Prevention

If you have questions, concerns, or have been sexually assaulted, please contact Military OneSource for assistance: http://www.militaryonesource.com/.

Reducing the Risk of Being Sexually Assaulted

Be Prepared

Travel with a buddy
Stay in groups
Plan your outings and avoid getting into bad situations
Introduce your date to your roommate and/or friends before going out and tell them when you anticipate returning.
If it is a first date, drive your own transportation and meet him/her at the location during daylight hours.
Stay sober
Never leave a drink unattended and if possible, pour your own drinks.
Never leave a bar or party with someone you do not know or trust.
Walk only in lighted areas after dark.
Keep the doors to barracks, homes, and vehicles locked.
Carry a cell phone or calling card, or know where a phone is located.
Have enough cash to get take a taxi, bus, or other public transportation if necessary.
Learn self-defense precautions suited to your individual personality

Be Alert

Be aware of what is happening around you.
Trust your instincts; if a person or place feels unsafe, they probably are.
Watch for signs of trouble, such as strangers in barracks, shower, or tent area.
If you sense trouble, go to a safe place immediately.
If you feel you are in danger, attract help any way possible.

Be Assertive

Communicate up front with your date or partner your feelings toward a physical relationship.
Remember No means No. If you do not want to be intimate with another person, tell him or her clearly.
Speak confidently and forcefully.
Match your body language to your words.
Do not just go along for the wrong reasons.
Watch out for Warning Signals or Red Flags from your date or partner.

Special Considerations for a Deployed Environment

Sleeping areas may be less secure; report any unauthorized males or females in sleeping areas.
Many non-Marine personnel may be present in a deployed unit and working areas.
Deployed environments have different lighting conditions and facilities than those in garrison.
Different cultures treat women differently, therefore be assertive and clear if you feel uncomfortable with how someone is treating you.
Travel with a buddy.

Warning Signs / Red Flags

Be careful if the person you are with:

Behaves as if the two of you are more intimate than you really are, or uses a lot of we phrases and appears to be working too hard to make you trust him/her.
Behaves in a way that is unusual or excessively friendly in an attempt to manipulate or control you.
Gives too many details about themselves that most people would not volunteer.
Ignores, interrupts, or makes fun of you.
Sits or stands too close to you or stares at you.
Has a reputation for being a player.
Makes slight criticisms and offers you the opportunity to prove him wrong. This is a form of manipulation to get you to do what they want. For example: A man says, Youre so beautiful that you are probably stuck up and wouldnt go out with someone like me, and in an attempt to prove him wrong the women agrees to a date.
Spends a lot of money on you and appears to be expecting something in return.
Makes unsolicited promises, such as, Ill just have one drink, and then Ill go. An unsolicited promise can be a way to buy time or to gain control over you or the situation.
Attempts to control you, such as not allowing you to partake in the decision- making.
Suggests that you do not trust him or her. Again, this is a form of manipulation.
Doesnt accept No for an answer. If they do not accept No for an answer on something small, such as drinking alcohol, they may not in regard to sex either.
Drinks too much or uses drugs; tries to get you to use drugs or alcohol.
Tries to touch or kiss you when you barely know him or her.
Wants or pressures you to be alone with them before getting to know you.
Gets angry or sulks if they do not get what they want.

Reducing the Risk of Becoming a Sexual Assault Offender

To reduce your risk of being accused of sexual assault:

Remember: SEXUAL ASSAULT IS A CRIME.
Ensure your partner consents to sexual activity. You must have consent from your partner before you can legally engage in sexual activity. If someone is passed out, unconscious, or asleep, they are legally unable to give their consent.
Ensure a potential partner is of legal age. Ignorance is no excuse. Age of consent varies by state, however, UCMJ considers the legal age for sexual activity as 18 years of age.
Communicate your expectations to a potential partner. Misunderstandings and lack of communication, especially between people who dont know each other very well, can lead to dangerous and career-threatening situations.
Dont use drugs, avoid excessive alcohol. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have different memories of how events occur.
Remember that NO MEANS NO even if the other person:

Says yes, but changes his or her mind
Has been kissing you or making out with you
Has had sex with you before
Has been drinking alcohol
Wears provocative clothing

Caring for Victims of Sexual Assault

As a Marine, if you know or suspect someone has been sexually assaulted, you must report the crime. The only personnel exempt from this policy are: Uniformed Victim Advocates (UVA), Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC), Chaplains or Religious Petty Officers (RPO), Medical Personnel, and Marine & Family Services personnel, which includes civilian Victim Advocates (VA) and Counselors.

If you know someone has been a victim of sexual assault:

Get assistance, but never leave them alone.
Support them and show respect, but dont be overly protective.
Demonstrate empathy by concentrating on helping your friend, fellow Marine, or colleague.
Listen to them and take the allegations seriously, without asking for the details.
Do not make judgments about the victim of the alleged offender.
Encourage the victim to report the crime; however you should report the sexual assault to the proper authorities.
Protect the victims confidentiality by not discussing the assault with anyone, except the authorities.
Repeat this message to the victim: You are not to blame!