You probably heard plenty of advice before arriving on campus this fall.

Don’t skip class.

Buy used books.

Don’t walk alone at night.

By simply following this advice, you can be safe from assault and rape.

Supposedly, the only threat to your safety is a stranger waiting in a dark alley. The truth is, you are most likely to be raped by someone you know.

This makes the threat of sexual assault an ever-present danger — on campus, at work, in your home.

How can we make Ames and the ISU campus safe from sexual assault? We can all take action to end sexual violence. A few suggestions:

Don’t commit sexual assault. This means don’t force or pressure any sex act on another with or without the threat and/or use of violence.

It is still sexual assault if the victim is drunk, unconscious or your date/spouse.

End the myths surrounding sexual assault. No one wants to be raped, or “brings on” an assault by the way they dress or behave.

No one could prevent a rape by being smarter or safer. Sexual assault can and does happen to anyone, including men, the elderly, gays and lesbians.

Place the blame for sexual assault where it belongs — on the perpetrator.

Rape is not about sex: a rapist uses sex to have power over another person. Rapists are not insane or “swept away” by passion. In most cases, rapists are psychologically normal and usually plan, at least partially, their crime.

Tell your story. It is estimated that one in three women will be raped in her lifetime.

If all the parents, siblings, friends and lovers of victims spoke out about their experience, what impact would that have on sexual violence in our society?

It is not appropriate or necessary to share how sexual assault has affected you with everyone you know, but consider sharing your story with people you trust.

An attitude of secrecy and shame only makes it easier for rapists to continue hurting others.

Support victims of sexual assault. Be open and non-judgmental to a friend who has been raped. Your friend needs your support and acceptance, but also needs to feel control over his or her life.

Encourage your friend to seek counseling. Respect the trust your friend has placed in you by sharing their experience with you.

Here in Ames, ACCESS provides a free, confidential crisis line for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The crisis line offers counseling and access to a variety of community resources 24 hours a day. The number is 515-232-2303 or toll-free 800-203-3488.

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Laura Helle

Senior

Graphic design