ABC affiliate WFAA Dallas reports that an SMU student was allegedly sexually assaulted by Uber driver Alejandro Contreras in the early morning hours of Friday, October 14, 2022. The assault occurred on campus on the 3100 block of Daniel Avenue, also known as “sorority row.” According to the victim, Contreras assaulted her
Read more
After a sexual assault, you have multiple options to seek help. You can contact a local sexual assault resource center to speak to a counselor or trained advocate. You can go to the hospital and receive a forensic medical exam and treatment for any immediate injuries. You can also contact law enforcement
Read more
In the United States, seeking a conviction for a sexual assault can be a difficult process. To successfully establish the perpetrator’s guilt, the prosecution will need to meet the burden of proof, or the legal duty to prove an alleged crime. There are several pieces of evidence that survivors can use to
Read more
For sexual assault survivors, maintaining confidentiality is very important. Many survivors avoid seeking help out of embarrassment, shame, or fear of retaliation—and protecting victims’ privacy can make it easier for these survivors to seek help. Most sexual assault advocacy organizations and crisis centers have stringent policies in place to protect the privacy
Read more
For many sexual assault survivors, seeking accountability through the criminal justice system can be a very difficult task. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), only 9 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults will be referred to prosecutors, and only 5 out of every 1,000 assaults will end in
Read more
April marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States. Each year, survivors, activists, organizations, and allies participate in events designed to raise awareness of and prevent sexual violence. Although Sexual Assault Awareness Month may look different in 2021, there are multiple ways that you can show your
Read more
Going out for a drink is a fun and popular social activity for many people. However, alcohol can severely impair a person’s judgement, motor skills, and other important functions—which can raise the risk of falling victim to a violent crime. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), between
Read more
April 2021 is the 20th official anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States. For years before its declaration, advocates have fought to increase awareness of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment in order to prevent and end sexual violence. The history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month has deep roots in
Read more
Sexual assault occurs when one person makes sexual contact with another without his or her consent. A vastly underreported crime, sexual assault affects millions of Americans each year. If you or a loved one have experienced sexual assault, you are not alone—and the following statistics can help you better understand this act
Read more
Sexual assault is a violent crime that affects thousands of people each year. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), one person in the United States experiences sexual assault every 73 seconds. While the only person responsible for an assault is the perpetrator, bystander intervention can help prevent or
Read more