Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being

Sexual Assault

Survivors of gender-based violence, rape, acquaintance rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, or domestic violence have resources on our campus.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.

*Go to the MTU Title IX page to report any sexual misconduct*

Consent

According to Love is Respect, consent is communication at every step. Some things you can ask when you’re caught up in the heat of the moment are:

  • Are you comfortable?
  • Is this okay?
  • Do you want to slow down?
  • Do you want to go any further?
  • Do you want to stop?

The MTU Title IX page explains what consent is NOT. Consent:

  • Cannot be gained by force, threats, intimidation, or coercion
  • Cannot be inferred from silence or lack of resistance
  • Cannot be implied by attire or inferred from money spent
  • Can never be given by a minor
  • Can never be given by someone with a mental disability
  • Can never be given if the person is asleep, incapacitated or unconscious, which could be a result of alcohol or drugs
  • Can be withdrawn at any time as long as that withdrawal is clearly communicated

This also includes:

  • One type of sexual act does not imply consent for another act
  • Once a person says no or communicates that they want to stop, it does not matter if or what type of sexual behavior had occurred previously
  • Being in a relationship does not mean that consent is always given. It is important to ask each time when engaging in sexual activities

How to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

According to RAINN, supporting those who have experienced sexual violence can come in many different ways. This can include actively listening in a non-judgemental way and providing resources, such as contact information to medical professionals or police stations. 

RAINN encourages the use of these phrases while talking with the individual:

  • I believe you
  • It took a lot of courage to tell me this
  • It’s not your fault
  • You didn’t do anything to deserve this
  • You are not alone
  • I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can
  • I’m sorry this happened
  • This shouldn’t have happened to you

Local Resources

*Visit the MTU Title IX page to report any sexual misconduct*

The MTU Title IX provides several great resources on what you can do as a victim, a bystander, and as a supporter on their What Can You Do page. This includes:

Email counseling@mtu.edu to schedule an appointment with a campus counselor

Dial Help has a crisis line (1-800-562-7622), a text line (1-906-356-3337), and a chat available on their website. They offer 24/7 emergency response, advocates, referrals, legal information, help with obtaining a medical exam, and court accompaniment.

Other Resources: