Healthy relationships at every level are essential to emotional development, physical well-being, and academic success. With them, we tend to be at our best; with unhealthy relationships, we are more apt to use drugs or alcohol, have mental health issues, face financial stress and drop out of college.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a crime that happens when you are forced, threatened or manipulated into sexual contact against your will. Commonly referred to as rape, sexual assault is the most under-reported crime in the United States. It is a crime that affects all of us; it is estimated that a woman is raped every 6 minutes. 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males will be sexually victimized before their 18th birthday. Interpersonal violence and sexual assault are unfortunately especially prevalent on college campuses.
For more information about sexual assault and resources and support, visit www.marshall.edu/wcenter.
Prevention – Bystander Intervention
You are a potential bystander. Everyone is a potential bystander. While there are different types of bystanders, we will focus on Bystander Intervention, which means being an active bystander as being part of the MarshallU family.
Direct- Directly intervening, in the moment, to prevent a problem situation from happening
Delegate- Seeking help from another individual, often someone who is authorized to represent others, such as MUPD, 911, the Women’s Center, Student Affairs, or other campus officials.
Distract- Interrupting the situation without directly confronting the offender.
Student Resources
Faculty and Staff Resources
Classroom Presentations- Sexual assault prevention and education topics can be woven into classroom materials. Contact the Women’s Center today to learn more.