Acquaintance Rape Can Be Prevented

It’s a subject most people don’t want to talk about – but should. And it is more common than most people think, especially among college students.

The subject is sexual assault and, more specifically, acquaintance rape.

Most reported rapes can be classified as date or acquaintance rapes. That means the victim knows, or has some type of social contact with, the offender.

According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, more than 60 percent of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. Statistics compiled by RAINN also suggests women ages 18-24 who are college students are three times more likely to experience sexual violence.

The Las Cruces Police Department and La Piñon, sexual assault recovery services for Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, suggest heeding these preventative measures to help decrease victimization:

• Consent should be the basis for every sexual encounter. Engaging in a sexual act without the other person’s consent is considered sexual assault/rape.
• To determine if someone is giving consent, you must be able to answer two questions: is this person capable of giving consent and does this person give consent?
• Consent requires clear understanding. If someone is incapacitated – for example, severely impaired by alcohol or drugs – they cannot give consent.
• Do not accept drinks or drugs from someone you do not fully trust. Spiked drinks and drugs can cause disorientation, drowsiness, loss of memory or muscle control.
• Never leave a drink unattended.
• When going on a date – or out for the evening – inform trusted family or friends where you are going, who you are with and when you are expected to return.
• You have the right to refuse a date or leave a date without feeling guilty.
• Set boundaries and make your expectations clear. Do not be afraid to speak up or leave if boundaries are crossed.
• Be a good friend. Do not allow friends to be in a situation where they are left alone or in a vulnerable situation.
• If a friend is experiencing abuse, speak up and call for help.

If you or someone you know experiences sexual violence, local support can be found via La Piñon’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 575-526-3437 or visit La Piñon online.