Assault and Rape Information, Support, and Education
Serving members of the FGCU community impacted by sexual violence
Working to create a violence-free campus
Resources
Learn about resources for physical and mental health care, on- and off-campus supports, reporting options, and how to support someone who has experienced sexual violence.
On-Campus and Off-Campus resources for those affected by sexual violence
ARISE members can provide educational programs for classes, student groups, etc. on sexual violence, supporting survivors, dating violence, and more. If interested, please submit a requestat least three weeks before the desired program dateusing thisrequest form.
Frequently Asked Questions and Brief Overview of Important Information
How is sexual violence defined? How is consent defined?
Toggle More Info- Sexual violence: any non-consensual sexual acts.
- Examples include: catcalling, dating or domestic violence, flashing, rape, revenge porn, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and unsolicited/unwanted nude photos.
- Definitions of specific criminal acts vary by state. To learn more about Florida laws, check outFlorida Criminal Statutes.
- Consent: mutual assent by words or actions to engage in a particular sexual activity that must be made voluntarily and competently by all parties.
- In order for consent to be givenvoluntarily, it must be free from threat, force, intimidation, extortion, and undue influence.
- In order for consent to be givencompetently,各方必须有同意的能力。如果一方或多方因吸毒或酗酒等原因丧失行为能力,则该人缺乏必要的行为能力,因此也就缺乏同意所要求的能力。
Consent is required for all sexual acts, including (but not limited to): sexual intercourse, oral sex, kissing, fondling/sexual touching, use (or non-use) of protection, recording of sexual acts, taking explicit photos, sharing explicit photos and/or video/audio recordings.
- Additional factors to consider regarding consent:
- Consentcannotbe given by someone who is intoxicated, unconscious, asleep, significantly intellectually disabled, or a minor.
- The age of consent inFloridais 16 years old, however, 16 and 17 year olds can only consent to sexual activities with 16-23 year olds.
- Consent can be revoked atanytime.
- Previous consent doesnotequal current or future consent.
- Consentcannotbe obtained through manipulation, drugs/alcohol, threats, or force.
- Learn more aboutconsent
- Consentcannotbe given by someone who is intoxicated, unconscious, asleep, significantly intellectually disabled, or a minor.
- Sexual violence: any non-consensual sexual acts.
Myths and Facts about Sexual Violence
Toggle More Info- MYTH: Sexual violence is caused by perpetrators' uncontrollable sex drives.
- FACT性暴力与权力和控制有关,与性无关。“性暴力是一种攻击性行为。许多性暴力行为的潜在因素是权力和控制,而不是人们普遍认为的对性的渴望。这很少是冲动犯罪。这是一种暴力、侵略和敌对行为,被用作贬低、支配、羞辱、恐吓和控制的手段”(世界卫生组织)。
- MYTH: Only women are survivors and only men are perpetrators.
- FACT: Anyone can be harmed by sexual violence, regardless of gender. Anyone can perpetrate sexual violence, regardless of gender.
- MYTH: Survivors' behaviors cause sexual violence (e.g., what they were wearing, doing, drinking, etc.).
- FACT: The only people responsible for sexual violence are perpetrators. Survivors' behaviors before, during, and after are not causes of sexual violence.
- MYTH: Sexual violence is rare.
- FACT: Sexual violence is alarmingly common. 24% of transgender students are sexually assaulted during their college careers. 23.1% of female students are sexually assaulted during their college careers. 6.3% of male students are sexually assaulted during their college careers. 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual abuse before age 18.
- MYTH: Sexual violence mostly happens in isolated locations and is mostly perpetrated by strangers.
- FACT: 80% of survivors know the person who harmed them, 2/3 of incidents occur in the survivor's home or the home of someone they know.
- MYTH: Rates of false reports of sexual violence are very high.
- FACT性暴力的虚假报告非常罕见:在所有性侵犯报告中,只有0.6% -2.5%是虚假的;false reports of sexual violence occur at the same rate as other violent crimes, such as assault, battery, kidnapping, etc.
All statistics are from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center
What are common reactions to sexual violence?
Toggle More Info- There’s no universal, "right," or "wrong" way to react to sexual violence. Each survivor's reactions will be different based on a variety of factors.
- Emotional Reactions: strong feelings that may change unexpectedly or frequently (including sadness, anger, fear, joy, confusion, guilt, numbness); anxiety; irritability; loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities; suicidal thoughts; depression.
- Cognitive Reactions: avoidance of traumatic memories; unwanted or unexpected recalling of traumatic memories; lowered motivation; incomplete or missing memories of the trauma; self-blame; shame; lowered concentration; disconnection from self and/or others; racing thoughts; difficulty making decisions.
- Existential Reactions: changes in worldview, especially about the goodness/safety of the world; questioning (Why me? Why do things like this happen?); hopelessness; redefining or changing perspective on meaning-making or spiritual belief systems.
- Physiological Reactions:新的或加重的身体健康问题(特别是与疼痛、消化系统和心血管系统有关);睡眠和/或能量水平的变化;噩梦;恐慌症;疲劳;不安;对危险或坏事的发生保持警惕(即使不知道为什么);饮食的变化/食欲;行为人造成的伤害;不明原因的肌肉紧张; easily startled.
- Behavioral Reactions:使用物质、自残、进食、赌博等来管理反应;学校、工作、运动成绩的变化;不安;退出责任和/或以前享受的活动。
- Interpersonal Reactions: loss of relationships; isolating from others; difficulty being alone; changes in social and/or family functioning; difficulty trusting others.
- There’s no universal, "right," or "wrong" way to react to sexual violence. Each survivor's reactions will be different based on a variety of factors.
