Sexual Assault Reported on the WTAMU Campus

I wish we lived in a world where everything was puppies, kitties, and daisies all the time, but unfortunately we don't and bad things do happen.

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Unfortunately, it's never fun when we have to talk about the dark issues that surround us in this world.  Especially when our young adults are involved.

On Wednesday, March 23rd the WTAMU Police Department were alerted to a sexual assault that happened on the WT Campus.   The assault was reported to other local law enforcement.  The assault was reported to have occurred on Monday, March 21st,  in a WT residence hall.  According to the report the suspect wasn't associated with WTAMU.

The victim was given access to local and university resources.  The incident was also reported to the Title IX office.

Title IX is a federal civil rights law.  The law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives funding from the federal government.

Sexual assault is a very serious issue and it destroys lives.  Sexual assault is never the victims fault.  It doesn't matter if they were wearing something sexy, or they "led them on."  Their dress, history, actions, mental state do not matter.  If the word, no is said, or no consent was given, then it is sexual assault.

Victim blaming has been the norm for so long, that it needs to stop.

WTAMU and the UPD shared some suggestions for students (and anyone for that matter):

• Make sure you have consent. Consent is a clear and freely given yes, not the
  absence of a no.
• People who are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs cannot give consent.
• Practice being assertive about your boundaries.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, call for
  assistance.
• Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others
  engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or
  contact someone else to assist.
• Make use of on-campus resources (Student Counseling, Student Medical, Title IX,
  and UPD

If you have been a victim of sexual assault reach out to someone who can offer help.  You do not have to go through this alone.

Family Support Services in Amarillo is a great sources for help when it comes to sexual assault.  They have a 24-hour hotline, 806-374-5433 and offer a sexual assault support group.

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800.656.HOPE (4673)