Stanford University Policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol
| "It is the policy of the Universtiy to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and/or use of controlled substances or the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on the Stanford campus, in the wordplace or as part of any of the University's activites. The workplace and campus are presumed to include all Stanford premises where the activites of the University are conducted. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of students. Violations may also be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution." |
Alcohol & Sexual Assault*
* Adapted from "Alcohol and Sexual Assault: The Connection" by Scott Hampton, Psy.D.
Alcohol use and sexaul assault often happen together. According to some research, 30 percent of all sexual assaults occur when the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol. Drinking makes it easy for the perpetrator to ignore sexual boundaries and make excuses for behavior. In some cases, the victim is also intoxicated and may feel responsible for what happened, but this is never the case - the victim is not responsible for what the perpetrator has chosen to do.
Misconceptions and Facts
A common misunderstanding is that if people commit sexual assaults only when drunk, then
(a) intoxication caused the assault and therefore
(b) sobriety and alcohol counseling are adequate to prevent futuure assaults.
Alcohol use does not cause sexual violence.
- This myth confuses correlation with causation.
- Putting alcohol into your system does not cause you to commit a sexual assault. Many people become intoxicated, and yet, do not choose to commit sexual assault.
Alcohol acts as a permission slip.
- Alcohol reduces the perpetrator's inhibitions to sexually assault another person.
- Alcohol does not excuse why sexual assault occurs. A perpetrator may ATTEMPT to blame his behavior on alcohol use, and it is important not to accept this excuse as valid.
Sexual assault and substance abuse are separate issues.
- When someone violates sexual boundaries while drunk, they need to take responsibility for BOTH their alcohol consumption and take responsibility for the sexual violence.
- The perpetrator needs to understand that, on the most basic level, sexual contact without consent is sexual violence.
- The vast majority of people who are intoxicated and engage in consensual sexual activity stop if the other party withdraws consent or does not/can not give consent to the next level of intimacy. Only perpetrators of sexual assault continue with an unwilling partner.
Principles of Sexual Consent
Privilege
- Sex is never a right; it is always a privilege.
Permission
- Since sexual contact is always a privilege, seek permission before initiating contact. In addition, you need to be sober enough to know whether or not you have been given permission. Permission requires that the other person is capable, at the time, of giving you permission.
Justification/Intent
- There is no excuse for engaging in sexual contact without consent. Those who do not respect sexual boundaries should not be allowed to explain or minimize their use of aggression as the result of alcohol or drug use, loss of control or misunderstandings.
- Think about what occurs when a drunk driver hits a drunk pedestrian. We still hold the drunk driver accountable for his actions because it was his choice to drink and drive, even if the pedestrian was also drinking. The message is clear that drinking while driving is unacceptable.
Responsibility: Holding Perpetrators Accountable
- The only person who is ever responsible for a sexual assault is the perpetrator. The victim never is. We, as members of their community, share responsibility for holding perpetrators accountable for their violence.
- Holding perpetrators accountable is how we communicate the message to victims that we believe that they were violated, that they did not "ask for it" - and that we as a society are actively advocating for th eend of sexual violence.
Holding perpetrators accountable deters others by declaring that sexual assault is unacceptable, that violators are responsible for their actions and that they will face consequences.
In an emergency, dial 911 immediately!
In an emergency, the police are concerned for your safety first! If you or others have been involved in underage drinking or illegal drug use, do not let that preclude you from calling 911 for help! Your safety and well-being is our highest priority.
