FACTS
- 25% of the women in college today have been victims of rape or attempted rape.
- Almost 90% of them knew their assailant.
- One in every twelve men admitted to having fulfilled the prevailing definition of rape or attempted rape, yet virtually none of them thought of themselves as rapists.
- Of the women raped 75% did not identify the experience as rape.
- 47% of the rapes were by first or casual dates or acquaintances.
- The average age of the victim at the time of the rape was 18 years.
- More than 80% of the rapes occurred off campus, with more than 50% on the man's turf, home, car, or other.
- Over 30 % of the victims did not discuss their experience with anyone.
- Over 90% did not report the incident to the police.
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ILLUSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS --MYTHS AND REALITIES--
PREVENTION
ACQUAINTANCE OR DATE RAPE
GROUP RAPE
STRANGER RAPE
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF RAPE
MALES AS RAPE VICTIMS
OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
COUPLE, SPOUSE, AND CHILD ABUSE
SEX OFFENSES AND THE LAW
SAFETY ON CAMPUS: DOING YOUR PART
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ILLUSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
-- MYTHS AND REALITIES --
Myth: Rapes do not occur at UTM. Rapes are frequent at UTM.
Reality: Either statement is probably not correct. Sexual assaults do occur around UTM but probably not at any higher rate than elsewhere. However, the reported number of rapes is extremely low.
Myth: Rape usually happens at night and in dark places.
Reality: Rapes can happen anywhere and at any time. They may happen inside buildings, parking lots, garages, and in the home.
Myth: The rapist attacks to feed sexual desires.
Reality: This is very wrong. Most rapists have normal channels for sexual gratification. In general, a rapist is very insecure and frustrated at his lack of control of his life and over other people. Rape provides a non-sexual fulfillment of domination and humiliation to others. Sex is used as a tool to invade the victim's privacy and to invoke a feeling of power that is normally lacking in the rapist.
Myth: Attacks are not planned.
Reality: Most attacks are planned. The planning may have been over a short time or a period of weeks.
Myth: Rapists are "low class" people, real "sleaze bags".
Reality: There is almost no correlation between income, education, and looks. Any "type" of person can be a rapist.
Myth: Black men rape white women.
Reality: In most reported cases, the assailant and the victim are of the same race.
Myth: Most rapists are not known by the victims.
Reality: In most cases the rapist is an acquaintance, a co-worker, a classmate, a relative, or a neighbor.
Myth "Flashers". "Peeping Toms", and obscene phone callers are harmless.
Reality: Many rapists begin their abnormal behavior with these activities. They may even participate in these activities in addition to raping.
Myth: Women who where sexy outfits or behave in a flirtatious manner bring rape on themselves.
Reality: No one ever asks to become a rape victim. Less than 2% of reported rapes involved victims in scanty or sexy outfits.
Myth: Good-looking people are more likely to be chosen as victims.
Reality: Victims range in age from 6 months to 90 years in age. Vulnerability has much more to do with victim choice.
Myth: Women have rape fantasies and desire to be raped and dominated.
Reality: Both males and females have sexual fantasies, but they are usually controlled. Most people do not secretly desire to be raped.
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PREVENTION
YOU are the first and foremost line of protection regarding your personal welfare. There are three keys to keep in mind in preventing rape or any other crime against you.
AWARENESS. Be aware of the potential. Be alert to everyone and everything at all times.
COMMON SENSE. This is your best method of precaution and defense. If in doubt as to the wisest course of prevention, mentally place yourself in the criminal's shoes. A rapist usually picks the most available and vulnerable victim.
PRE-PLANNING. It is too easy to take routine chores and pastimes for granted. Remain aware of your surroundings. Daydreaming can be dangerous when going from place to place. Ask yourself if you are doing things in a safe manner. If not, what should you change? If you are confronted by someone, how would you handle it? Don't go to extremes! People who neglect precautions are vulnerable to danger. However, if you drastically alter your lifestyle for the sake of security, you become a victim of fear and paranoia.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Keep all doors and windows locked during any absence, whether you live in a residence hall, an apartment, or a house.
Keep curtains closed at night to prevent a prowler from gaining a view of you or learning you are not there.
