Sexual Assault
An exit strategy is anything that can remove you from an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation.
tips to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in this type of situation
EXIT STRATEGIES
- Fake getting a text and say an emergency is calling you away.
- Signal a friend and have he (she) say you need to go to the bathroom with him (her).
- Before you go out have a plan with your friends, maybe a signal that will let them know if you need to be rescued from an uncomfortable situation. I can be something as simple as tapping your watch 3 times.
- Sometimes just saying you’re not interested is the best response.
Other ways to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
- Volunteer for organizations like RAINN.
- Be an active bystander if you witness a situation that seems wrong.
- Spread the word on social media to help educate others.
What to say to someone who tells you they have been assaulted:
- I believe you.
- You are safe.
- I’m sorry this happened to you.
- I’m so glad you are telling me this.
- This is not your fault.
- Whatever reaction you are having is normal. You are not going crazy.
- Things will never be the same, but things will be better. (Be compassionately realistic. When these acts happen, they become part of us, and how we heal depends on the support systems we have.)
- I am here to support you through this.
Info from Sexual Violence Research Initiative.
Listen to our podcast on sexual assault.
Season 2, Episode #14, “It will never happen to you, until it happens”
Consent is an agreement between adult individuals to engage in sexual activity. It MUST be clearly communicated.
- Consent cannot be given by individuals that are underage, intoxicated, asleep, or unconscious.
- The lack of consent means NO, no means no!
- Consent can be withdrawn at ANY time.
- Find a safe place- this may be a hospital, your home, or with a friend.
- Reach out to someone you trust to help you through this tough time.
- Remember this is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone.
- Call the Sexual Assault Hotline, 800.656.HOPE (4673).
- Talk to someone.
the red zone
The RED ZONE, a 6-week time frame in the beginning of the Fall semester, is marked by an especially high incidence of sexual assaults on college campuses across the country. The first month and a half of college is the time when freshmen women are most likely to be raped or experience attempted rape.
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©2026 Rachael's First Week
©2026 Rachael's First Week