SEXUAL ASSAULT
INT. SOUTHWEST RESIDENCE HALL – DAY A group of students hang out between
classes. They could be a study group - or just friends. The group has a
minority couple, a white couple, and two girlfriends.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
In a perfect world, men and women of all races and backgrounds coexist. Respect is evident. Violence is rare.
CLOSE ANGLES ON STUDENT'S FACES CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect. Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a reality.
ANGLE ON TWO WOMEN ADD CG 'sexual assault occurs to 25% of women'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
One in four of all females is the victim of rape or attempted rape.
ADD CG '90% of attackers are known to victim'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
90% of women who are sexually assaulted know their attacker.
ADD CG 'alcohol involved in 75% of sexual assaults'
CHRISTIANA (CONT'D)
75% of the time one or both parties is under the influence of alcohol.
ANGLE ON minority COUPLE ADD CG '>90% of sexual assault is same race'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Interracial sexual assault occurs less than 10% of the time - which
means that most of the time an attacker is someone of your own race.
ANGLE ON minority COUPLE holding hands
ANGLE ON TWO WOMEN
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Among college aged women, the vast majority of rapes, attempted rapes and threatened rapes take place on dates.
ANGLE ON caucasian couple ADD CG 'most campus rape is date rape'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And yet, if you're like most women and men, you think it won't happen to you.
INT. STUDENT UNION
STUDENT INTERVIEWS These campus interviews are of a wide range of women.
These women will have either been sexually assaulted, or know someone
who has. Real interviews will be gathered. The comments below are an
indication of what we may
hear.
female STUDENT:
When I first found out that someone I knew was sexually assaulted, I
remember exactly how I felt. And I know that I was distraught, and felt
guilty, and was confused as to why someone would do something like this.
female STUDENT:
She was drunk, and it was at her friends birthday party, and they went
down to his basement and she was trying to sleep on the couch and he was
trying to snuggle, and I think that there was a a little bit of
miscommunication. Him thinking that no meant yes, something like that.
And they actually ended up having sex, it um... it was not consensual,
and in that way, it was her first time, but it was not very pleasant.
female STUDENT:
So we went on the party bus, and we started drinking then. Then we got
to the bar, and had a couple of drinks. Went on the dance floor, and I
made the mistake of putting my drink down. And I think I either went to
go like buckle the strap on my shoe, or do something like that. But I
was like away from my drink for all of forty five seconds, a minute. And
I went back to my drink, and drank my drink. And continued to have a
good night, or so I thought for a while, and then my night got really
hazy, and then I woke up in a hospital bed. So we still don't know
exactly
what happened, because I didn't feel like knowing.
female STUDENT:
My first boyfriend, he was three years older than me, and he took
advantage of me. And I'm not gonna lie, I went through hell and back. It
was one of the worst times of my life. I suffer depression, I have
thoughts of hurting myself, I thought it was my fault. But he did
verbal, did a lot of verbal abuse, which allowed him to finally take
advantage of me sexually. I felt like I could have stopped it, but you
know what? You need to pick yourself off and move on from it.
CHRISTIANA IN THE 'DIVE' OR POOL ROOM WITH _STUDENTS IN THE BACKGROUND_
CHRISTIANA
More than half a million violent crimes are committed against college
students each year. National studies show that women in their freshman
year face a particularly high risk of sexual assault, especially during
the first few months of
school. Our 360 Stay Safe message is about being aware of everything
around you. Heightened awareness can lower your risk. Being pro-active
means being aware of the steps you can take to stay safe. Staying safe
begins by taking a look
around, and opening your eyes to the possibility that good guys and bad guys don't look all that different.
INT. SOUTHWEST RESIDENCE HALLLOWER LEVEL LOUNGE AREA The Caucasian
couple, minority couple and two girlfriends and other students are
hanging out, laughing, perhaps playing poker or shooting pool. Some are
in quiet discussions.
CLOSER ANGLE ON THE COUPLE
MALE STUDENT: Hey, I'm hungry. Are you hungry?
FEMALE STUDENT: You're always hungry.
MALE STUDENT: Do you wanna to go up to my room and get some food?
FEMALE STUDENT: Alright, sure.
MALE STUDENT: Sweet.
The couple heads off towards the dorm elevators.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
How can you tell the difference between a friend who would do you harm
and one who wouldn't? You can't tell by looking, but you can learn to
trust your instincts.
INT. SOUTHWEST - MALE ROOM
BOY'S DORM ROOM The male student turns on some music and begins to
rummage in his closet as the female student sits and waits on the bed.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
Most student rapes take place off campus. Of those rapes that take place on campus,
ADD CG '59% on-campus sexual assaults in dorms'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
almost 60 percent take place in the victim's dorm.
ADD CG '31% on-campus sexual assaults in living area'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Thirty-one percent occur in other living quarters on campus
ADD CG '10% on-campus sexual assaults in fraternities'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
and ten percent take place at a fraternity. The male student does not have any food in his dorm room.
MALE STUDENT: Hmmm. You know, I wonder where that went...
FEMALE STUDENT: Hey, I like your guitar.
MALE STUDENT: Thanks.
FEMALE STUDENT: Do you play alot?
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
If anyone behaves in a manner that makes you uncomfortable - your intuition will kick in. Pay attention to it.
MALE STUDENT: Scoot over, this is my spot.
FEMALE STUDENT(Moves) Alright.
MALE STUDENT:I'm sorry, I don't actually have any food...
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
Sexual comments, touching in a sexual manner, or the feeling that you're
being pressured or coerced into a sexual situation that you don't want
is the time to tell him exactly how you feel. Don't worry about hurting
their feelings. The female student stands up to leave and the male
student tackles her in a friendly way.
MALE STUDENT: I have a question, are you ticklish?
FEMALE STUDENT:Stop! No, no I'm not ticklish.
MALE STUDENT: I wonder what else I could ask.
In the beginning the female is laughing but the tickle session turns increasingly intimate and she begins to protest.
FEMALE STUDENT: Knock it off. I want to go downstairs.
MALE STUDENT(laughing) But we're not done yet...
(ad lib under)
The female begins to struggle in earnest and says 'stop' and 'no'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
If the behavior continues or escalates, put an end to it by saying,
"no," or "stop." State it clearly. Say it like you mean it, because "no"
means "no."
FEMALE STUDENT: Knock it off. I want to go downstairs, okay?
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
It doesn't matter who you're saying it to, or what kind of relationship you have. It doesn't matter if you've had sex before.
The female finally gets her point across with a combination of physical and verbal defense.
FEMALE STUDENT: Stop it Justin! Stop! Or I'll yell rape!
The word 'rape' makes him snap out of it. He lets go and she runs out of the room.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
If you are forced to have sex, that is rape. Remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
EXT. SOUTHWEST RESIDENCE HALL - timelapse sun setting The sun has gone
over the horizon so we see the lights on inside the dorm rooms. Student
silhouettes are seen crossing the campus.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
Date rape, or acquaintance rape, can happen anywhere or anytime, but
about half of completed rapes take place after midnight. Just twelve
percent take between 6 in the morning and 6 at night.
INT. STUDENT UNION 'DIVE'. CHRISTIANA IN THE 'DIVE' OR POOL ROOM WITH _STUDENTS IN THE BACKGROUND
CHRISTIANA
If someone or something doesn't feel right, get to a well-lit, busy
public area immediately. Once you're there, call a cab or call a friend.
If you're in immediate danger, call the police, and if you're being
restrained fight back and yell "fire" instead of 'help' ... (she yells
help and nothing happens) ...because many people will avoid responding
because they don't want to get involved. Remember - most people are not
out to get you. Just be sure to play it safe and always trust that gut
feeling if it tells you something isn't right.
OFF CAMPUS BAR / RESTAURANT – EVENING WIDE ANGLE OF BAR AREA The evening
is underway. It isn't particularly raucous but the _students are
drinking and laughing_. Music plays. The group is diverse.
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
Date rape drugs make the headlines, but the most common date rape drug
is alcohol. Alcohol releases inhibitions in both men and women and can
them into assailant and victim.
Interview with party goers.
