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http://www.collegian.psu.edu/opinion/columnists/article_37f5861c-
67c1-11e7-93df-efcbb4e1ea.html
These are only the assaults that have been reported. Anyone whos
done research on sexual assault knows the report rate of sexual
assaults is very low. Multiple local centers that help survivors, such
as the Centre County Womens Resource Center, have reported an
increase in sexual assaults in the past few years, although they
believe this is because report rates have gone up.
There is a still a long way to go. This article will focus on women, as
they are the group most likely to experience sexual assault, but its
important to note that sexual assault does not discriminate against
gender or sexuality. According to RAINN (Rape, Incest and Incest
National Network), one in 10 men experience sexual assault in their
lifetime. A CDC report focused this statistic, stating 26% of gay men
and 37% of bisexual men experience sexual assault. Rape is rape, it
can happen to anyone.
3. NO MEANS NO
This old adage will never cease to be relevant. If you dont want to
have sex, stop your partner from going any further. Many sexual
assaults are a result of one side not speaking up. Its scary to say no.
You dont want to reject your partner or disappoint them. But its
better to reject them than go through with something you dont want
to.
Conversely, if your partner says no, respect the hell out of it! No
means no, there is no way around it. Do not attempt to persuade
them and do not guilt them. If they said no once, theyre not in the
mood or space to have sex. Respect their decision, it is not yours to
make. Unlike picking a place to eat, persuasion has no place here. No
matter how badly you want to have sex, it is never okay to try and
overrule your partner if they say no. Think about what you are doing,
would it really be so enjoyable knowing your partner expressed they
dont want to do it?
Its not.
Turn down the dial, dont try to be a porn star. It can lead to very
unpleasant experiences, and in some cases, assault.
If you have any suspicion that someone is drunk, its best to avoid
sex no matter what they say. Its the alcohol speaking, not them. If
you wouldnt trust them at the wheel, dont trust them in bed, which
easily translates from dont drink and drive to dont drink and do it.
Given the nature of college, this is a common instance, so dont take
the risk. Wait until morning to see how your partner is feeling. If its a
hook up, avoid it and text them the next day. Sober sex rules
anyway.
The basic theme governing all these rules is simple: Always get
consent. Its not hard to get a yes or a no, and it completely avoids
the gray areas that often appear with certain cases in sexual assault.
Pete Olin is a senior majoring in print and digital journalism and political
science and is a columnist for The Daily Collegian. His email is
pno5004@psu.edu or follow him on Twitter at @PeteOlin.