According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 33.2% of undergraduate students are sexually assaulted or raped. These statistics are highly alarming, especially for high schoolers planning to attend higher education.

   Every student deserves an education free from sexual assault. Here are some of the many resources to ensure your utmost safety on and off campus.

Title IX

   Title IX is an educational amendment that prohibits “discrimination on the basis of sex in educational processes and activities”. The definition of sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and violence, as well as crimes such as rape, sexual assault, battery, and coercion. All colleges and universities are legally required to abide by Title IX.

   Title IX mandates schools to create and distribute policies against sex discrimination. Title IX coordinators must be hired, and information on how to file complaints for sex discrimination must be available to all students (US Department of Education).

Birth Control and Plan B

   Birth control pills, also known as Junel, Sprintec, Seasonique, or Micronor, contain hormones that eliminate pregnancy—as long as you take them consistently and correctly. Taking one pill a day and making sure to refill prescriptions with your local pharmacy protects your body from the potential consequences of sexual assault.

   Plan B, also known as Levon Orgestrel, is an oral medication that can be taken within three days of unprotected sexual contact. It is a great alternative if you are not on prescription birth control pills.

 Oral contraceptives, like any prescription, should be used with caution. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking these medications, and be aware of any side effects.

Personal Safety Alarms

   She’s Birdie is one of the many companies that sell small alarms for personal safety. They are small enough to keep on your person, whether in your hand, pocket, or backpack. When the pin is pulled, it emits a 130-decibel, ambulance level alarm. This will ensure that responders can find where you are in the event you are being threatened.

Don’t Leave Your Drink!

   When you go to a party, never leave your drink unattended. Drugs such as Rohypnol (commonly referred to as roofies) or Ketamine have no distinct taste or smell. These can be used as powders or pills slipped into one’s drink that causes a loss of consciousness, motor impairment, sedation, and amnesia. So, if you leave your drink alone at a party, a good rule of thumb is to pour yourself a new one.

   In addition, be wary of where you get your drink from. If it is from something communal, like a punch bowl or pitcher, they could also be drugged. 

Be A Better Bystander

   The presence of bystanders makes a completed rape 44% less likely. This is why it is so important for those witnessing sexual assault to step in, rather than stand aside. You can distract the target by spilling a drink on them, pretending you’re their friend, or directly asking a fellow bystander for help stepping in. 

   If you are a victim of sexual assault, please know that it is never your fault. No one deserves to be sexually assaulted, in any circumstance. These are some of the many ways to protect yourself or someone you know from falling prey to a malicious predator. Be sure to stay alert and safe on and off campus. Everyone deserves an education free from sexual assault.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-800-601-7200