Do not let strangers know you are alone.
Check identification of visitors before allowing entrance.
Travel in numbers, especially when you will be in an isolated area for some time.
Walk along clear-cut, well-traveled or well-lighted paths.
Never hitchhike or pick-up hitchhikers.
Make sure exterior lighting is turned on during hours of darkness. Report lights that are out to the Weakley County Municipal Electric System or to the Department of Public Safety.
Have your car door key in your hand with the point protruding through your fingers before going to your car.
Give only the necessary key(s) to a mechanic or parking attendant.
Do not leave keys unattended when in a P.E. class or when hanging up your jacket.
Have "do not duplicate" engraved on each key.
Do not tag keys with your name and address.
Avoid driving alone at night or in deserted places.
Always lock doors and have windows up.
Check front and rear seat before entering.
Park in lots that are well-lighted and well-traveled.
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ACQUAINTANCE OR DATE RAPE
"BUT I TRUSTED HIM..."
HE WAS YOUR DATE ...
Claire was a freshman at college and was thrilled when Todd, a junior and captain of the tennis team, approached her at a party and later asked her out. He was very attractive and picked her up at her dorm in his BMW. They went to dinner and, after a movie, Todd asked Claire if she would like to go to his apartment for coffee. Claire had some studying to do but did not want Todd to think that she didn't want to go out with him again so she agreed to go for a short while. After arriving at the apartment, Todd began to make advances that Claire rebuffed. Claire was very embarrassed that this was happening and she didn't want to antagonize Todd. They were alone so she did not see any way out. He ignored her protests and raped her repeatedly for two hours. When he was finished, Todd nonchalantly drove Claire back to her dorm.
HE WAS YOUR BOYFRIEND ...
Jan had dated Phil for the last eight months. They were very close and had sex on several occasions. One night Jan and Phil went to a party where they both had several drinks. They got into an argument and he called her derogatory names. Jan left the party. Phil ran after Jan and ordered her to get into his car. After several minutes of arguing, Phil shoved Jan into the car. Phil calmed down, and he drove to a spot where they had often parked. Phil said he was sorry and tried to kiss Jan, but she was in no mood and said, "No." Phil got angrier than before and forced Jan to have sex. He the drove her home and said he would call her the next day.
HE WORKED AT THE SAME PLACE ...
Kim was alone at her apartment when the doorbell rang. She asked who was there and opened the door after the person answered, "Jeff." He was a young man who worked in the same fast food restaurant that she did. Jeff entered the apartment and, as soon as Kim locked the door, he threw her down on the couch. He said he had watched her at work and had followed her home several times. When Kim made no response to his statements, he raped her. Kim never said a word and when Jeff finally left she sat there for several minutes before getting up to lock the door again.
HOW COULD SOMEBODY YOU KNOW AND TRUST DO THIS TO YOU?... UNFORTUNATELY, VERY EASILY!
While you are in college, one in four of you will possibly be raped or someone will try to sexually assault you. Most of you will know your assailant before the incident. What can you do to prevent this from happening to you?
PRECAUTIONS
You can be aware of the danger of rape and know what actions constitute rape and sexual assault or battery.
Make your choices about dating and sex which are best for you. Decide what you will do and what you will not do. Don't be influenced by peer pressure in making these decisions.
Be assertive, stand by your choices, and demand that others respect those choices. Just because they have spent money on you does not entitle him to have sex with you.
Communicate clearly with others. Say what you mean and use appropriate body language to back it up. Mean what you say. "No," said emphatically along with a very serious stare, says much more than the same word said with a meek, pleading look. If you don't really mean "No,". . . DON'T SAY IT!
Take responsibility for your actions and don't let anyone or anything sway you. You know by now that alcohol and drugs cloud your thinking. Know your limit and realize you're in dangerous territory when you go beyond that limit.
Trust your instincts about possibly dangerous situations and don't be pushed into one. If you go to a party with a group of friends, leave with them.
Know who you are dating. Be sure to know at least the name and address of the person. Ask other people about this person. They might drop a clue that this is not a person you want to date.
Let someone know where you are going and with whom. A roommate who expects you home and calls for help when you aren't there within a reasonable time might save you from a very bad experience.
