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Teachable Moments
Know! Sexual
Assault Prevention Tips for Teens
The following Know! Tip discusses subject matter that some parents and
teachers may feel uncomfortable reading about, specifically regarding
sexual assault. If you, or someone you know, has been sexually
assaulted and want to talk, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is a
free and confidential resource where counselors are available 24/7. You
can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE
(800-656-4673).
In the previous tip, we discussed the complex connection between
alcohol and sexual assault, and the importance of having regular and
ongoing conversations on this topic with your students. It must be made
clear to them that alcohol is NEVER an acceptable excuse for sexual
assault, but that alcohol is the substance used most frequently to
assist in sexual assault.
Young people need to know that when alcohol is consumed, it makes it
more difficult to:
Think clearly
Set limits and make good choices
Think about long-term consequences and control impulses
Determine when a situation is dangerous
Say “no” to sexual advances
Fight back if a sexual assault occurs
It is also important for children to be aware that alcohol can cause a
person (possibly themselves) to blackout and experience memory loss.
In no way are we suggesting that by being alcohol-free, your child is
safe from becoming a victim (or perpetrator) of sexual assault.
However, having a clear mind and full coordination skills is beneficial
in avoiding or escaping a potentially dangerous situation.
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act against or without someone’s
consent. Legally, the definition of consent varies by state, and you
should review your state’s definition and share it with your teen.
Overall, consent is about communication. For the safety of both
partners, consent needs to be given verbally every time, and especially
when sexual contact increases or changes. And sex with anyone mentally
or physically incapable of giving consent—including someone who is
intoxicated—is rape.
According to the experts at RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National
Network) this is specifically what your students should be hearing from
you on the topic:
When it comes to sexual assault, a victim will more than likely know
the perpetrator. It may be a dating partner, or it may be an
acquaintance.
While it may feel awkward or embarrassing, it is important to discuss
and set boundaries with a dating partner. You are in charge of your
body and your partner is in charge of his or her body.
You can ALWAYS say no to a kiss, a touch, or whatever, even if you said
yes before.
When a person says NO, respect their answer—period. And if you tell
someone no, expect for them to respect it—no explanation needed.
It is NEVER okay to pressure someone to do something they do not want
to do.
You should NEVER feel obligated to do more with someone than you feel
right or comfortable to do.
If someone is pressuring you to go further than you want, do whatever
you need to exit the scene as quickly as possible. Say you have to use
the restroom, say you aren’t feeling well—just remove yourself from the
situation. It may feel uncomfortable to have to make a quick exit, but
that is the other person’s fault, not yours.
Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Again, excuse or remove yourself from the situation without delay.
When at peer gatherings, be sure to stick closely with your trusted
friends, and make a pact to keep an eye out for each other. If plans
change, as they sometimes do, and you are not comfortable with them,
call or text your parent or other trusted family member so that they
can get you home safely.
Underage drinking is illegal—as you know. If however, you find yourself
in a situation that involves drinking on your part or a friend’s, call
or text your parent or other trusted family member so that they can get
you home safely.
If you ever are in a situation that you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or
where things have gone too far with another person, call or text your
parent or other trusted family member so that they can get you home
safely.
If you see someone else that appears to be at risk for sexual
assault—intervene. If it is a dangerous situation, call or get help.
Regardless, I want you to look out for yourself and for others.
Research shows that teens are listening to and respecting the advice
trusted adults give—especially on delicate yet important subjects such
as this. You have a unique opportunity to provide this information to
your students, to allow them to ask questions, and to give them the
opportunity to share their feelings.
For additional information on sexual assault, visit
https://www.rainn.org/.
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