Dealing with Sexual Exploitation Resource Guide, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, July 1992

DEALING WITH SEXUAL EXPLOITATION A UNLV Resource Guide Provided by: The Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Publication made possible with funds provided by UNLV's Student Government UNIV UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS July 1992 Dear UNLV Students, Faculty and Staff: On behalf of the members of UNLV's Student Government, I would like to express the pride we take in funding this valuable resource guide. As student leaders, we recommend that you utilize this guide to its fullest potential by sharing it with fellow students, staff and faculty members, employees, family and friends. Sexual exploitation is something that affects people from all walks of life. Understanding these growing social concerns is vital to aid in its deterrance and prevention. The Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation has devoted a great deal of time and effort in preparing this booklet and promoting the awareness of the issues relating to sexual exploitation. I would like to commend the hard work and devotion of this committee in their endeavors. Sincerely, Joel S. Kostman Student Body President Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada 4505 Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89154 SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment is commonly defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other physical, written or oral intimidation of an offensive sexual nature. Such harassment can range from sexual innuendos—suggestive remarks that can be taken two ways—to coerced sexual relations, whether by implied or overt threats. Harassment can include sexually degrading comments, gestures, insults, unnecessary contact of your body by another person, or offers by your professor or employer for sexual favors in exchange for a better grade, a letter of recommendation, a promotion, or even a day off. If you are the target of sexual harassment, or if you have caused harass-ment, there is something you can do about it. Sexual harassment is against the law and violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. These laws were designed to protect your right to an educational climate that will allow you to reach your full potential. Despite the law's protection, sexual harassment often goes unconfronted and unreported. The victims may fear reprisals or fear that others will accuse them of causing the harassment or of taking it too seriously. Be aware that: You did not cause the harassment; the harasser is the one to blame. Usually the harasser is harassing more than one person; you're not alone. Victims usually find that reporting the harassment is helpful. Ignoring it may not work; it may get worse. Some Myths and Realities About Sexual Harassment Myth: If individuals don't speak up about sexual harassment, then it isn't happening. Fact: Victims don't report incidents of sexual harassment because they feel they're the only victim, guilty and afraid of getting poor grades. They also fear other forms of retaliation or reprisal, such as threat of physical harm or damage to their reputations. Myth: Individuals invite sexual harassment by their behavior and/or dress. Fact: Sexual harassment is not a sexually motivated act. It is an assertion of hostility and/or power expressed in a sexual manner. Myth: Sexual harassment is rare on campus. Fact: Individuals have only recently begun talking about the long-hidden problem of sexual harassment. Fear of ridicule and a sense of hopelessness about the problem have kept the problem concealed. 4 If You Are Being Harassed There are many ways to handle sexual harassment. Confronting the ha-rasser with disapproval of his/her conduct may stop it, or you may have to do more. You must decide. Here are some guidelines to follow: 1) Be aware of your feelings. For example, do you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or put down by what is being said? 2) Firmly tell the harasser that what he or she is saying or doing is UN-WANTED. For example, "I do not like what you are suggesting, and I would appreciate it if you would stop." You may tell him/her that if they continue the behavior, you will report it. 3) You may follow up the interaction with a letter (possibly certified) to the harasser, especially if the behavior continues (include time and date of interaction, what was said, how you felt about it, and that you do not approve of the behavior). Keep copies of any letters or other documentation. 4) If the behavior continues, report it to the person's supervisor, file a complaint with the Vice President for Student Service's Student Judicial Affairs Officer, and/or the Affirmative Action Officer. The Affirmative Action Officer or Student Judicial Affairs Officer will inform you of the steps that need to be followed to handle it. 5) As you experience the harassment, keep a log of the dates, times, remarks and/or behaviors, and your reactions and feelings about it. In the event you decide to bring charges, this will help you with accurate testimony. Keep copies of all correspondence relating to the issue. Try to get names of people who may have witnessed the harassment and of other people who may have been harassed by this person. They can possibly take joint action with you against the harasser. 