurt another person.  Men can also experience violence in a relationship.  .

 

Sexual Harassment:  Unwanted sexual or gender based behavior that occurs when one person has a formal or informal power over the other. 

 

Roofies:  Use and possession of "date rape drugs" are illegal.  Manufacturers of these drugs are making them more easily detectable by sight and taste.  College students are being prosecuted and found guilty of using these drugs.  Protect yourself and others against these drugs.

Protection:  Educate yourself and if necessary change your speech and behavior.  Here are some suggestions to help you from becoming accused or abused.

• Avoid erotic/pornographic magazines, movies, and internet sites.   They provide an unrealistic portrayal of women's attitudes and desires.

• Avoid alcohol.  Alcohol and drugs drastically reduce your ability to make good decisions.  A poor decision in a sexual situation can cost you your reputation, college career, finances, and your freedom.  In 82% of reported sexual assaults, the offender and/or the victim were drinking or using drugs.

• Date in public environments or go on group dates with friends.   60% of all sexual assaults occur during a date.  Being alone with your date indicates their trust in you.  Respect that trust.

• Learn how to clearly communicate with the opposite sex.   Never assume a woman desires sex by the way she dresses or other non verbal communication.

• Know your limits and always respect theirs.  Have a game plan on how to remove yourself from a situation where you could be sexually abusive or abused.

Some Potential Consequences of Sexual Assault

Accused / Guilty	Victim
Health: STDs	Health: STDs, pregnancy, injuries from an attack.
Mental Wellness: Serious emotional consequences, lack of respect for women, likely to increase.	Mental Wellness: Serious emotional consequences.  Victims suffer long term psychological stress and many seek counseling.  Depression is often present for months and in some cases years.  Inability to trust, guilt, feelings of shame and self blame, as well as fear of future relationships may result.
Reputation: Loss of friends, respect from peers.
Financially: Attorney fees.
Prosecution: Judicially by the University  and/or Criminally.
Judicial Sentencing: Probation including enrollment in a mandatory Sex Offender Program or expulsion from the University.
Criminal Sentencing: In Virginia, confinement of no less than 5 years to life in a state correctional facility.

Man To Man:  Men are victimized by societal myths and cultural stereotypes as well as women.

• Men can say "no" too.
• Men don't have to "score" at parties or on dates to be men.
• Men have feelings too.
• Men have a voice!

 

NOT ALL MEN ARE RAPISTS!  Many men respect and value relationships.  There are men on the JMU campus who care about human respect.   Men, you can help by setting an example for the men around you.  Men have valuable information and experience to share with other men.

Media:  Prime time television frequently depicts women as submissive and overly tolerant to sexual harassment.  This provides men with unrealistic views of their attitudes and desires.  Erotic/pornographic internet sites and magazines portray women as convenient objects of gratification.

 

Women are far more than their appearance.  Have intelligent conversations with women!  Like any man, a woman has depth, character, personality, valid opinions, education and career goals, a family background, special memories, close friends, and a future.  Friendship with women without sexual interaction can be very insightful and beneficial.

For You:

• The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention is accessible to all students, men and women.

• Sexual assault and harassment issues are NOT "for women only."

• We are here to help you.

• We have published educational literature and developed web pages to help you.

• We offer prevention ideas to help you avoid becoming the "accused."

• We also offer a variety of special programs focusing on men's issues regarding sexual assault.

• Men talking to men can make a real difference.