What You Need to Know About Rape
To Keep You and Others Safe

Rape or other forms of sexual assault are serious crimes.

Acquaintance rape is not only a serious crime, but is also a serious issue for all college students.

Bridgewater State College recognizes rape as a crime in accordance with state laws and as a violation of the college code of student conduct. Offenders will be subject to college discipline procedures and referred to appropriate outside authorities.

Be Smart

Rape is sexual intercourse against another person's will, by force or threat of force.
Acquaintance rape is a sexual assault that occurs when the people involved know one another.

It does NOT matter if you were raped or raped someone:

  • If you were drunk.
  • Where you were.
  • If you have gone out with each other or been sexually involved in the past.

On college campuses 1 in 4 women experience rape or attempted rape (Koss, 1985):

  • 84% know their attackers
  • 57% are raped on dates


Be Safe

  • Establish your date's identity before going out with him/her.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, leave!
  • Take a car or tell a friend where you are going.
  • Be aware. Be alert.
  • Say what you mean.. Yes or no!
  • Know your rights.
  • If you need help, blow a whistle or yell "fire".
  • If you are raped... tell someone.
  • Never force anyone to have sex.
  • Take "no" at all face values. No means NO!
  • Respect your date for playing it safe.
  • Remember, against his/her will is against the law.
  • If he or she is drunk, the law says they cannot give their consent.
  • Don't drink more than you can handle.
  • Know what you want. Communicate. Listen to each other.


Be Prepared

Preventative Education:

  • Rape Aggression Defense Program (RAD)
    508-531-1380

  • BSC Counseling Center
    508-531-1331
    (Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Rape Crisis Hotlines:

  • Womansplace
    24-hour hotline for sexual assault
    508-588-8255

  • Brockton Hospital Emergency Room
    508-941-7400

  • Campus Police Emergency
    911 or 508-531-1212

Last Modified: January 6, 2011