ARISE

• Sexual violence is caused by perpetrators' uncontrollable sex drives.
• Only women are survivors.
• Only men are perpetrators.
• Survivors' behaviors cause sexual violence (e.g., what they were wearing, doing, drinking, etc.).
• Sexual violence can easily be stopped in-the-moment.
• Sexual violence mostly happens in isolated locations and is mostly perpetrated by strangers. 
• Rates of false reports of sexual violence are very high. 
• All of the above statements are FALSE.

• Sexual violence is about power and control, not sex.
• Anyone can be harmed by sexual violence, regardless of gender.
• Anyone can perpetrate sexual violence, regardless of gender.
• The only people responsible for sexual violence are perpetrators. Survivors' behaviors before, during, and after are not causes of sexual violence.
• 24% of transgender students are sexually assaulted during their college careers.
• 23.1% of female students are sexually assaulted during their college careers.
• 6.3% of male students are sexually assaulted during their college careers. 
• 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual abuse before age 18.
• It's not always possible to stop sexual violence in-the-moment due to threats, coercion, manipulation, harassment, weapons, incapacitation, etc.
• Sexual violence may affect a survivor for months or years later.
• Consent must be given directly, freely, soberly, continuously by adults.
• 80% of survivors know the person who harmed them, 2/3 of incidents occur in the survivor's home or the home of someone they know.
• False reports of sexual violence are very rare: only .6-2.5% of all reported sexual assaults; false reports of sexual violence occur at the same rate as other violent crimes, such as assault, battery, kidnapping, etc.

All statistics from National Sexual Violence Resource Center

• Sexual violence includes any non-consensual sexual acts, which may or may not include physical contact.
  • Common examples include catcalling, dating or domestic violence, flashing, rape, revenge porn, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and unsolicited/unwanted nude photos.
• Definitions of specific criminal acts vary by state. To learn more about Florida laws, check out Florida Criminal Statutes

• There are many factors to consider in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence, including safety, physical health, mental health, and possible preservation of evidence.
• Reports can be made to on- and off-campus authorities, including the Title IX Office, University Police (UPD), and local police departments (see details on their contact information below).
• Medical and/or mental health care are available to survivors, even if they choose not to make a formal report.
  • There is no 'right' answer about whether to report or not. Survivors need to make the best decision for themselves.
• Speaking with someone can help, though it's entirely the survivor's decision whether and when to do so. Options include:
  • FGCU Victim Advocate: Katherine Cascio, 239-590-1243, kcascio@fgcu.edu
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 239-590-7950 during business hours, 24/7/365 Helpline: 239-745-3277
  • Student Health Services: 239-590-7996 to schedule an appointment or for after hours care
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673, or online chat, or via the RAINN app

• Survivors who live on campus can speak with their Resident Assistant (RA) and/or Resident Directors, even if the incident occurred off-campus.
• These staff members have been trained on how to talk about and share resources with survivors of sexual violence. Staff members can be a great support system.
• It's important to note that RAs and Resident Directors are required to report any incidents of sexual violence they're informed of to the Title IX office.

  • Just because an incident is reported to Title IX does NOT mean it has to be investigated and survivors don’t have to participate in an investigation if they don’t want to. Only in rare instances (e.g. a serial offender or clear immediate risk to the campus community) would Title IX proceed without a survivor's involvement.

For FREE forensic/evidence collection exams ("rape kits"), STI testing, pregnancy prevention, and counseling, consider the following community providers. It is not necessary to file a police report to receive any of these services:

• Lee/Glades/Hendry Counties: Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT), 24 hour hotline : 239-939- 3112 (TTY)
• Collier County: Project HELP, 24 hour hotline: 239-262-7227 (TTY)
• Charlotte County: Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (CARE), 24/7 helpline: 941-637-0404 (TTY)

Local Hospitals: Note that evidence collection ("rape kits") are only provided at ACT, Project Help, or CARE, not in local emergency rooms.

• Gulf Coast Hospital (closest to campus): 13681 Doctors Way, Fort Myers
• Lee Memorial Hospital: 2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• Cape Coral Hospital: 636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral
• Physician’s Regional Hospital: 8300 Collier Blvd, Naples or 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples
• Naples Community Hospital: 11190 Healthpark Blvd., Naples or 350 7^th St. North, Naples
• Fawcett Memorial Hospital- 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Charlotte Regional Medical Center: 2500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte 

On-Campus Reporting Options

• Title IX Office: Conducts investigations into reported incidents of sexual violence and gender-based discrimination (perpetrator must be a current FGCU student, staff, faculty, or contractor).
  • Reports can be filed online, in-person (Edwards Hall 114), or by phone (239-745-4366)
  • Title IX investigations are non-criminal proceedings, they determine whether the perpetrator (called "respondent" in Title IX proceedings) is responsible for act(s) of sexual violence or gender-based discrimination 
  • If a perpetrator/respondent is found responsible for sexual violence or gender-based discrimination, they are referred to the Student Conduct Office (if a student), Human Resources (if staff), or Faculty Senate (if faculty) to determine the penalties.
• FGCU Police (UPD): Conducts criminal investigations into incidents of sexual violence that occur on-campus. 
  • Reports can be filed in-person (Campus Support Complex) or by calling  (239-590-1911) and an Officer will be dispatched

Off-Campus Reporting Options: Conducts criminal investigations into incidents of sexual violence that occur off-campus.

• Fort Myers Police Department: 239-321-7700
• Lee County Sheriff's Office: 239-477-1000
• Collier County Sheriff's Office: 239-774-4434
• Charlotte County Sheriff's Office: 941-258-3900

There could be a risk of pregnancy following some instances of sexual violence. If a survivor needs free testing for pregnancy, they can contact:

• Student Health Services: 239-590-7966
• Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT): 239-939- 3112 (TTY)
• Project HELP: 239-262-7227 (TTY)
• Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (CARE): 941-637-0404 (TTY)

 

Emergency contraception (EC) options:

• Plan B: a hormone used in birth control pills to prevent ovulation, fertilization, and attachment to the uterine lining. Plan B does not cause an abortion. It should be taken as soon as possible (must be within 72 hours) with food. It is available without prescription at most pharmacies (usually around $50) or for $15 at Student Health Services.
• Ella: a different 'morning after pill' that is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 days; it may also be more effective for individuals weighing over 165 pounds. Prescription is required. Usually costs about $50 at pharmacies.

There could be a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from some instances of sexual violence.

• Student Health Services provides confidential and low-cost testing for many STIs; they also provide treatments for some STIs.
• Schedule an appointment with Student Health at 239-590-7966 to discuss testing.
• Free STI testing is also available through ACT, Project Help, and CARE, even if you don't participate in evidence collection or file a report. Call them to make an appointment for testing.
  • Lee/Glades/Hendry Counties: Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT), 24 hour hotline : 239-939- 3112 (TTY)
  • Collier County: Project HELP, 24 hour hotline: 239-262-7227 (TTY)
  • Charlotte County: Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (CARE), 24/7 helpline: 941-637-0404 (TTY)