Post Secret Active Sexual Assault Program
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
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Understand the significance of sexual assault on college campuses
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Know how to prevent sexual assault by learning basic safety tips
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Discuss sexual assault by learning proper terminology and social norms
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Serve as an ally to survivors of sexual assault
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Know proper protocol for what to do if someone is sexually assaulted
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Identify relevant campus resources related to sexual assault and general campus safety
Materials Needed:
Post Secret postcards – either on PowerPoint presentation or printed
Scrap paper
Paper for ally postcards
Markers
Sexual Assault Definitions and Terms
Continuum of Sexual Violence signs
Tape
Safety Tips/Ally tips Handout
Program Layout:
(Program should take about 1.5 hours)
1.
Begin with introductions and a short icebreaker (5 minutes). a.
Introduce yourself, your role in the hall. b.
Ask participants to introduce themselves, hometown, and major.
2.
Set program ground rules and expectations for the creation of a safe space (5 minutes). a.
See attachment. b.
Ask participants if there are other expectations they would like to add.
3.
Post Secret PowerPoint : Share the post secret images. If you don’t have a computer with PowerPoint available, you can print out the postcards and post them around the room. (10 minutes) a.
Ask participants to jot down on a piece of scrap paper their first reaction to each postcard. b.
Have residents share with a neighbor their reactions to seeing the postcards. c.
Ask them which one stood out to them the most. Why? d.
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the emotions and feelings that can be raised by sexual assault. Additionally, people affected by sexual assault may feel like they have to keep it a secret for any number of reasons (ex. Not knowing resources to turn to, feeling like they might be ‘blamed’ for the assault, etc.).
4.
What is Sexual Assault? (10 minutes) a.
Have definitions and terms posted throughout the room. Spread them out so the definition is not next to the term. Ask every participant to stand next to one of the definitions (if there are lot of people, have them stand next to the terms as well). Have participants read each definition in front of them and have them pair it up with the term that it belongs with. b.
Provide a concrete definition of sexual assault and important terminology: i.
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, victim v. survivor language, ally, consent, etc. c.
Why should college students care (share statistics).
5.
Sexual Assault Continuum Activity (10 minutes) a.
Give seven participants a sign to wear around their neck (or taped to their shirt) that has each step in the continuum printed on it. Ask the audience to line them up according to how they believe the continuum moves. After they finish, walk through each step and make any corrections along the way as needed. b.
(Inappropriate Behavior) Social norms  individual belief systems  invasion of Space  (illegal behaviors) sexual harassment  sexual abuse/unwanted sexual touch  rape/sexual assault  death)

6.
Social Norms Discussion (20 minutes) a.
Prompt a discussion about social norms and sexual assault. i.
What are things that you have seen or heard that would be an example of ‘social norm’? (If they struggle answering this, you can talk about sex or rape jokes, derogatory language towards women “sluts, whores, etc.”) ii.
How are social norms perpetuated or created by the media? Gender expectations, etc. iii.
How do social norms create an environment that tolerates sexual violence?
7.
Prevention Discussion (10 minutes) a.
What are tips for men and women on how to prevent sexual assault from occurring? b.
Provide handout on ‘going out’ safety tips
8.
How to be an ally. (10 minutes) a.
Talk about what to do if you or a friend is sexually assaulted (provide a pamphlet or handout). b.
Talk about the need to be critical of social norms and how these beliefs can sometimes create an environment where sexual violence can occur. c.
Provide “10 Things Men Can Do To End Violence Against Women Handout” and another Ally resource (TBD).
9.
Post Secret Ally Activity Wrap UP: (10 minutes) a.
Provide a “post card” for each attendee. i.
On one side, ask them to write one thing they learned in the presentation. ii.
One the other side, ask them to write how they commit to preventing sexual violence.

Ground Rules and Facilitator Expectations:
(Adapted from Campus Outreach Services, 2006 (c)
Facilitators should make every effort to:
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Create a comfortable environment in which it is safe for parents to express the full range of feelings they may have following the presentation. Having clear ground rules (can be found below) can help to create a safe environment.
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Keep the dialogue moving. Try not to let one person dominate the conversation. If someone is, gently ask for other volunteers or say that you’d like to hear from others as well.
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Present accurate and factual information without feeling pressured to be an expert on healthy relationships or sexual assault. It is better to say, “I don’t know” than to take an erroneous guess about something.
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Have resource information available to parents should they want to get more information or need support after the discussion. Some good resources to have are a campus resource such as CAPS, the OASIS Center, MAV (Men Against
Violence) and Campus Health, as well as an off-campus resource such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, (24 hour confidential) 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), 1.800.787.3224 (TTY), or Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
1.800.656.HOPE (4673), (24 hours, confidential), http://www.rainn.org
.
Facilitators should be prepared to encounter participants:
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Who find the messages to be shocking, painful, confusing, or terrifying. It is important to allow participants to express fear, apprehension, confusion, or frustration evoked by the webinar’s message.
 Who may disclose personal experiences with dating violence or sexual assault during the discussion. Should this occur, it is important to thank the participant for his or her disclosure, and make an effort to comfortably steer the conversation back to the discussion content. Do not allow other participants to direct questions specifically to this person. If people do direct questions or comments right to this person, jump in and ask that the conversation be kept general.
Facilitators should establish the following ground rules prior to discussion to create the framework for a respectful dialogue. All discussion participants will:


Actively listen.
Encourage participation and encourage those who participate a lot to check themselves (Step Forward, Step Back).
 Be respectful of others’ experiences.
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Speak to only their opinions rather than making sweeping generalizations (e.g. saying “I think” rather than saying “people think”).
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Encourage respectful dialogue and acknowledge that there may be people in the group who have dating violence in their own or their family history.
 Remind participants of confidentiality “What is said in the room, stays in the room. What is learned in the room, leaves.”
Ask participants if they have any additional expectations they would like to see incorporated into the session.

According to Arizona Revised Statutes: _____________ occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without consent of such person.
________ is when both adult parties verbally agree to participate in a sexual act.
_________ includes the following factors:
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Verbal agreement to engage in sexual activity; silence does not mean "yes"
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Must be given by a sober, conscious individual
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Must be given freely, with no emotional or physical force
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Consent to one act of sex does not mean consent to all acts of sex
In Arizona, "_______________" includes any of the following:
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The victim is coerced by the immediate use or threatened use of force against a person or property
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The victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental disorder, mental defect, drugs, alcohol, sleep or any other similar impairment of cognition and such condition is known or should have reasonably been known to the defendant
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The victim is intentionally deceived as to the nature of the act
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The victim is intentionally deceived to erroneously believe that the person is the victim's spouse

_________________ is the most common category of sexual assault.
___________________ is a category of sexual assault in which a person known by the victim intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without consent. Date rape is a form of ______________________.
___________ is any kind of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) that is committed against a person's will or is committed with physical force or with a threat to hurt the victim or another person. It is also considered __________ if the victim is intoxicated or unconscious and unable to give consent. _________ and sexual assault are not about sexual desire--they are about power and control.
Sexual assault is the legal term for__________, and it also encompasses other behaviors beyond forced sexual intercourse.
The term ‘survivor’ is often used rather than ‘victim’ as it best describes a person who has survived sexual assault and recognizes their strength in living through and recovering from these events.

These are the terms that you will cut out and tape on volunteers who will line up in what they think the proper continuum is.

(Adapted from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: www.rainn.org)
Avoiding Dangerous Situations
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.
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Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
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Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
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Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
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Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
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Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
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Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
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Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
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Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
If Someone is Pressuring You
If someone is pressuring you to engage in sexual activity, it is important to remember that being in this situation is not your fault.
You didn’t do anything wrong, it is the person who is making you uncomfortable who is to blame. But if you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:
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Trust your instincts. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to. “I don’t want to” is always a good enough reason.
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Be true to yourself. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
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Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
 Lie. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
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Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
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If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment.
In a Social Situation
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted in social situations.
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When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other and leave together.

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Practice safe drinking. Try not to leave any beverages unattended or accept drinks from someone you don’t know or trust.
 Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if something is making you uncomfortable or if you are worried about your or your friend’s safety.
 If someone you don’t know or trust asks you to go somewhere alone, let him or her know that you would rather stay with the group
 Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
What Can You Do?
If you see someone in danger of being assaulted:
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Step in and offer assistance. Ask if the person needs help. Note: Before stepping in, make sure to evaluate the risk. If it means putting yourself in danger, call 911 instead.
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Don’t leave. If you remain at the scene and are a witness, the perpetrator is less likely to do anything.
 If you know the perpetrator, tell him or her that you do not approve of what s/he is doing. Ask her or him to leave the potential victim alone.
Be an ally:
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When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other frequently and leave together.
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Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if you are worried about her/his safety.
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If you see someone who is intoxicated, offer to call her or him a cab.
If someone you know has been assaulted:
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Listen. Be there. Don’t be judgmental.
 Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
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Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual’s power; it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.
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Encourage your friend to report the rape to law enforcement (call 911 in most areas). If your friend has questions about the criminal justice process, talking with someone on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE can help.
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Let your friend know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE and the
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline .
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Here on campus, the OASIS Program (626-2051) is available for survivors of sexual assault as a resource.
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If your friend is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany them wherever they need to go
(hospital, police station, campus security, etc.).
 Encourage him or her to contact one of the hotlines or the OASIS program, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.
Changing the culture:
There are certain things in our culture that make sexual assault more possible. By speaking out and educating ourselves and others, we can help to decrease the number of sexual assaults.
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Become knowledgeable about the issue and share your knowledge with others.
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Volunteer for RAINN or your local rape crisis center and help educate your community about preventing sexual violence.