Sexual Assault and Domestic violence

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a strong proponent of Title IX enforcement and in ensuring that sex discrimination and sexual violence is eradicated.

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Protecting yourself against sexual assault

If you are the victim of an attempted sexual assault, remember that the goal is survival. Here are some steps to help prevent some assaults from occurring or progressing:

  • When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t know or trust.
  • Many sexual assaults on campus involve “date rape.” Learn more about this crime, its tell-tale signs and strategies for get­ting out of difficult and dangerous situations.
  • Many of these date rapes involve the use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Be responsible in your consumption of alcohol. Never leave your drink — alcoholic or otherwise — unattended at a party or social event. Never accept a “special drink,” the con­tents of which you are unsure about, from anyone you don’t know or trust.
  • Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.
  • Stall for time. Figure out your options. Each situation is dif­ferent. Decide if you will fight, try to talk your way out of the assault, scream, or, if necessary for your survival, submit.
  • If you fight, hit hard and fast. Target the eyes and groin.
  • Try to dissuade the attacker from continuing. Say that you have a sexually transmitted disease, urinate, vomit, or do anything to discourage the attacker.

Dial 911 or contact directly at 713-313-7000 for assistance.

If sexually assaulted..

  • Go to a safe place
  • Report the crime by notifying the police immediately. It can help you regain a sense of control.
  • Call a friend, family member, or someone else you can trust to give you support.
  • Preserve all physical evidence of the assault. Resist the urge to shower, bathe, douche, eat, drink, or brush your teeth until you have had a medical exam. Even if you are unsure about making a police report or about whether you want the assailant prosecuted you should collect the evidence now and decide later. Physical evidence may deteriorate as time passes and may be lost forever.
  • Keep all the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Put each item into a paper bag. Do not disturb the area where the assault occurred.
  • Get medical care ASAP. Go to a hospital emergency department or a specialized forensic clinic that provides treatment for sexual assault victims. Many physical injuries may not be apparent immediately.
  • If you suspect you were given a date rape drug, ask the hospital or clinic to take a urine sample. Some date rape drugs are more readily detected in urine than blood.
  • Write down as much as you can remember about the assault, including a description of the assailant.

Sexual Assault Student Assistant Services

TSU policies prohibit sex discrimination and sexual misconduct (which includes: sexual harassment, sexual assaults, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation and stalking). Feel free to reach our University Counselling center (ext: 7804).

More Information

Domestic Violence

Here at The Hotline talking about the most current topics related to domestic violence. Join in on the discussions , or sharing the content with friends. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

Hazing Prevention

Hazing is the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group. Hazing is seen in many different types of social groups, including gangs, sports teams, schools, military units, and fraternities and sororities. The initiation rites can range from relatively benign pranks, to protracted patterns of behavior that rise to the level of abuse or criminal misconduct.

Hazing is often prohibited by law and may comprise either physical or psychological abuse. It may also include nudity and/or sexually based.