Committee Organizing Rape Education
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Contents |
About CORE
CORE Staff
CORE Director: Jacqueline Mayer
CORE Assistant Director: Jocelyn McCurtain
CORE Office Assistant: Daniel Reid
Office: HUB 113
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Resources
Acquainance Rape/Date Rape
When many think of 'rape,' they imagine a scenario where an unknown stranger jumps out of the bushes at night, attacking someone who is walking alone. While this happens, the majority of rapes are actually perpetrated by an acquaintance of the victim, In fact, the survivor knows his/her attacker in 85% of rape cases.
While there is no way to absolutely prevent rape from occurring AND if a person is raped, it is NEVER the fault of the survivor, here are some risk reduction strategies: know your sexual limits, be assertive, watch for nonverbal clues, be aware of how much you are drinking, watch your drink, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
the GBLTQ Community
While issues of sexual assault impact different groups in different ways, the GBLT community is often marginalized in issues of sexual violence because homophobia and heterosexism (use of sexual identity for dominance) are largely unchallenged in society. Rape is a form of oppression, and negative stereotypes contribute to a cycle of sexual violence.
Possible effects of sexual violence on a gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgendered person include: isolation, being forced to stay closeted, emotional abuse, being viewed as immoral, public taunting, economic abuse, discrimination at work, falsely stereotyped as molesters, ridiculed as not being 'real' men or women, violence, gay bashing, and gay killings.
Resources for GBLT Survivors of Sexual Assault
Northwest Network (LBTG)
- 206-568-7777
Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities
- 206-323-1768
ASUW Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Commission
- 206-685-GBLC
Male Victims
Since 1 in 5 men will experience some form of incest, molestation, or sexual assault by the age of 18, it is important to be aware of issues specific to male victims of sexual violence. Men can be raped by other men or by women. Rapists who rape men are heterosexual in 98% of cases. Both gay and heterosexual men are raped. Men of all parts of society are raped.
Men may experience similar feelings as female sexual assault survivors: feeling guilty, powerless, in denial, in shock, or angry.
However, certain issues may be different for men, including: questioning sexuality or masculinity, whether to report or tell others, and finding resources and support.
'Rape' Drugs
'Rape' drugs are sedating substances and can be any drug that is used to facilitate a sexual assault. A victim of sexual assault can take a sedating substance unknowingly or voluntarily. When a person is under the influence of these substances, their ability to consent to sexual activity may be impaired. Even if a person is under the influence, rape is illegal.
Alcohol, the most commonly used sedating substance, is involved in 75-84% of acquaintance rape cases. Other sedating substances include: GHB (easy lay, liquid ecstasy), Rohypnol (roofies, rope), and Ketamine (vitamin K).
If you or a friend suffer an extreme or unusual reaction to alcohol or fear that you have been given a rape drug, help is available; go to the hospital and ask to be tested.
Relationship Violence
Relationship violence is the use of physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, economic, and/or sexual force by one person in a relationship to control or dominate another. Relationship violence affects people of all socio-economic, racial, religious, ethnic, and age groups. You can make a difference as a friend.
- You can say, "You look tired lately, is everything OK at home?" Make sure it is safe to talk in the surroundings.
- Listen and believe her/him. Don't blame the victim.
- Don't expect change right away.
- Offer phone numbers of domestic violence services.
- Offer to keep a bag of belongings and important documents at your house.
Resources for Relationship Violence Survivors
New Beginnings, shelter and 24-hour hotline
- 206-522-9472
Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN)
- 425-656-7867
Eastside Domestic Violence Program
- 1-800-827-8840
Domestic Violence Recorded Information Line
- 206-205-5555
Challenges for Survivors of Sexual Assault
- Often met with disbelief by friends and family
- Face accusations of "false reporting"
- Keeping up with school, work and other life responsibilities
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and Eating Disorders
- Many barriers for reporting
- Fear of perpetrator
- Fear of others not believing you
- Fear of losing friends and loved ones
- Having to face talking about/reliving experience
- Have trouble identifying the experience as Rape
Supporting a Survivor
Since 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men will be victims of sexual assault during their lifetime, it is important to be aware of the feelings and needs of survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence.
Some feelings a survivor might experience include: violation, guilt, shame, confusion, helplessness, shock, suspicion, alone, or at fault.
Possible verbal and active responses are: "I believe you," "I'm glad you're alive," "It's not your fault," "I'm sorry it happened," and "You survived, you did the right thing."
Remember to: listen, provide options and choices, be nonjudgmental, give the survivor control, ask only necessary questions, and validate his/her feelings.
Resources At the University of Washington
Committee Organizing Rape Education (CORE)
- 206-543-4238
SARIS (Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Information Service) (206) 685-HELP
Hall Health Women's Clinic (206) 685-1031
UW Police Department
- Sexual Assault Response Commitment
- Emergency line 9-911 (from campus phone)
- Business line (206) 543-9331
Student Counseling Center (206) 543-1240
Seattle and Community Resources
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC)
- 24-hour Crisis & Information Line
- 1-800-825-7273
Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress
- 206-521-1800
- TDD/TTY 206-521-1808
Domestic Violence Recorded Information Line (206) 205-5555
Domestic Abuse Women's Network (425) 656-7867
New Beginnings (shelter) 24 hour crisis line (206) 522-9472
Advocates for Abused and Battered Lesbians (206) 547-8191
