Purpose
Our community is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members. Sexual misconduct—including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation—will not be tolerated. This policy outlines key concepts, responsibilities, and available resources for prevention, education, and response.
Understanding Consent
Consent is a clear, knowing, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity. Consent cannot be given by someone who is asleep, incapacitated, or under coercion, intimidation, or threat. Silence or lack of resistance does not imply consent.
Rape Culture and Victim Blaming
What is Rape Culture?
Rape culture is an environment where sexual violence is normalized, excused, or minimized. It is perpetuated through misogynistic language, objectification, victim blaming, and media portrayals that glamorize or trivialize sexual violence.
Examples of Rape Culture
- Blaming the victim (“She asked for it.”)
- Trivializing sexual assault (“Boys will be boys.”)
- Making sexually explicit jokes
- Tolerating sexual harassment
- Publicly scrutinizing a victim’s clothing, mental state, or motives
- Teaching only women to avoid being assaulted instead of teaching everyone to respect consent
The Harm of Victim Blaming
Victim-blaming attitudes marginalize survivors and discourage reporting. When society or individuals suggest a survivor is responsible for the abuse they experienced, they reinforce the abuser’s narrative and enable continued violence.
It is never the victim’s fault. Abuse and assault are conscious choices made by perpetrators.
Common Example:
“They both need to change; she provoked him.”
Reality:
Abuse is never mutual. Responsibility for violence rests solely with the abuser, who makes deliberate choices to harm another person.
Dating and Domestic Violence
Dating and domestic violence can take many forms—physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal. Behaviors such as intimidation, isolation, humiliation, threats, or controlling a partner’s actions all constitute abuse.
Facts:
- No one deserves to be abused.
- Jealousy and possessiveness are warning signs, not signs of love.
- The period immediately after leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous.
- Men can also be victims of abuse and may face stigma when seeking help.
- Violence is a choice, not an uncontrollable reaction.
Sexual Assault Facts
- Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault.
- Most survivors know their assailant.
- Assaults can happen anywhere, at any time.
- False reports are extremely rare (approximately 2%).
- People of all genders, ages, and backgrounds can be victims.
- Sexual assault is an act of power and control, not passion.
- Survivors may respond in different ways—calm, angry, detached, or hysterical—all are valid.
Combating Rape Culture
Everyone has a role in building a culture of consent and respect:
- Use language that values and respects others.
- Speak out against offensive jokes or comments.
- Support survivors and believe them.
- Critically examine media messages about gender and violence.
- Respect others’ physical boundaries.
- Hold perpetrators accountable.
- Communicate openly about consent.
- Redefine gender norms to promote equality and empathy.
- Be an active bystander—intervene safely when you see misconduct.
Reporting and Resources
Anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual misconduct is encouraged to report it. Retaliation against individuals who report or participate in investigations is strictly prohibited.
Resources include confidential counseling, medical services, and advocacy support.
Conclusion
Creating a culture free of sexual violence requires education, accountability, and compassion. By challenging rape culture, rejecting victim blaming, and upholding the principles of consent and respect, we ensure that every member of our community can learn, work, and live without fear.
Military Rape Crisis Center 
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