Have your own transportation or money to call a cab. Call home, or in an emergency, call the police if you desperately need transportation. Don't be too embarrassed to ask for help. Our number is: Department of Public Safety 881-7777.
GROUP RAPE
"PLAYING CARDS?"
Group rape happens in the dorm, at private residences, fraternity houses or at athletic teammate gatherings.
A seventeen year-old freshman woman went to a house party with two of her roommates. The roommates left early without her. She was trying to get a ride home when one of the guys told her he would take her home after the party. Later, she went into the bedroom to play cards with several guys. Their rules included alcohol and if you lose you must drink and drink it fast. After becoming intoxicated she willingly had sex with one of the guys, but not all of them. She was told by the guys if she reported it they would harm her and that it would be her word against theirs. They also told her they took pictures of her nude and if she talked they would pass them out to the public. When one of the guys took her home, he told her not to feel bad because she was not the only one that night.
PARTY GAMES ... YOU'RE IT!
Usually, men can drink with their friends and not worry about being taken advantage of sexually. They are not often victimized by their peers and are rarely raped, sodomized, or otherwise violated by people they thought were friends. Women, whether on college campuses or elsewhere, are not so fortunate. If a woman becomes drunk at a gathering, men often choose one of three options. They either ignore her, help her, or exploit her. At too many college parties men are choosing exploitation. One Florida fraternity even went so far as to draw a chart of how many beers it took to get a particular "little sister" into bed.
The script is almost too familiar. A social group holds a party. A young woman has too much to drink and/or takes drugs. Because of her intoxication she may be unaware that the "friendly persuasion" of the males is actually a planned pursuit of easy game. If she ever realizes the danger, it is too late. She is afraid and sees no escape. Her protests, if she is aware enough to make any, are ignored. What follows may be group rape.
Some groups even go so far as to advertise "party games," "pulling a train," or "gang bang" through the grapevine. They see their behavior as normal "party hearty" and not as rape. Later, they talk about it and agree that, "She deserved what she got!," "She loved it!," "She's a nympho!" What leads nice young men to behave like this?
Why do "nice" men take part in group rape? Group rape may be a sort of a ritualistic ceremony to prove membership in the club, to show off, to reassure low self-esteem, to prove manhood. It is a frenzy of machoism. It is male domination over female, strong over weak, aggressive over meek, and the peer pressure to join in is strong. Sex in this context is not an expression of love, but some men do not make this differentiation. They seem to believe it is sex. Men who would never think of rape in an individual situation stand in line weekend after weekend, party after party because they fear that to refuse to partake would put club membership and manhood in question. Parties and club gatherings are a big part of the college social scene. If you are going to a party, be aware of what can happen. What can you do so you are not caught up in the action?
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STRANGER RAPE
WHO'S THE EASIEST "MARK"?
There she was just a-walkin' down the street singing, " do-wa-ditty-ditty-dum-ditty-doo. . . She had a set of earphones on and her eyes were glued to a magazine. She was alone and taking a shortcut through the wooded area to her apartment. She never heard her assailant approach her from the rear and didn't see his face before he threw a sweatshirt over her head. She was thrown to the ground and raped before she realized she was a victim.
... OR ...
She was in a hurry to get to class and set herself a rapid pace. She knew which route she was going to use and looked where she was going. People who passed her received a smile when she looked them in the eyes. It was obvious she enjoyed life and was observant of all of it.
Most rapists plan their attacks ahead of time. They usually know which places are hidden from view and what times other people are not likely to be around. They often fantasize about what they are going to say or do. They wait for the right time. But, who is the right victim? Usually the person who is most available, most vulnerable, or the least observant of faces and surroundings.
There are several things that you can do to avoid being a victim of attack. Most are simple and require little time or change in your routine.
PRECAUTIONS
OUTSIDE
Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace on the side facing street traffic.
Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
Don't walk alone at night, and always avoid areas where there are few people.
Be careful when someone in a car stops you for directions. Always reply from a distance, and never get too close to the car.
INSIDE
Don't allow any strangers into your home when you are alone--no matter what the reason or how dire the emergency is supposed to be. You can offer to make an emergency phone call yourself while they wait outside.