6) Seek out people who can give you support during this time: friends, relatives, a counselor, other victims, or a pastor. If You Think You May Be Harassing To determine if harassment exists, determine if any of your behavior is unreasonable by asking yourself these questions: 1) "Would I feel comfortable with what I say or do if the remarks or actions were directed at me or at something that distinguishes me from others?" 2) "Would I want what I say or do to appear in the newspaper or on the TV news?" A "no" to either of these questions should raise a red flag. 5 Getting Help First it may be appropriate to go to the Chairperson of the harasser's department to make a complaint. If the complaint cannot be resolved at this level, the Chairperson can direct you where to go next. Additionally, students can discuss their concern with the Student Judicial Officer in the Vice President for Student Services' Office, Flora Dungan Humanities, Room #330, phone 739-3656. Complaints can also be made to the Affir-mative Action Office, Flora Dungan Humanities Building, Room #335, 739-3773. Confidentiality and the protection of your rights are important. Attempts will be made to solve your problem on an informal basis. However, you will be advised of formal grievance procedures if the problem continues. There may be a situation where someone under your employ or supervi-sion is being harassed. Depending on the situation, as a friend or as a supervisor, discuss the matter with your supervisee. Is the harassment affecting their work or threatening their safety? Make your supervisee aware of the resources available to them. Prevention of Sexual Harassment Share what you know from this booklet with your friends. Be supportive of people facing instances of sexual harassment. Help them identify sexual harassment. Be firm and resist the unwanted attention. Say "No, what you are doing is unwanted." You needn't accept sexual harassment as "the way things are" or as a joking matter. Take action against it. Otherwise, the harassment probably will continue. FOR RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 14. 6 OBSCENE CALLS Obscene, harassing or anonymous phone calls are not only a nuisance, they are against federal and state laws. Though you might feel helpless if you receive abusive calls, you really don't have to tolerate them. In fact, there are many things you can do to prevent them. First and most importantly, hang up immediately—but don't slam down the receiver. That will only let the caller know he or she is bothering you. Don't talk to the caller. Prolonging the conversation only gives the caller an audience, which encourages more calls. Notify the police. They will discuss with you the proper procedure for handling calls of this nature. The percentage of identified callers is high, but not every case can be solved. An identification can be made with your assistance, along with the telephone company. You might be asked to keep a log for seven days, starting immediately. It's important to include the date and time of the call, and an accurate account of what was said. Try to determine the sex of the caller, any background noise, the caller's accent or speech pattern and anything else that might be of help. This information could assist the police. The telephone company cannot take action unless the police request assistance. Preventing Obscene Phone Calls If you have received abusive calls and were not successful in making an iden-tification, you can change your phone number, preferably to a private listing. If you are a female and want your telephone number in your name, it's best to list your telephone number using your first and middle initials with your last name spelled out, not including your address in the listing. FOR RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 14. 7 FLASHING OR INDECENT EXPOSURE Indecent exposure, commonly known as flashing, is a serious and illegal offense. Victims usually are taken by surprise when a person, usually a man, exposes his genitals and fondles himself in the victim's presence. This often is very traumatic for the victim. Feelings of embarrassment, shock, being intruded on or violated, anger and frustration are common reactions to this crime. If you are victimized, we urge you to call the University Police Depart-ment at 739-3668. If you are in a public building, report the incident immediately to someone in charge. Try to get a description of the person involved in the incident. FOR RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 14. 