One in six females and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, but base officials believe service members can be less likely to become a victim by taking some precautions.
‘‘Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent,” wrote Maj. Cherrone A Hester, the base’s installation sexual assault response coordinator. ‘‘Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim.”
Because of these set lines of what is considered sexual assault, Hester wrote in an e-mail there are three things all service members should remember: be prepared, be alert and be assertive.
‘‘Travel with a buddy and stay in groups. Plan your outings and avoid getting into bad situations,” Hester stated. ‘‘Introduce your date to your roommate 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 or her at the location during daylight hours.”
Statistics show perpetrators are intoxicated one of every three sexual assaults, according to the RAINN Web site.
‘‘Trust your instincts; if a person or place feels unsafe, they probably are,” Hester wrote. ‘‘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.”
Hester pointed out there are many behaviors one might not consider risky such as leaving a drink unattended at the bar while dancing. Even more simple items such as not keeping the doors to barracks, homes and vehicles locked were listed as risky business.
When it comes to the people service members choose to hang out with, there are warning signs to, Hester said.
According to the Marince Corps’ sexual assault and prevtion Web site, www.usmc-mccs.org⁄sapro, some signs to watch out for are:
If the person 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.
If he or she behaves in a way that is unusual or excessively friendly in an attempt to manipulate or control you.
If the person gives too many details about themselves that most people would not volunteer.
If he or she ignores, interrupts, or makes fun of you.
If the person sits or stands too close to you or stares at you.
If he or she has a reputation for being a player.
If the person spends a lot of money on you and appears to be expecting something in return.
If he or she makes unsolicited promises, such as, ‘‘I’ll just have one drink, and then I’ll go.” An unsolicited promise can be a way to buy time or to gain control over you or the situation.
If the person attempts to control you, such as not allowing you to partake in the decision- making.
If he or she drinks too much or uses drugs; tries to get you to use drugs or alcohol.
If the person tries to touch or kiss you when you barely know him or her.
If he or she 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.
It the person 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,” Hester wrote, explaining if a man says, ‘‘Your are so beautiful that you are probably stuck up and wouldn’t go out with someone like me, and in an attempt to prove him wrong the women agrees to a date” is considered manipulation.
If your date doesn’t accept ‘‘no” for an answer on something small, such as drinking alcohol, he or she may not in regard to sex either, Hester said.
The major also warns those who have the potential of being an offender themselves.
‘‘Ensure your partner consents to sexual activity. You must have consent from your partner before you can legally engage in sexual activity,” Hester said. ‘‘If someone is passed out, unconscious or asleep, they are legally unable to give their consent.”
Legal age of consent should also be a consideration for Marines.
‘‘Ensure a potential partner is of legal age,” Hester stated by e-mail. ‘‘Ignorance is no excuse. Age of consent varies by state; however, the Uniform Code of Military Justice considers the legal age for sexual activity as 18 years of age.”
By communicating expectations, Marines are less likely to have misunderstandings which can lead to dangerous and career-threatening situations, Hester pointed out.
The Corps’ Web site states, ‘‘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
‘‘As a Marine, if you know or suspect someone has been sexually assaulted, you must report the crime,” Hester wrote. ‘‘The only personnel exempt from this policy are uniformed victim advocates, sexual assault response coordinators, chaplains or religious petty officers, medical personnel, and Marine and family services personnel, which includes civilian victim advocates and counselors.”
According to the Corps’s Web site, if you know someone has been a victim of sexual assault:
Get assistance, but never leave them alone.
Support them and show respect, but don’t 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 victim’s confidentiality by not discussing the assault with anyone, except the authorities.
Repeat this message to the victim, ‘‘You are not to blame.”
For assistance, call Hester at (703) 784-5902 during working hours or (703) 898-9863 after hours.
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