If strangers telephone or come to the door, don't admit that you are alone.
If you live in an apartment or dorm, avoid being in the laundry room or other isolated areas by yourself, especially at night.
If you come back to your residence and find a door or window open, or see signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.
Make sure all windows and doors in your residence are locked securely when you leave, even for a short time.
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MALES AS RAPE VICTIMS
Women and children most often represent images of rape victims in people's minds.Occasionally, however, a male does report this crime. Under Tennessee law both male and female victims of rape are equally protected.
Men seem to find it hard to report a rape to the authorities, or to anyone else. Just because the victim is male does not mean that he has given homosexual signals to the attacker. Neither does such an act imply the rapist's sexual preferences. Victims are chosen mainly to let the rapist vent anger and aggression. As with female victims, the reasons rapists attack males are varied. Furthermore, it should not be presumed that the rapist is always male. There are documented cases involving female attackers.
A male victim needs, and deserves, as much aid and compassion as a female. A male should follow the same steps for reporting the crime as those suggested for a female.
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IF YOU ARE A VICTIM...
Victims of date rape often feel guilty after the incident-Don't Remember, you are the victim and you need to seek help. Call the police (881-7777 on campus, 587-5355 off campus), Student Health Center (881-7750), the Campus Counseling Center (881-7720), Student Affairs (881-7700) or the area Crisis Line (1-800-372-0693). Tell a friend, a professor, a member of the Resident Hall Staff, a member of the clergy, or anyone you trust. It is requested that you do not bathe, change clothes, brush your teeth or hair, use any hygiene products, or do anything that might destroy/alter potential evidence. But even if you choose not to prosecute, seek help-you are not alone and confidential help is just a phone call away!
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OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
As with rape, other forms of sexual exploitation can leave the victim upset, embarrassed, angry, devastated and feeling helpless. In the following pages we have listed departments or service agencies, on and off campus, that can provide help to a victim of sexual exploitation in its various forms.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
What is sexual harassment? Who can be sexually harassed? What can you do if you are sexually harassed? Both males and females can be victims of sexual harassment, both males and females can be perpetrators of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can occur between supervisor and employee; coworker and coworker; campus visitor and university employee; professor and student, and students.
PRECAUTIONS
If you are sexually harassed, here are a few points to remember:
1. Know Your Rights: Sexual harassment is illegal and the University unequivocally opposes the sexual harassment of its employees and students.
2. Speak-up at the Time: Say "NO" clearly, and without smiling. This is not the time to be polite or vague. By being quiet, you enable the harassment to continue. Speaking up can protect others from being victimized and may decrease your feelings of helplessness.
3. Don't Blame Yourself: Sexual harassment is unwanted action that the harasser decides to take. It is not your fault.
4. Don't Delay: If you delay action, the harassment is likely to continue. An employee or student may first pursue informal channels for resolving the situation. For instance, employees may initially want to discuss the situation with a Department Head, Dean or Personnel Officer. Students may first want to contact the appropriate Dean or Department Head, or the Dean of Students. Since the University is liable for the harassing conduct of their employees, supervisors must take immediate and appropriate corrective action. Both employees and students have the option of contacting the Office of Diversity Resources. An official complaint is to be filed within 300 calendar days of the alleged act(s). In all situations, the employee and student should be prepared to report the exact behavior and, if possible, the date(s) on which it occurred.
If you are an observer of what you perceive to be sexual harassment, you can also take steps to stop this form of discrimination. You can:
1. Speak up: Inform the harasser that his/her actions may be perceived as sexual harassment.
2. Support the Victim: Provide comfort and assurances to the victim.
3. Report the Incident: Talk to appropriate persons within the department, or to the Office of Diversity Resources personnel.
It is important for victims and observers to seek advise in determining if what they are experiencing is sexual harassment. Seeking advice can also provide information on how to keep what are initial overtures from developing into harassment. Oftentimes, persons may feel that they can handle the situation when in fact they cannot. It is helpful to the University to know if such activities are occurring. Reporting the incident, whether one decides to file an official complaint or not, benefits the victim, the University, and future students or employees.
