As a college student, you should know that the best way to stay safe from sexual misconduct is to prevent it. On that note, while prevention tips are certainly helpful, you must keep in mind that any sort of sexual assault or sexual discrimination is never ever the victim’s fault. Similarly, the way someone dresses or behaves is never an indication of consent or an invitation for any disrespect.
Avoid Self-Made Conclusions
If you are not interested in someone who is coming onto you sexually, it can be hard to resist because you might know the person. Also, you might be unsure whether or not that person is trying to pursue you, and you might not want to jump to conclusions.
As a male student, you might have been taught certain things about what a man does and doesn’t – and it might be hard to say no because you might be going against several things that are labeled as manly.
Avoid Peer Pressure
You must value yourself and understand that you are still a man even when you don’t give in to peer pressure. You must always value yourself and be okay with saying no and refusing to participate or do things that are against your values.
If you are a victim of assault, you should contact the Nationwide Title IX Lawyers, who can help ensure that the violence doesn’t affect your access to education and getting to classes. It is important to mention here that this law applies to universities, colleges, and schools that are under federal funding.
Who Does the Title IX Law Protect?
This law does not only protect females but also males who face sex-based discrimination, such as gender-based discrimination, gender identity-based discrimination, or discrimination based on their gender expression.
For instance, if you are in the LGBTQ+ community or you support the community and you face any sort of discrimination based on your beliefs and support, then getting in touch with a Title Lawyer can be incredibly helpful for you.
Sexual Aggressors Can Be the Victim’s Friends
Sexual aggressors are not always the big bad types you might believe them to be. It could be someone you know – even a friend. You will be surprised to know that more than eighty percent of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. With that said, sometimes it can be hard for the victim to speak up when they are uncomfortable. There are warning signs that can very quickly turn a light-green situation into a yellow-light or red-light situation.
Example of Yellow-Light Situation
For instance, as a college student, you might have a girlfriend on campus, and you two may be hanging out. If you start being close and she tells you that she isn’t ready for this, you should treat it as a yellow-light moment and let go. It is important to treat any limits and boundaries as important.
Similarly, if you are on the other side and you are starting to feel uncomfortable during a situation, you must make your limits and boundaries known as soon as possible.
You must very clearly and firmly articulate your consent or lack of consent.
Remove Yourself From the Situation
If you have clearly articulated your lack of consent, the next best thing to do is to remove yourself from the physical presence of the sexual aggressor. Staying in the same space after saying no might lead to a sexual assault, which is why get out of that space and, if possible, reach out to help. You can call a friend or a parent and ask them to pick you up.
Nonetheless, being aware and in control of yourself and your situation can help with preventing a bad situation.
Address Your Alcohol Problem
Usually, the chances of getting sexually assaulted double when you are intoxicated, which is why you should avoid consuming alcohol or too much alcohol. On that note, if you have a drinking habit, the first thing to do is to take responsibility for your alcohol consumption. The thing about alcohol is that alcohol consumption can increase your vulnerability to sexual victimization.
If you feel drunk, you should ask your friends to look out for you.
How To Avoid Getting Accused of Sexual Assault
Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand where to draw the line when it comes to playful behavior and sexual harassment. In order to remain respectful of others and to avoid being accused of sexual assault and misconduct – there are a few things you must keep in mind.
Ask Questions
If you are unsure about a situation, the best thing you can do is to ask questions, such as whether or not you can hug or be intimate. You must respect personal boundaries at all costs. Also, you should know that silence or passiveness is not consent. The best thing you can do is to let go of assuming and paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.
Also, watch out for mixed signals. If you receive mixed messages, the best you can do is to stop and talk about what the person wants or doesn’t want.
Don’t Try to Persuade
So, if your potential partner says no, you should accept it instead of trying to persuade them or push them. If you don’t want to get accused of sexual misconduct, you must not proceed without having clear permission to do so. Also, be respectful of the timeline for sexual behaviors with which others are comfortable and how they are essentially entitled to change their minds.
Things to Remember
To avoid becoming a victim of sexual misconduct, you must make any limits or boundaries that you have known as early as possible. Also, articulate consent and lack of consent must be very clear. Avoid giving off mixed signals. Remove yourself if possible and reach out for help. Take responsibility for the fact that you have a drinking problem and get help.
To avoid getting accused of sexual assault, understand and respect personal boundaries. If you are unsure what to do, asking your partner about it is the best and safest way to go. Many such cases involve the fact that the accused person assumed passivity and silence as consent. Meanwhile, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues is essential to avoid misunderstanding intentions.
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