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Sexual assault: Reduce your risk

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Contributed by: Sheriff Ted Mink on 2/19/2008

Everyone has the right to be free from sexual violence. No one has the right to sexually assault any other person.

In Colorado, 24 percent of women and 6 percent of men have experienced a completed or attempted sexual assault in their lifetime, according to surveys by the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault. In addition, 85 percent of those incarcerated for sexual assault in Colorado knew the person they attacked.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being victimized.

Dating
Navigating the world of dating can be difficult in and of itself,
without the added concern for personal safety. But safety must always
be a priority when interacting with someone new.

If you decide to plan a date with someone you don't know well, or
someone you met online, schedule a meeting in a public place. Don't
invite the person to pick you up at your home. Keep this arrangement
until you feel very comfortable being alone together and/or allowing the
person to know where you live.

Consider double-dating with friends. If you don't choose to
double-date, let a friend or relative know about your plans before you
go out. Always bring a cell phone and periodically check in with a
friend.

Spend a few minutes on Google.com searching your own name, or a
combination of your name and your state, city, employer, or school. You
might be surprised at how much personal information is out there about
you. Take steps toward reducing the amount of unwanted information on
the Web. Chances are very good that people you're dating or meeting
online are "Googling" you too.

Parties and Drinking
Our deputies find that many reported sex assaults reported follow a
similar pattern: the victim (usually female) attends a party and drinks
too much. When a victim is extremely intoxicated, the ability to give
consent is off the table. When her friend, date or new acquaintance
suddenly becomes an assailant, she is too intoxicated to fight back.

Intoxication eliminates your ability to give consent, and compromises
your ability to escape a dangerous situation. Know your limits. If
you're going to a party, choose a trusted friend to keep an eye out
for you, and vice versa.

Age of Consent
In some situations involving young people, consent is a moot point.
Here is a breakdown of Colorado's laws:
- The age of consent in Colorado is 15. If a person is under 15 and
there is more than four years' age difference between the parties,
statutory sexual assault applies - regardless of consent.
- If one party is 15 or 16, and the other party is more than nine years
older, statutory sexual assault applies.
- If one party is in a position of trust over someone under 18 - a
relationship such as coach/athlete, babysitter/charge, youth group
leader/member - then even consensual sex is considered sex assault by
one in a position of trust. This crime carries more penalties than a
straightforward sexual assault charge.

For More Information or Support
The Sheriff's Office has a team of victim advocates who lend support
to victims after they have reported a sexual assault. There are many
other local groups that provide support and education as well.
- Victim Outreach Information: www.victimoutreach.org, 303-202-2196
- Rape Assistance and Awareness Program (RAAP): raap.org, 303-329-9922.

Ted Mink is the sheriff for Jefferson County.

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