Alcohol & Sexual Assault
At least 75% of all campus rapes occur under the influence of alcohol.
Why do so many sexual assaults happen under the influence of alcohol?
Alcohol is often seen as a sexual signal. Men are more likely to assume that a woman who drinks is a willing sex partner; they are more likely to interpret her behavior, dress or body language as evidence she wants to have sex. Studies have shown that even without alcohol present, men frequently misinterpret women鈥檚 friendly gestures as flirtation or sexual signals.
Alcohol affects men鈥檚 willingness to behave aggressively. Men often drink to feel less inhibited, more powerful, aroused, and aggressive. Peer pressure also tends to encourage rowdy and aggressive behavior. Alcohol lowers inhibitions 鈥� it makes it easier to force sex on an unwilling partner and to ignore 鈥淣o鈥檚鈥� or other verbal or nonverbal cues that sex is nonconsensual.
Alcohols affects women鈥檚 ability to assess and react to risk. Alcohol impairs people鈥檚 ability to recognize a potentially dangerous situation. When drinking, one may not notice someone鈥檚 persistent attempts to get them to an isolated location or to get them to consume more alcohol.
Alcohols affects women鈥檚 ability to resist effectively. Intoxication also makes it much more difficult to successfully resist a sexual assault 鈥� alcohol produces a slow and ineffective response to an attack. Legally, an individual is considered unable to consent to sex if they are drunk or otherwise impaired. Having sex without consent is RAPE.
Alcohol affects perceptions of responsibility. Our culture has a tendency towards blame-the-victim thinking, particularly if alcohol was involved, (i.e. 鈥渟he was drunk, she asked for it鈥� attitudes). 鈥淚 was drunk, I didn鈥檛 know what I was doing鈥� is not an excuse to perpetrate sexual assault. Legally, perpetrators are held responsible for their actions whether or not they were under the influence. The majority of sexual assaults are planned, and often assailants take advantage of the fact that alcohol or other drugs increase vulnerability.
Please do not hesitate to seek help after an assault, even if you have violated the college鈥檚 Alcohol & Drug Policy. You will be treated with dignity and care throughout the reporting process, regardless of the circumstances of the assault.
Alcohol and Risk Reduction
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together. Make sure at least one member of the group to remain sober and look out for others.
- If you choose to drink, know your limits and stick to them. For instance, have one drink with alcohol and the next one without alcohol.
- If someone has passed out, do not leave them alone. Turn them on their side and call 911, do not assume they will 鈥渏ust sleep it off.鈥�
- Trust your instincts about uncomfortable situations. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Don鈥檛 allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don鈥檛 know or trust.
- State your limits clearly. Don鈥檛 be afraid to say 鈥淣o鈥� and/or walk away if you are feeling pressured or coerced, or even just uncomfortable.
- Educate yourself about Date Rape Drugs. Don鈥檛 leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container. Don鈥檛 drink anything with an unusual taste or appearance. If someone acts extremely drunk after only one or two drinks, they may have been drugged. Call 911 or take them to the hospital.
Sources: *Abbey, A; Ross, LT, McDuffe, D; and McAuslan, P. Alcohol, misperception, and sexual assault: how and why are they linked? In: Buss, DM, and Malamuth, N, eds. Sex, Power, Conflict: Evolutionary and Feminist Perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. pp.138-161.
鈥淎lcohol & Sexual Assault鈥� 2007 Illinois State University,
Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with federal and state statutes, 含羞草研究所 is committed to maintaining a community that is free from sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation, exploitation, coercion, and violence. The Payroll and Benefits Manager is designated as the Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries concerning the college鈥檚 policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and complaints may be directed to the Payroll and Benefits Manager, 含羞草研究所, P.O. Box 1267, 含羞草研究所, NC 28757, (828)669-8012 (ext. 3755).