Campus counseling available for victims of rape

By Ravneet Padda

It was just another weekend for these three buddies. They were on their way back from Magic Mountain after a fun-filled day. The car was rolling, the music rocking…but something was different. This time–not everybody was having fun.

One of them, a 17-year-old, was being raped in the backseat of the car by a friend while the other friend was driving.

Many teenagers and young women find themselves in similar situations.

“ According to statistics, every one in three women can expect to be sexually assaulted in a lifetime,” said Jan Slagter, faculty in the Women’s Studies Program.

Many of these women keep quiet for fear of police harassment and social castigation, said Heather Oliver, chair of the Women’s Alliance on campus.

Six people sought rape counseling at the University Health and Psychological Services while only two cases were reported to University Police in 2002.

One case was reported in 2003.

“ It is very important for the rape survivor to realize that the responsibility lies with the perpetrators of the crime,” said Francine L. Oputa, coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center.

Victims can call up the Women’s Resource Center or the University Health Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Rape counseling at both organizations is free. Survivors can also request advocates to accompany them to medical exams and law enforcement offices.

Counseling sessions are free at some off- campus organizations as well.

If the survivor is not insured, the Victim/ Witness Assistance program of Fresno County offers help in filing applications for county medical coverage.

“ These services address all the needs of the survivor- the physical and the emotional, short term and long- term,” Nancy Bleile, staff physician at the Health Center said.

Bleile recommended the victim undergo an examination within 72 hours of the assault to collect evidence against the perpetrator in case they decide to file a case.

Victims who seek counseling do not have to file a report.

“ Filing a report is the individual choice of the survivor,” Bleile said.

Some sexual assault counseling organizations have to report rape cases depending on the nature of the establishment and the case but confidentiality is maintained for medical and counseling records, Bleile said.

In case the victim and the perpetrator are Fresno State students, faculty, staff or administrators, a complaint can be filed with Human Resources.

Oputa offered certain preventative measures students could take to guard against rape.

A vast majority of cases of sexual violence occur under the influence of alcohol, she said. She recommended that students know their individual limits, watch out for friends, and accept drinks from trusted people.

The notion that rape takes place at night and the set ideas of what a rapist looks like are common misconceptions, Oputa said.

A peer counselor at the Women’s Resource Center, Deborah Napolean, said most rape cases involve acquaintances or people that know each other well and urged students to be cautious.

“ The idea that sexual violence happens to others but not to me is a myth,” said Mary Lee McGough, a volunteer at the center.