As members of the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Psychology Department at Ohio University, we are writing a response to the article published in The Athens NEWS Feb. 2 titled 'Prior Sexual Relationship Evidence to be Submitted in OU Rape Case.'

As members of the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Psychology Department at Ohio University, we are writing a response to the article published in The Athens NEWS Feb. 2 titled "Prior Sexual Relationship Evidence to be Submitted in OU Rape Case." The article was predicated on the court filings of the defense attorney that reflected victim-blaming and misogynistic beliefs commonly held about sexual assault. We would like to take this opportunity to debunk some of the misperceptions delineated in the article and provide several facts about sexual trauma.

Research conducted in our Laboratory suggests that 15 to 20 percent of women at OU report a history of an attempted or completed rape, approximately half of which were perpetrated by a dating partner. Although many people do not believe that boyfriends and husbands can sexually assault their partners, research suggests otherwise. Also, just because a woman has had previous sexual intercourse with her partner does not mean that her partner cannot sexually assault her. Women (and men) have the right to say "No" at any point during a sexual encounter, even if they have had previous sexual intercourse or if intercourse has already begun. Therefore, a previous sexual relationship with a partner is NOT evidence that a subsequent sexual assault did not occur.

We would also like to discuss the varying post-traumatic reactions that women may have following a sexual assault. Specifically, rape victims often go through a series of responses post-trauma, including feeling a loss of control, sense of guilt and shame. Furthermore, there are various reasons why a woman might choose to remain in contact or even in a relationship with the perpetrator following the assault. Accordingly, just because the woman sent the defendant text messages following the alleged assault, does not mean that a rape did not occur.

Articles such as the one published last week might prevent victims of violence from coming forward and reporting assaults. Unfortunately, despite decades of research substantiating alarmingly high rates of assaults between acquaintances, data clearly suggest that rape (particularly between acquaintances) is one of the most underreported crimes. While we believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and a chance to present concrete evidence, individuals who report sexual violence are entitled to respect, validation and fair media coverage, and the members of the Athens community are entitled to facts about sexual violence. If you are interested in learning more about the facts of sexual violence, or have experienced a sexual assault and are in need of assistance, please see the resources below.

Christine Gidycz, Ph.D.
Katie Edwards, M.S.
Jessica Turchik, M.S.
Angeli Desai, M.A.
Erin Tansill, B.S.
Megan Murphy, B.A.
Tina Dardis, B.S.
Daniel Probst, M.S.
Susan Wilson, B.S.
and
Jennifer Williams
Ohio University, Athens

Editor's note: When we report on filings in a criminal case, we deliver the facts about what the filings and motions say, without commentary about how we feel about those filings. TS

---

Legal Resources

Athens County Sheriff Department: (740) 593-6633
Athens City Police Department: (740) 593-6606
Ohio University Police Department: (740) 593-1911
Athens County Prosecutor's Office: (740) 592-3208
Athens Co. Victim's Assistance Program: (740) 592-3212
Sexual Assault Survivor Advocacy Program: 589-5562
Medical Resources Doctor's Hospital: (740) 753-1931
Hocking Valley Community Hospital: (740) 380-8000
Hudson Healthcare Center: (740) 593-1660
O'Bleness Memorial Hospital: (740) 593-5551 (SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) is available at O'Bleness).
Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio: (740) 593-6979
Southeast Ohio EMS: (740) 593-7029
Mental Health Resources Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare: (740) 594-5000
Health Recovery Services: (740) 592-6720
Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services: (740) 593-1616
Ohio University Psychology and Social Work Clinic: (740) 593-0902
Counselor-in-Residence: (740) 593-0769
Crisis Hotlines National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Services (local): 1-888-475-8484

Web sites

The Federal Government's Source for Women's Health Information: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/sexualassault.htm
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): http://www.rainn.org/
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: http://www.nsvrc.org/