Trigger Warning

It’s often the case that, as Washington University students, we look at various issues that happen at other schools and dismiss them. We say, “That doesn’t happen at Wash. U.” Maybe it’s because we think that Wash. U. students are a different breed of college student—we’re studious, we’re hardworking and we’re oh-so-nice!—that we think that sexual assault isn’t an issue. Because of this, it might be shocking to hear that according to an anonymous survey conducted by Director of Sexual Assault and Community Health Services Kim Webb and a team of researchers in 2012, Wash. U.’s statistics on sexual assault mirror the national statistics. We are no different than our peer institutions. This translates into 20 percent of women and 6.1 percent of men as victims of sexual assault during their four years as Wash. U. students.

As S.A.R.A.H. counselors, we are members of the anonymous group of students on our campus that handles the sexual assault helpline. We also organize S.A.R.A.H. Safes—presentations given to many student groups that discuss rape culture, sexual assault prevention and different ways to support survivors. We have reached out to many groups in hopes of spreading the awareness and information that all students need. Through our experiences, both with callers and S.A.R.A.H. Safes, we have been granted great insight into sexual assault on Wash. U.’s campus, and we have found that for many, there’s a giant gray area when it comes to sex. This gray area leaves room for miscommunication and misunderstanding—which leads to less consensual activities.

In order to combat this gray area, its implications, and the prevalence of sexual assault on our campus, here are some tips for everyone that will lead to safe, consensual sex:

Always check for consent.

Verbal consent is most direct, as body language can lead to that gray area. Know that alcohol impairs judgment, and if an individual is under the influence, consent is compromised.

Communication is key.

Make sure you and your partner are on the same page by talking about boundaries—or desires. On the flip side, really listen to your partner. As the saying goes, “The more you talk about it, the greater it is.”

Keep your friends safe.

Check in with friends often, and make sure they don’t exceed their comfort zones or someone else’s comfort zone. If needed, stage an intervention.

Open the conversation.

Begin and share in discourse about sexuality and the problem of sexual assault on our campus. Attend the many events that different groups hold surrounding the issue.

Ask for help.

If you or a friend has gone through an uncomfortable situation, don’t be afraid to reach out to resources such as S.A.R.A.H. or Webb.

If you are interested in having S.A.R.A.H. Safes come to your student group to talk about raising awareness, Wash. U. resources or prevention and reactionary measures, please contact: [email protected]

Together, we can make our campus a safer place—more than that, it’s our responsibility as peers to raise awareness in order to prevent sexual assault at the University. Wash. U. has many great resources for those in need: S.A.R.A.H. is a 24/7 helpline, and the number is: 314-935-8080. Another great resource is Webb. We are lucky to have such resources—but wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t have to use them?