8 SEXUAL ASSAULT (RAPE) Every man, woman, and child is a potential sexual assault victim. Crime statistics show that the age of victims range from the very young to the very old. Victims include the poor, the rich, and all races. Sexual assault occurs at home, in the workplace, in cars, and in public places. Sexual assaults may happen at any time of the day or night. Women and men have been sexually assaulted by strangers, co-workers, people whom they knew and trusted, spouses, people whom they dated, and people with whom they had a casual acquaintance. There are no "typical" sexual assault victims. Sexual Assault Takes Many Forms Stranger Rape: The assailant is unknown to the victim. The assailant selects someone who is vulnerable and accessible. Acquaintance rape: In this form of sexual assault (the most common), the victim either knows the assailant merely by sight or has known the assailant for a period of time. The assailant may be a co-worker, a friend, or a relative. Date rape: This form of assault occurs in a date situation. It is the least reported form of sexual assault. Gang rape: Often planned, this type of assault is committed by two or more people against another person. Marital rape: Sexual assault does happen within a marriage any time either spouse is forced to have sexual contact without consent. Cooperation is not Consent Due to the threat of physical harm through force or the use of a weapon, the majority of victims report that they feared the possibility of death or severe bodily harm. This fear is immobilizing and interferes with people's ability to think of what to do. They are in a state of shock, confused, or unaware of how to get away. It may seem impossible for the person to prevent an attack because of fear and inability to see other choices. Cooperation often is a life-saving defense for them. Facts and Myths About Rape Myth: Rape can't happen to me. Fact: Rape is the fastest growing felony in America. One rape occurs every six minutes. Myth: "Good" girls don't get raped. Fact: Rapists do not show any discrimination among victims. Vulnerability is the attraction. Anyone is a candidate for rape. Myth: Victims invite rape by their behavior and/or dress. Fact: Rape victims do not provoke sexual assault. Reported ages range from two months old to 93 years old. Rape is an assertion of hostility and/or power expressed in a sexual manner. No one asks or desires to be raped. 9 Myth: The rapist is usually a stranger. Fact: More than 50 percent of victims know the rapist. Myth: Rapists just want sex. Fact: Aggression, violence, power, and desire to dominate or humiliate are what motivate rapists. Myth: Men cannot be raped. Fact: Anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault. Although women are most often the victims, men can be assaulted by other men or women. What To Do If You Are Raped In an emergency, call 911. Immediate medical attention is important after a sexual assaul to determine the presence of physical trauma, a sexually transmitted disease, or pregnancy. The UNLV Student Health Center can provide medical evaluation and assis-tance to students. The phone number is 739-3370. In Las Vegas, the Rape Crisis Center, sponsored by Community Action Against Rape, offers a 24-hour hotline. The number is 366-1640. The center provides counseling and a comprehensive advocacy service at no cost to the victim. If you are assaulted, try to remember NOT to disturb anything at the scene of the assault. It is important NOT to shower or wash off any valuable evidence that can be used against the assailant. If you change your clothing, place each garment in a separate paper bag. Notify the police. If you call the police, it does not obligate you for later prosecution. Reporting the assault is not the same as prosecuting. The deci-sion to prosecute can be made later. Victims of rape often feel guilty, as though they did something to bring it on themselves or should have had the ability to stop it. They lose trust in others and may feel afraid of people or going out alone. Many victims experience depression and sexual problems after an assault. Victims often keep the incident to them-selves. While this may be helpful in the immediate sense, if you have these feel-ings, you are urged to talk to a counselor about being raped. What To Do If Someone You Know Has Been Raped As a friend or family member, there is much you can do to help a rape victim. First, you can be supportive. Give victims emotional comfort and support. Let them talk about the experience and their feelings if they want to, but don't pry into details. Listen and be understanding. Second, you can offer help in finding shelter. Help arrange a safe place for victims to stay and someone to stay with. Third, be reassuring. Urge them not to blame themselves for the attack. Finally, encourage action. Encourage them to report the rape, see a doctor, and contact a counselor. Also remember that you may need help too. Too often, friends and family who are close to the victim of a sexual assault are forgotten victims them-selves, especially male friends and family. If you have a family member or friend who has been sexually assaulted, you are affected too. 10 Avoiding Sexual Assault Learn to be assertive. You have the right to express your feelings to others and to say NO under any circumstances. Communicate clearly, including nonverbally. Be conscious of the messages you send with posture, tone of