USA Sex Team educates with mock rape trial

By Jennifer Wright

Senior Reporter

According to the American College Health Association, Men and women ages 20-24 are most likely to be raped and one in every four college women have experienced rape or attempted rape.

In an effort to make students more aware of such risk factors, the University of South Alabama Peer Health Education is sponsoring a Mock Rape Trial 7 p.m. Oct. 25.

"The Mock Rape Trial is to make students aware of sexual assault and the date rape by acquaintance," Brenda Glusman, health education specialist and Sex Team adviser, said.

The trial consists of two students, one acting as the victim and the other as the perpetrator, a defense lawyer, district attorney, judge and jury made up of students. The campus judiciary also hears the case and presents its verdict.

According to Glusman, the two students and lawyers meet before the trial to discuss a plausible case and what exactly the students will say in court.

"The trail is done like a real courtroom proceeding," Glusman said. "The defense and the prosecutor present their case; there is a final closing and the jury delivers its verdict."

Glusman explained that most students do not report their assault and most females even take responsibility.

"This trial helps students to see their options and see exactly what they need to do if the assault was to happen to them," she said.

According to a pamphlet put out by USA, if someone is raped or sexual assaulted they should contact the USA police by calling 460-6312, if it occurred on campus, or the local police by calling 434-7211, if it occurred off campus.

The victim should try to preserve all physical evidence by not bathing, using the restroom, rinsing the mouth, or changing clothes if can be avoided. If necessary to change clothing, put all clothes worn at the time of the attack into a paper bag.

The victim should seek medical attention. All injuries are not immediately apparent and it is necessary to collect evidence. Medical attention can be found at the Student Health Center, USA Medical Center, and USA Knollwood Park Hospital.

"USA Women's and Children's Hospital will also begin operating sexual assault nurse examiner program," said Glusman. "We will be referring students choosing to have assault/rape exam conducted there for improved services."

Counseling is also available through a variety of different ways. On campus the Counseling Center and Victim's Advocates is available.

The Counseling Center in Alpha Hall East can be reached by calling 460-751 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Victim's Advocates, trained by the Rape Crisis Center of Mobile, can be reached by calling 460-7151, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The counselors and advocates are safe and confidential and can provide information about options including medical assistance and psychological counseling.

Off campus the Rape Crisis Center of Mobile is available. It is a local rape crisis center with a 24-hour emergency hotline, 473-7273.