February 11, 2010
To: The Gustavus Community
From: Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Jeff Stocco
This communication is to provide notice to the campus community that three sexual assault complaints have just been filed with campus authorities. According to the complaints, these incidents occurred during the last academic year and in each incident the complainant knew the perpetrator.
The College takes any complaint of this type very seriously. Campus officials are investigating the matter and the complaints are proceeding through the campus judicial system.
For your information and safety, I encourage you to review the following myths and facts about sexual assault.
Myths & Facts about Sexual Assault
MYTH: It could never happen to me.
FACT: All individuals are potential rape victims: regardless of age, race, class, religion, occupation, sexual orientation, educational background, or physical description. Both males and females can be rape victims. Rape is never the victim’s fault.
MYTH: Anyone who gets drunk or takes drugs is partially responsible for being raped.
FACT: Being drunk does not mean a person is asking to be raped. Forcing sexual contact on another person without consent is against the law. Someone who is passed out, unconscious, or incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol is unable to give consent. Sex without consent is sexual assault. Rape is never the victim’s fault.
MYTH: When someone says that they are not interested in sex, or doesn’t respond to their partner’s sexual advances, they just need to be persuaded to have sex.
FACT: Sex without consent is sexual assault. A person can withdraw their consent at any time. Not responding to sexual advances is not consent. A “no” in any form, must be respected and listened to. Consent is actual words or conduct indicating a freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity. Rape is never the victim’s fault.
For further campus Sexual Assault Education and Prevention information go to http://gustavus.edu/counseling/sexualassault/