Sexual Assault Prevention

Preventing sexual violence requires a community that understands consent, recognizes potentially harmful situations and knows how to respond. RISE provides prevention education and connects Texas Tech students with support and resources related to sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

On This Page

• Consent & Prevention
• If You or a Friend Experiences Sexual Assault
• Reporting & Support Options
• Bystander Intervention
• Supporting a Survivor
• Support Resources

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Consent & Prevention

Texas Tech University defines consent as mutually understandable words or actions, actively communicated both knowingly and voluntarily, that clearly convey permission for a specific activity.

Consent is an ongoing process. It can be withdrawn at any time, and consent to one activity does not automatically mean consent to another.

Consent Must Be

• Voluntary: Consent cannot result from force, threats, intimidation, coercion or manipulation.
• Communicated: Everyone involved should clearly communicate what they do and do not want.
• Ongoing: Consent is needed throughout an interaction and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Specific: Agreeing to one activity does not mean agreeing to another.
• Given by someone capable of consenting: A person who is incapacitated, unconscious or asleep cannot consent.

The absence of a "no" does not mean someone has consented. If you are unsure, stop and check in.

Learn More About Consent

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If You or a Friend Experiences Sexual Assault

After a sexual assault, you can decide what steps feel right for you. Your immediate safety, medical needs and well-being are the priority.

Consider Medical Care

Medical care can address injuries, pregnancy concerns, sexually transmitted infections and other health needs. A forensic sexual assault examination may also preserve evidence if you later decide to make a report.

The current Texas Tech resource guidance recommends seeking medical care as soon as possible and notes that forensic examination options are time-sensitive.

Preserving Options

You do not have to decide immediately whether to participate in a university or criminal investigation. Seeking medical care or support does not require you to pursue every reporting option.

If possible, avoid showering, bathing, changing clothes or washing items that may contain evidence before receiving guidance from a medical professional. If you have already done any of these things, you can still seek medical care and support.

Resources remain available even if you decide not to make a formal report.

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Reporting & Support Options

Students who experience sexual assault, interpersonal violence, stalking or harassment have options for seeking support and reporting what happened.

Choosing one option does not necessarily require you to choose another. You can learn about available resources before deciding how you want to proceed.

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Bystander Intervention

Everyone can play a role in preventing sexual violence. Bystander intervention means recognizing a potentially harmful situation and choosing a safe way to respond.

Situations where intervention may be appropriate include:

• Someone appears too impaired to make decisions or consent.
• A person is pressuring, isolating or taking advantage of someone else.
• A friend appears uncomfortable or is trying to leave a situation.
• You hear comments or behavior that normalize coercion, harassment or violence.
• Something about a situation simply does not seem right.

Ways to Intervene

• Direct: Address the situation directly when it is safe to do so.
• Distract: Interrupt the situation or create an opportunity for someone to leave.
• Delegate: Ask a friend, staff member, law enforcement officer or another person for help.
• Delay: Check in with someone afterward if intervening in the moment is not safe or possible.

Your safety matters, too. You do not have to confront someone directly to make a difference.

Learn About Healthy Relationships & Bystander Intervention

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Supporting a Survivor

If someone tells you they experienced sexual assault or another form of sexual violence, your response can make an important difference.

Believe Them

Listen without questioning whether the experience happened or asking the person to justify their actions.

Listen Without Investigating

You do not need to know every detail. Give the person space to share what they want and avoid pressing for information they are not ready to discuss.

Ask What They Need

Sexual violence can take away a person's sense of control. Let the survivor make decisions about what happens next whenever possible.

Connect Them With Resources

Offer information about medical care, counseling, advocacy and reporting options without pressuring the survivor to choose a particular path.

Continue to Check In

Recovery does not follow a set timeline. Continue to offer support while respecting the person's boundaries.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone after a traumatic experience can also be difficult for friends and loved ones. Counseling and support resources are available to you as well.

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Support Resources

Texas Tech Resources

Community Resources

• Voice of Hope Rape Crisis Center: Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and support related to sexual assault and sex trafficking. Call 806.763.RAPE (7273).
• Women's Protective Services: Provides crisis intervention, shelter and support related to family and interpersonal violence. Call 806.747.6491.

National Resources

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800.656.4673 for 24/7 support.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800.799.7233 or text START to 88788.

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Prevention Education

RISE offers prevention education for student organizations, classes, departments and other campus groups on topics including consent, sexual violence prevention, healthy relationships and bystander intervention.

Explore Programs & Workshops