This is Rape Awareness Week and students should take this opportunity to educate themselves about sexual assault safety. First of all, students should be aware of the common misunderstandings about sexual assaults.

The OU Police Department's Web site has a page called "Trust Your Instincts" that is specifically devoted to awareness about sexual assaults. According to this site, sexual assaults are often misunderstood as an act of passion. "Sexual assault is a violent crime, a hostile attack, an attempt to hurt and humiliate. Sex is only the weapon." (www.ou.edu/oupd/trustyor.htm.)

Also, a rapist is often not a stranger. In over one-half of reported rapes, the rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend or relative. This type of assault is also less likely to be reported.

OUPD's "Trust Your Instincts" page also has a list of what to be aware of to help prevent a sexual assault. Included is information on being alert with acquaintances, being alert where you live and being alert in vehicles. This site also lists ways to passively and actively resist a sexual assault.

On the Women's Outreach Center's Web site, there is a list of services in the OU community to help prevent and report sexual assaults. These include the Safe Walk program (325-walk), the Number Nyne crisis hotline (325-nyne) and the 24-hour crisis intervention hotline with the Women's Outreach Center (701-5540). There is much more information about sexual assault awareness on the Women's Outreach Center's Web site. (www.ou.edu/womensoc)

Students should not let this week pass without learning how they can help prevent sexual assaults.
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