'Get Carded' targets sexual assault

Thousands of college students across the United States will attend "get carded" programs today, which aim to increase awareness of sexual assault.\nThe Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network -- which includes hundreds of local rape crisis centers and several thousand volunteers across the U.S. -- will host "Get Carded 2003," an effort on college campuses across America to fight sexual assault. \nThe program will include a distribution of wallet cards providing information about the National Sexual Assault Hotline. The cards include tips on reducing the risk of sexual assault and what to do if someone is sexually assaulted. \nOften people forget about basic things they can do that greatly improve their safety. The organization's tips advise students to:\n• Look out for friends, share class and social schedules with them and be sure families have contact info. \n• Stay in groups. Go to parties together, stay together and leave together. Don't be alone with someone you don't know or trust. \n• Don't leave drinks unattended (they could be spiked). \n• Know where emergency phones are, what parts of campus are lit and where people hang out. \n• Use a shuttle at night and avoid shortcuts. \n• If drinking might have impaired your judgment (or your partner's), say "no" for now; you can always reconsider later. \n• Communicate limits firmly and directly. If you want to stop, say "stop," and say it like you mean it. Be clear and be firm, in body language as well as words. \nThe card's tips for dealing with a sexual assault incident include finding a safe environment, preserving evidence of the assault, reporting the rape to the police and seeking medical attention immediately.\nThe Get Carded program was created because RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, said it wants to teach young women and men how they can protect themselves and help prevent rape. RAINN's hotline for sexual abuse is a free, confidential service; it educates the public about sexual assault and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.\nAccording to RAINN, people ages 16-24 are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted than those of any other group. 61 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are not reported to police.\nThe organization said it wants to make sure individuals know that free, confidential counseling is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE. \nFor more information, see the organization's Web site at www.rainn.org/getcarded.html.