Sexual harassment is a particularly sensitive issue which can affect any member of the University community. Prompt action will be taken on every complaint. Each reported incident will be handled on a case by case basis to determine whether the alleged violation occurred and if appropriate disciplinary action is warranted.
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action. The University prohibits any retaliatory action against an employee for opposing an action which he or she believes to be sexual harassment, including the filing of an internal complaint or grievance or a charge with a state or federal civil rights enforcement agency. Student offenders may be disciplined under the University Policies and Procedures in Person to Person--UTM Student Handbook. Confidentiality of all parties involved will be respected to the extent allowed by law.
The University of Tennessee at Martin is committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment by any member of the University community is a violation of both the law and University policy and will not be tolerated. Both males and females can be victims of sexual harassment, and both males and females can be perpetrators of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an issue which may affect any member of the University community and will be dealt with promptly by the University administration.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
Complaint procedures are designed to ensure protection of the civil rights of all parties. For help, contact these areas:
Office of Diversity Resources
223 Administration Building
(731) 881-7704
Personnel Office
227 Administration Building
(731) 881-7845
Dean of Students
223 Administration Building
(731) 881-7705
To make a formal complaint, students should report the incidence of sexual harassment to the Department of Public Safety at 881-7777 and to the Office of Student Affairs at 881-7700.
To make a formal complaint, employees should report the incidence of sexual harassment to the Office of Personnel Services at 881-7845 and to the Office of Diversity Resources at 881-7704.
DEFINITIONS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
For Employees, harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines define sexual harassment as follows:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
For Students, harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's status in a course, program, or activity;
2. Submission to such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the individual, including, but not limited to, grades or academic progress; or
3. When the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
OBSCENE PHONE CALLS
Obscene telephone calls are annoying, upsetting and illegal. A high percentage of the offenders are identified, but not every case is solved.
PRECAUTIONS
In the directory list your telephone number using only your first and middle initials with your last name.
You may choose not to list your number in the directory and only give it out to select people.
An answering machine can come in very handy for recording obscene phone calls and for screening other calls.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM ...
Hang up immediately. Do not slam down the receiver. This will let the caller know that he is bothering you.
Try to determine the sex of the caller, speech patterns, or caller's accent, any background noise and what was said in the brief conversation.
Immediately call the Department of Public Safety, 881-7777.
If the calls persist, you may also be asked to keep a three day log of the calls, the time the call was received and other information to aid in the investigation.
INDECENT EXPOSURE OR FLASHING
Victims of this crime are often taken by surprise when confronted by a person, usually a man, exposing his genitals. This crime may be more serious than the victim realizes initially. Often the offender will be dressed in a long coat, but wearing no pants. Occasionally, the offender will be wearing pants of some type with an elastic waist band. This crime is pre-planned and often in a public setting where only one or two females are located.
PRECAUTIONS
Don't walk in deserted areas alone.
Be alert to your surroundings and take notice of people who seem "out of place" or who are dressed inappropriately. A man in a trench coat on a summer day is quite "out of place."
When engaged in a conversation with an individual sitting in a car, approach with caution do not get too close to the car.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM ...
Call the Department of Public Safety at 881-7777.
Get a good description of the offender (clothing, physical characteristics, etc.) and his direction of travel.
After the incident, you may want to talk with someone about it.
1) The Counseling Center, 881-7720 is available.
2) The Crisis Line, 1-800-327-0693 is available after office hours and on weekends.
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SEXUAL BATTERY (TCA 39-13-505)
Sexual battery is unlawful sexual contact with another person. Sexual contact is the intentional touching of the victim's genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks or breast, or the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of these body parts. If the touching can reasonably be construed as being for the purpose of the offender's sexual arousal or gratification, it is considered battery.
Sexual battery is a felony. No one has a right to touch you where you do not want to be touched. Note that the touching need not be forceful or inflict pain and/or injury to be considered battery.
PRECAUTIONS
Be assertive and demand that others respect your space.
Be alert to the motives of other people who touch your body. Seemingly innocent touches that occur too often may be the beginnings of that person desensitizing you to their overtures.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM ...
Immediately call the Department of Public Safety at 881-7777.
Get a description of the offender's physical characteristics and the direction of travel.
