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Preventing and Reporting Sexual Assault

Preventing sexual assault

The Virginia Tech Police Department reminds all community members of the following information about sexual assault. 

Note: This information is general in nature and does not necessarily relate to any specific incident.

  • According to a US Department of Justice report, one in every five college women and one in every 16 college men will be the victim of a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault during their time in college.  
  • Survivors are never responsible for the offenders' behavior.
  • The most common type of sexual assault is not by a stranger but by someone the victim knows, typically a date or acquaintance.
  • Alcohol and drugs are often used to create vulnerability to sexual assault. Studies of sexual assault incidents show a high correlation between acquaintance rape and drug/alcohol usage. Be alert to people pressuring you or others to use alcohol or other drugs.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.
  • Use and encourage others to have a companion or a safe means of getting home, i.e., a trusted friend, taxi, or Safe Ride if available.
  • Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist. Learn more on Virginia Tech' Safe at VT website.
  • If you engage in sexual activity, be sure you understand your partner's limits, and communicate your own limits clearly. Don't engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner.

If you have imminent concerns for the safety of others, call the police to ask for assistance.

Reporting a crime

The community is reminded to report all crimes and suspicious activity/persons anywhere on campus to the Virginia Tech Police Department immediately by calling 540-382-4343 or 911. Anonymous tips can be reported online or via the LiveSafe mobile app (for Andoid and iPhone devices).

Reporting a sexual assault

If you are sexually assaulted, you have several options.

If you report a sexual assault that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus, the Police Department will investigate, provide assistance, and offer related services to support your safety and well-being. If the crime occurred in another jurisdiction, the Police Department will assist you in accessing assistance in that jurisdiction.

The Virginia Tech Police Department offers a range of personal safety programs, including Rape Aggression Defense courses.