Help a Friend

You are not alone. Help is available at Cal State East Bay

A Supportive Friend

Is someone who...

  • Maintains a calm manner
  • Listens without interrupting
  • Lets them know it is not their fault
  • Educates on options & resources
  • Allows them to make their own choices
  • Allows expression of feelings
  • Sets judgments aside

And doesn't...

  • Blame or question their actions
  • Tell them what to do
  • Ask for details probing questions, such as:
    • "Why did you drink so much?"
    • "Why did you go to their room?"
  • Minimize their feelings, by saying things like:
    • "It is ok now"
    • "I know just how you feel"

Let them Know they Have Resources and Options

It is the survivor's choice to contact resources or report to the police or the University. We support your choice.

Confidential Resources

These resources are Privileged and Confidential. This means they may not report any information about an incident of Sexual Violence to anyone else at the University, including the Title IX Coordinator, without the victim’s consent.  

Privileged and Confidential resources include the Campus Confidential Advocate and counselors at the SHCS Center.

The Campus Confidential Advocate can provide:
  • Private, empowerment-based crisis counseling
  • Help understanding both administrative and legal processes
  • Accompaniments to the hospital, police station, court and administrative meetings.
  • Can assist in academic, housing and employment accommodations
  • Referrals to on and off-campus resources 

 

Administrative Resources

Victims are encouraged to report Sexual Violence directly to the Title IX Coordinator.

The campus Title IX Coordinator is available to explain and discuss:
  • Your right to file a criminal complaint (in cases of Sexual Violence)
  • The University’s relevant complaint process
  • Your right to receive assistance with the complaint process, including the investigation process
  • How confidentiality is handled
  • Available resources, both on and off campus; and other related matters
Read the guide to Understanding Title IX and What to Expect When Reporting 

 

Criminal Reporting Resources

Reporting to University Police and/or local police is an option at any time following a Sexual Violence incident. Depending on the circumstances, the police may be able to obtain a criminal restraining order on your behalf.


Learn About Common Myths and Facts on Sexual Assault


Myth: Victims provoke sexual assaults when they dress provocatively or act in a promiscuous manner.

Fact: Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person’s determination to exercise power over another. Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behaviors are invitations for unwanted sexual activity. Forcing someone to engage in non- consensual sexual activity is sexual assault, regardless of the way that person dresses or acts.

Myth: If a person goes to someone’s room or house or to a bar, they assume the risk of sexual assault. If something happens, they can’t claim that they were raped or sexually assaulted because they should have known not to go to those places.

Fact: This “assumption of risk” wrongfully places the responsibility of the offender’s action with the victim. Even if a person went voluntarily to someone’s home or room and consented to engage in some sexual activity, it does not serve as blanket consent for all sexual activity. When in doubt if the person is comfortable with an elevated level of sexual activity, stop and ask. When someone says “no” or “stop,” that means “STOP!” Sexual activity forced upon another without valid consent is sexual assault.

Myth: It is not sexual assault if it happens after drinking or taking drugs.

Fact: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an invitation for sexual activity. A person under the influence does not cause others to assault them; others choose to take advantage of the situation and sexually assault them because they are in a vulnerable position. A person who is incapacitated due to the influence of alcohol or drugs is not able to consent to sexual activity.

Myth: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers. It’s not rape if the people involved know each other.

Fact: Most sexual assaults and rape are committed by someone the victim knows. A study of sexual victimization of college women showed that about 90% of victims knew the person who sexually victimized them. Most often, a boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, classmate, friend, acquaintance or co-worker sexually victimized the person. It is important to remember that sexual assault can occur in both heterosexual and same-gender relationships.

Myth: Rape can be avoided if women avoid dark alleys or other “dangerous” places where strangers might be hiding or lurking.

Fact: Rape and sexual assault can occur at any time, in many places, to anyone.

Myth: A person who has really been sexually assaulted will be hysterical.

Fact: Victims of sexual violence exhibit a spectrum of responses to the assault which can include: calm, hysteria, withdrawal, anxiety, anger, apathy, denial and shock. Being sexually assaulted is a very traumatic experience. Reaction to the assault and the length of time needed to process through the experience vary with each person. There is no “right way” to react to being sexually assaulted. Assumptions about the way a victim “should act” may be detrimental to the victim because each victim copes in different ways.

Myth: All sexual assault victims will report the crime immediately to the police. If they do not report it or delay in reporting it, then they must have changed their minds after it happened, wanted revenge or didn’t want to look like they were sexually active.

Fact: There are many reasons why a sexual assault victim may not report the assault to the police or campus officials. It is not easy to talk about being sexually assaulted and can feel very shameful. The experience of retelling what happened may cause the person to relive the  trauma. Another reason for delaying a report or not making a report is the fear of retaliation by the offender. There is also the fear of being blamed, not being believed and being required to go through judicial proceedings. Just because a person does not report the sexual assault does not mean it did not happen.

Myth: Only young, pretty women are assaulted.

Fact: The belief that only young, pretty women are sexually assaulted stems from the myth that sexual assault is based on sex and physical attraction. Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. Offenders often choose people whom they perceive as most vulnerable to attack or  over whom they believe they can assert power. Men and boys are also sexually assaulted, as  well as persons with disabilities. Assumptions about the “typical” victim might lead others not to report the assault because they do not fit the stereotypical victim.

Myth: It’s only rape if the victim puts up a fight and resists.

Fact: Many states do not require the victim to resist in order to charge the offender with rape or sexual assault. Those who do not resist may feel if they do so, they will anger their attacker, resulting in more severe injury. Many assault experts say that victims should trust their instincts and intuition and do what they believe will most likely keep them alive. Not fighting or resisting an attack does not equal consent.

Myth: Someone can only be sexually assaulted if a weapon was involved.

Fact: In many cases of sexual assault, a weapon is not involved. The offender often uses physical strength, physical violence, intimidation, threats or a combination of these tactics to overpower the victim. Although the presence of a weapon while committing the assault may result in a higher penalty or criminal charge, the absence of a weapon does not mean that the offender cannot be held criminally responsible for a sexual assault.