If you want to talk to someone about the incident, call the Counseling Center, 881-7720, or the Crisis Line at 1-800-372-0693.
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SEX OFFENSES AND THE LAW
TCA 39-13-501. The following definitions apply in TCA 39-13-501 to TCA 39-13-511 unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) Coercion - means threat of kidnapping, extortion, force or violence to be performed immediately or in the future of the use of parental, custodial, or official authority over a child less than 15 years of age;
(2) Intimate parts - includes the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks or breast of a human being
(3) Mentally defective - means that a person suffers from a mental disease or defect which renders that person temporarily or permanently incapable of appraising the nature of his conduct;
(4) Mentally incapacitated - means that a person is temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or other substance administered to the person without his consent, or due to any other act committed upon that person without his consent;
(5) Physically helpless - means that a person is unconscious, asleep or for any other reason physically or verbally unable to communicate unwillingness to do an act.
(6) Sexual contact - includes the intentional touching of the victim's, the defendant's, or any other person's intimate parts, or the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of the victim's, the defendant's, or any other person's intimate parts, if that intentional touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification;
(7) Sexual penetration - means sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, or any other intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or of any object into the genital or anal openings of the victim's, the defendant's, or any other person's body, but emission of semen is not required; and
(8) Victim - means the person alleged to have been subjected to criminal sexual conduct.
TCA 39-13-502. Aggravated Rape. Aggravated rape is unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim accompanied by any of the following circumstances:
(1) Force or coercion is used to accomplish the act and the defendant is armed with a weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the victim reasonably to believe it to be a weapon;
(2) The defendant causes bodily injury to the victim;
(3) The defendant is aided or abetted by one or more persons and
(A) Force or coercion is used to accomplish the act; or
(B) The defendant knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless;
TCA 39-13-503. Rape. Rape is unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim accompanied by any of the following circumstances:
(1) Force or coercion is used to accomplish the act;
(2) The defendant knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless;
(3) The sexual penetration is accomplished by fraud.
TCA 39-13-504. Aggravated Sexual Battery. Aggravated sexual battery is unlawful sexual contact with a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim accompanied by any of the circumstances listed in TCA 39-13-502.
TCA 39-13-505. Sexual Battery. Sexual battery is unlawful sexual contact with a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim accompanied by any of the circumstances listed in TCA 39-13-503.
TCA 39-13-506. Statutory Rape. Statutory rape is sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or of the defendant by the victim when the victim is at least thirteen (13) but less than eighteen (18) years of age and the defendant is at least four (4) years older than the victim.
If the person accused of statutory rape is under eighteen (18) years of age, such a defendant shall be tried as a juvenile and shall not be transferred for trial as an adult.
TCA 39-13-507. Limited Spousal Exclusion. A person does not commit an offense under this part if the victim is the legal spouse of the perpetrator except as provided in subsections (b) and (c):
(b) Spousal rape means the unlawful sexual penetration of one spouse by the other where:
(A) The defendant is armed with a weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon;
(B) The defendant causes serious bodily injury to the victim;
(C) The spouses are living apart and one of them has filed for separated maintenance or divorce.
(c) Spousal sexual battery means the unlawful sexual contact by one spouse of another where:
(A) The defendant is armed with a weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon;
(B) The defendant causes serious bodily injury to the victim;
(C) The spouses are living apart and one of them has filed for separated maintenance or divorce.
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COUPLE, SPOUSE, AND CHILD ABUSE
GEORGE LOVES MARY
Mary Ellen and George had been married for a few months when he came home upset. His finals were not going well. Mary Ellen had not picked up his pants at the cleaners and had not cooked supper because she had to work late. George became more angry and verbally abusive as she began apologizing and hurriedly started to cook. George blamed her for his not having time to prepare for the tests. Mary Ellen said it wasn't her fault. George became irate, grabbing the skillet from the stove and throwing it into the sink. She reached for the skillet in the sink. He slapped her across the face and told her to forget it. When she picked up the skillet, he told her to drop it. He knocked her down and began hitting her about the face and chest.