voice, gestures, and eye contact. Be consistent. On a date, talk openly about your intentions and expectations. Set limits early. Don't wait and hope that your date will know what you want or don't want. Look and act alert at all times. Rapists look for easy victims. Women who walk with slumped shoulders or look lost or confused appear to be easy targets. Avoid dangerous places. These include dark or unlit areas, places you haven't been before, etc. Trust your instincts that let you know when you are in danger, and get away when you feel in danger. On campus, walk in groups at night. Students employed by the Public Safety Department are available to escort you to parking lots. For information on the days, times and locations, contact University Police at 739-3668. Keep your doors locked, at home and in your car. Don't open your door to strangers. FOR RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 14. 11 RESOURCES Counseling Services Student Development Center 739-3627 James Dickinson Library (JDL), Rm. 252 Assessment, referral, and counseling services for UNLV students free of cost. Client Services Center, UNLV 739-3106 Dept. of Counseling and Educational Psych 739-3253 Carlson Education Building (CEB) Rm 226 Services for UNLV students and faculty are free; minimal charge for services to members of the community. Info, and Referral Headquarters, Clark County 369-4357 Bridge Counseling Associates 734-6070 Provides individual, group and family counseling dealing with drugs or alcohol, sexual or physical abuse, and marriage counseling. Catholic Community Services of Nevada 385-2662 Counseling unwed mothers and child relinquishment. Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) 385-2153 Provides counseling to victims and their families; makes referrals to other services. Provides escort services to hospitals, police department, and courtroom. Bilingual interpreter available at no charge to the victim. District Attorney-Victim/Witness Assistance Center 455-4204 Designed to assist victims of crime through the court process. Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services 486-6000 Mental health services provided to anyone 18 and older. Sliding fee scale. Obscene Phone Calls and Flashing University Police Dept— Police: Emergencies Only Boulder City Police Henderson Police Metro Police North Las Vegas Police .... 739-3668 911 293-9224 565-8933 795-3111 649-9111 14 Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence University Police Dept 739-3668 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Police—Emergencies only 911 University Student Health Center 739-3370 Boulder City Police Sexual Assault Unit 293-9224 Bridge Counseling Associates 734-6070 Support group for adolescents who were molested as children Center for Interpersonal Studies 384-6661 Group therapy for adults who were sexually abused as children Community Action Against Rape 24 hr. hotline 366-1640 Office 385-2153 Community Counseling Center 369-8700 Family and Child Treatment of Southern Nevada (FACT) 258-5855 Henderson Police Sexual Assault Unit 565-8933 Metropolitan Police Sexual Assault Unit 386-3421 North Las Vegas Police Sexual Assault Unit 649-9111 T24e mhrp.o hroartlyi nAe ssistance for Domestic Crisis, Inc. 646-4981 Office 877-0133 Victim-Witness Assistance Center 455-4204 We Can, Inc 368-1533 Sexual Harassment Vice President for Student Services 739-3656 University Affirmative Action Office 739-3773 University Police Dept 739-3668 Nevada Equal Rights Commission 486-7161 15 Crisis Hotlines Charter Hospital of Las Vegas 876-4357 Christian Crisis Hot Line 388-7777 24-hr. service COMPAS (HCA Montevista) 364-1111 24-hr. service Domestic Crisis Shelter 646-4981 Mental Health Crisis Center, UMC 486-3542 Rape Crisis 366-1640 Suicide Prevention Center 731-2990 MEMBERS, COMMITTEE FOR THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION Liz Baldizan, Chair Joel Kostman Special Assistant to the Vice President President for Student Services Student Government (CSUN) 739-3656 739-3881 Becky Barnard, Program Advisor Judson Mitchell Moyer Student Union/Activities Director, Human Resources 739-3221 739-3504 Cheryl Bowles Theresa Nicassio Associate Dean, Graduate College Counseling Psychologist 739-4391 Student Development Center 739-3177 Barbara Brents Assistant Professor, Sociology Phil Ricci 739-3322 Management Analyst Student Financial Services Mary Ruth Carleton 739-4437 Coordinator, Women's Center 597-4475 Ray Rodriguez Health Educator, Student Health Center Renata Cirri 739-3370 Director Community Action Against Rape Rochelle Sax 385-2153 University Police Sergeant 739-3668 Gladys Clark EEO Specialist, Affirmative Action Robert Skaggs 739-3773 Chair, Faculty Senate 739-3689 Nancy Flagg Special Assistant to Senior VP/Provost Gretchen Stamos 739-3888 Protestant Chaplain Center for Religion and Life Laura Hammond 736-0887 Director, Psychological Counseling Student Development Center Karen Strong 739-3177 Assistant Dirnecioto r,i nRmes idential Life 16 UNIV UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS AA/EEO Produced by UNLV Publications/Reprographics PR2019-3(8-92)