by Anna Hampton
Daily Lobo
Sexual assault comes in many forms.
"When you think about sexual assault, you think about rape," said Natahnee Winder, a peer educator at UNM's Student Health Center. "Stalking, domestic violence and unwanted contact are also issues."
Winder organized an information booth for National Sexual Assault Awareness Day on
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Wednesday.
The event was meant to educate students and the public on
methods to avoid sexual assault and to offer resources to victims.
"It's important to make the community aware that our services are available," said Crystal Hollon, community education director of the Shelter and Family Empowerment House. "Victims don't always realize organizations like this are out there."
Counseling and Therapy Services staff therapist Karl Ponchalek said people who are sexually assaulted are often in shock after the incident and don't report it.
"No matter how long a time has passed, it can still impact a
person," he said. "It's never too late."
People can find information about their legal rights, but taking that route can cause varied results, he said.
"The legal system can be a traumatic event in and of itself, or it can be very empowering," he said.
CATS offers resources like support groups and counseling for victims, he said.
Ellen Morrissey, emergency contraception project coordinator for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, said people who have been sexually assaulted are at a higher risk of having it happen again.
Skye Thomas, a student employee at the Women's Resource Center, said being on a college campus puts people at a higher risk for being sexually assaulted, but there are steps people can take to help prevent becoming a victim.
"On the college campus, you have people doing more activities that lead to being sexually assaulted," she said. "Make sure you are aware of your surroundings. To avoid mistakenly sexually assaulting someone, read body language better."
Tranquilino Hurtado, president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, said education about sexual assault is an important step to prevention.
"It's all about habits," he said. "A lot of it comes down to having too much alcohol."
Men should not assume that women want to have sex after a date and should ask questions to make sure they have a woman's consent, he said.
He said women should stay in control to prevent confusion.
"Girls should know the company they're with," he said. "Be responsible."
UNMPD Sgt. Jimmie White said alcohol and drug use often lead to sexual assault.
"Don't do drugs," he said. "Don't drink excessively, so that you aren't inhibiting your judgment."
He said that while a high percentage of victims are women, men are victims of sexual assault, but many don't report the cases.
"A lot of it is male ego," he said.
Winder said it is important to be verbal and travel with trusted friends.
"Listen to your intuition," she said. "If you're in a bad situation, your body is going to tell you to get out."