Abuse in the family and domestic violence are present in today's society. As many as fifty percent of all women in America will be the victims of at least one beating or battering incident in their lifetimes. The emotional trauma from such an incident often remains after the physical scars have healed. Women are most often the victims of their husbands or boyfriends. Often the children in these relationships are victims as well.
Many women spend their lives coping with an abuser. Some women lose the battle, and lose their lives.
PRECAUTIONS
In the dating situation, be attentive to abuse-potential behaviors of your friend.
1) Does this person lose his temper and become verbally abusive with you over small things?
2) Does the person always blame someone else for his misfortune?
3) Does the person use force to keep you in line?
4) Does the person tell you that he loves you and that the violent actions are for your own good?
5) After he has hit you, does the person tell you that he is sorry and that it will never happen again?
6) Does the person believe that he is always right and never allows you to question or express a differing opinion on any decision that he has made?
7) When the person is angry, does he become irrational, hit walls, break things, or hit other people?
8) Was the person the product of an abusive home life as a child?
If you see these behaviors, or similar behaviors, back-off and re-examine your relationship. Abusers rarely change with marriage or co-habitation. They are more likely to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive toward a spouse or girlfriend, and later toward the children.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM ...
The Counseling Center 881-7720 is a good place to start to sort out your dating relationship. Don't ignore a problem which could change your future.
Get away from the abuser--You cannot fight back against, or with, him.
Call the police. Officers are specially trained to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of a victim. The officer will make sure you get proper medical care. You do not have to prosecute now but may decide to do so at a later time. The officer will stay with you until you are at a safe place and with people who can give you emotional support. The officer will also put you in touch with crisis or counseling professionals.
If you are the victim, or the friend of a victim, making a telephone call to report the incident could save a life.
There is a shelter for abused women and her dependent children in West Tennessee. Any the following agencies can put a victim in touch with them. Call these numbers:
1) Crisis Line, 1-800-372-0693
2) Department of Public Safety, 881-7777
3) University Counseling Center, 881-7720
Women who are victims of spouse or boyfriend abuse have alternatives. Victims do not have to be married to the abuser to use these services.
To report an incident of child abuse on campus property call the Department of Public Safety, 881-7777.
To report an incident of child abuse in the City of Martin, call Martin Police Department 587-5355. You may also call the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services at 364-3128.
Remember, physical abuse is a crime and there are services available to aid the victim in making decisions about this crime. DON'T BET YOUR LIFE THAT IT WELL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
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TENNESSEE SEXUAL OFFENDERS REGISTRY
Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-39-106 makes some Tennessee Sexual Offenders Registry information about sex offenders who committed certain enumerated offenses on or after July, 1 1977, public record, and requires that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation post the information on the TBI's internet home page. Information concerning these offenders can be found on the website or by calling 1-888-837-4170 from 8:00AM until 4:30 PM CST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The sexual offender website can be located at (www.ticic.state.tn.us.SEX_ofnder/search_short.asp)
Any person employed or attending the University of Tennessee at Martin who meets the requirements for TCA 40-39-106 must register with the Sexual Offender Register.
For Additional information or inquiries, contact the Department of Public Safety at 881-7777.
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SAFETY ON CAMPUS: DOING YOUR PART
When walking or jogging:
Go with someone.
Stay away from isolated areas.
Stay near well-lit areas.
Hold your purse or briefcase securely, close to your body.
If you think you are being followed:
Change direction.
Cross the street.
Keep looking back to keep from being surprised.
Go to a well-lit area where there are likely to be other people.
Observe as much as possible about the other person to give a good description.
Where you live:
Keep doors locked night and day.
Don't open the door for strangers.
Don't leave the door unlocked for another person.
Install "peep holes" in outside doors.
Protect personal and University property:
Keep doors locked.
Engrave and record description of valuables and equipment with all ID numbers.
Don't leave your purse in an unlocked desk drawer.
Don't leave any belongings unattended in public places.
If you are working late:
Lock all doors behind you when entering and exiting buildings.
Let security know if you are alone in the building.
Lock your office door.
In your car:
Keep doors locked while driving.
Don't pick up hitchhikers.
Check the back seat before entering a vehicle.
Protect your car:
Always lock your car and take the keys.
Lock all valuables in the trunk.
Park in well-lit areas.
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