FEMALE STUDENT
I'm okay with being aggressive if one of my friends is very clearly
confused and should not be out anymore, I'll be like 'Hey, we're going
home, and you're coming.'
FEMALE STUDENT
Partying is a key part of school experience. Because you can't have all
work and no play. But it's very essential that you um, be safe when you
party.
FEMALE STUDENT
Something that is very important for women to have when they go to
parties is to have their friends look after them, we call this a
'Wing-Woman'.
MALE STUDENT
The main thing about when you're going out partying with your friends is
safety. You want to come together as a group, you want to leave
together as a group. You don't leave anyone behind.
FEMALE STUDENT
If we're at a party, we just hang out with each other and keep an eye
out for people. Like, if you see a creeper, you're like 'Oh, watch out
for the creeper over there, he's kind of watching you.'
MALE STUDENT
How I party safely is, especially if alcohol is involved, never drive. That's a no-brainer.
FEMALE STUDENT
People are individuals, I think my friends are mature enough to make
their own decisions, but when it comes to actions which will hurt my
friends I stick up for them, and I prevent them from, or I talk to them
about bad behavior.
ANGLE ON IMAGES OF DATE RAPE DRUGS
CHRISTIANA (V.O.)
Rohypnol, is date rape drug that the manufacturer has made blue so it is
easy to identify. It will fizz on contact with any beverage and float
on the top of your drink for as long as twenty minutes.
DATE RAPE DRUG SLIPPED INTO HALF EMPTY COKE / CUBA LIBRE
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Keep in mind that there are many other drugs that could incapacitate
you. Some are even over the counter drugs. To prevent a sexual assault,
there are several action steps you can take.
ANGLE ON A GROUP OF GIRLS TOGETHER ADD TEXT NEXT TO SCENE 'STAY WITH THE GROUP'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
When you go out with friends, or go to a party, go with a group. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
A co-ed returns to the bar stool and looks at her 1/2 empty drink with suspicion. ADD TEXT NEXT TO SCENE 'WATCH YOUR
DRINK'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
At parties, mix your own drinks and at bars, watch when the bartender
makes your drink. If you left your drink unattended, order a new one.
THE CO- ED WITH THE 1/2 EMPTY CUBA LIBRE ORDERS A NEW DRINK ANGLE ON
BARTENDER HANDS MAKING NEW DRINK ADD TEXT NEXT TO SCENE 'BE AWARE'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust.
ADD TEXT NEXT TO SCENE 'KNOW YOUR LIMITS' CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits. Sex is not a male entitlement.
ANGLE ON _DRUNK CO-ED_ LEAVING THE BAR AREA BEING FOLLOWED BY A MALE
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You can say no at any time. Realize that consent to some sexual activity
does NOT imply consent to other kinds of sexual activity. They do not
leave the bar, but have a confrontation in the hallway / exit area. The
co-ed and her would be attacker have a brief argument (ad lib) in the
hallway / exit area.
WOULD BE ATTACKER: You wanna get out of here?
Drunk CO-ED :No, let's stay here.
ADD TEXT NEXT TO SCENE 'PROTEST LOUDLY'
CHRISTIANA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
If you feel pressured, afraid, or uncomfortable, leave, get help, or
protest loudly. Drunk CO-ED :No! What? No! The co-ed pushes the attacker
off, then returns to the bar area and begins talking to her friends
(asking for a ride home?)
STUDENT (V.O.)
It's very important to keep track of your friends at a party, and to
make sure you keep an eye on the things that you're drinking, and how
much you have had to drink and stuff, because I think that we have this
big idea in our heads that you know...
STUDENT
the people that we have to watch out for are shady, they're gonna be in a
corner, they're gonna be strangers. That's not the case alot of times, a
lot of times it's a friend, it's somebody you know. And that you
thought you could trust.
INT. STUDENT UNION 'DIVE' CHRISTIANA IN THE 'DIVE' OR POOL ROOM WITH STUDENTS IN THE BACKGROUND
CHRISTIANA
This program is about losing the "eh, that's not gonna to happen to me"
attitude and replacing it with, "that's not going to happen to me,
because I won't let it happen." Knowledge is power and awareness. 360
degree awareness, is the key to prevention and staying safe.