Factors to Consider After Sexual Violence
Toggle More Info- There are many factors to consider in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence, including safety, physical health, mental health, and possible preservation of evidence.
- Medical and/or mental health care are available to survivors, even if they choose not to make a formal report.
- There is no "right" answer about whether to report or not. Survivors need to make the best decision for themselves.
- 有关医疗和心理健康保健的选项,请参阅参考资料或该站点的何处获取帮助部分。
- Speaking with someone can help, though it's entirely the survivor's decision whether and when to do so. Options include:
- FGCU Victim Advocate: Aisha Lewis, 239-745-4344,alewis@fgcu.edu, ormake an appointment directly
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 239-590-7950 during business hours, 24/7/365 Helpline: 239-745-3277
- Student Health Services: 239-590-7996 to schedule an appointment or for after hours care
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673, or online chat, or via the RAINN app
- 报告可以提交给校内和校外的权威机构,包括机构公平与合规办公室(OIEC)、大学警察(UPD)和当地警察部门(请参阅下面的联系信息的详细信息,并查看参考资料页以获得这些选项的更多详细信息)。
What are options for evidence collection and emergency medical care?
Toggle More InfoFor FREE forensic/evidence collection exams ("rape kits"),性传播感染检测,怀孕预防和咨询,考虑以下社区提供者。It is not necessary to file a police report to receive any of these services:
- Lee/Glades/Hendry Counties:Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT),24 hour hotline : 239-939- 3112 (TTY)
- Collier County:Project HELP,24 hour hotline: 239-262-7227 (TTY)
- Charlotte County:Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (CARE), 24/7 helpline: 941-637-0404 (TTY)
Local Hospitals:Note that evidence collection ("rape kits") is not in local emergency rooms, only at ACT, Project Help, and CARE
- Gulf Coast Hospital (closest to campus): 13681 Doctors Way, Fort Myers
- Lee Memorial Hospital: 2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
- Cape Coral Hospital: 636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral
- Physician’s Regional Hospital: 8300 Collier Blvd, Naples
- Naples Community Hospital: 11190 Healthpark Blvd., Naples
- 福塞特纪念医院- 21298 Olean大道。, Port Charlotte
- Charlotte Regional Medical Center: 2500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte
What are options related to sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy?
Toggle More InfoTesting for STIs or pregnancy(call to make an appointment):
- Student Health Services:239-590-7966 (offers low-cost services)
- Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT):239-939- 3112 (TTY) (offers free services)
- Project HELP: 239-262-7227 (TTY) (offers free services)
- Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (CARE): 941-637-0404 (TTY) (offers free services)
Emergency contraception (EC) options:
- Plan B: a hormone used in birth control pills to prevent ovulation, fertilization, and attachment to the uterine lining. Plan B does not cause an abortion. It should be taken as soon as possible (must be within 72 hours) with food.
- Available without prescription at most pharmacies (usually around $50 for name brand, less for generic brands) or for $15 at Student Health Services
- Ella: a hormone used in birth control pills (different than hormone in Plan B) to prevent ovulation, fertilization, and attachment to the uterine lining. Ella does not cause an abortion. It should be taken as soon as possible (must be within 5 days). Ella may also be more effective for individuals weighing over 165 pounds.
- Available by prescription only, usually costs about $60 at many pharmacies
On- and Off-Campus Reporting Options
Toggle More InfoWhether to make a report to authorities is solely the choice of the survivor.Survivors must be respected whether they report or not.
- There is no "right" or "wrong" answer when it comes to reporting.
- Survivors can take their time when deciding whether to file a report or not. Survivors are not required to make a report immediately after they were hurt.
- Survivors can change their mind about reporting, even after they started making a report.
- Survivors have the right to have a support person with them when making a report and/or having evidence collected. This could be a friend, family member, Victim Advocate, or other trusted person.
- If a survivor is not sure about reporting, they can discuss their options with the FGCU Confidential Victim Advocate who will help survivors learn about and weigh their options in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.
- 受害者维权者艾莎·刘易斯(Aisha Lewis)可以帮助那些在生活中任何时候经历过任何形式的人际暴力的学生。
On-Campus Reporting Options
- Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC):Provides supportive measures (e.g., campus housing room switches, class assistance, etc.), and informal and formal resolutions through the University(perpetrator must be a current FGCU student, staff, faculty, or contractor).
- Reports can be filedonline, in-person (Edwards Hall 114), or by phone (239-745-4366).
- OIEC investigations are non-criminal proceedings. OIEC Investigators determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support a conclusion the perpetrator (called "respondent" in OIEC proceedings) violated any University policies.
- If there is sufficient evidence that a policy was violated, the appropriate decision-maker will determine the responsibility and outcome: for complaints against a student, that is the Office of Student Conduct; for complaints against an employee, that is their respective Vice President, along with Human Resources, in accordance with any applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- FGCU Police (UPD):对校园内发生的性暴力事件进行刑事调查。
- Reports can be filed in-person (Campus Support Complex) or by calling (239-590-1911) and an Officer will be dispatched.
Off-Campus Reporting Options:对发生在校外的性暴力事件进行刑事调查。
- Fort Myers Police Department: 239-321-7700
- Lee County Sheriff's Office: 239-477-1000
- Collier County Sheriff's Office: 239-774-4434
- Charlotte County Sheriff's Office: 941-258-3900
On-Campus Residential Support Options
Toggle More Info- Survivors who live on campus can speak with their Resident Assistant (RA) and/or Resident Directors, even if the incident occurred off-campus.
- These staff members have been trained on how to talk about and share resources with survivors of sexual violence.Staff members can be a great support system.
- It's important to note that RAs and Resident Directors are required to report any incidents of sexual violence they're informed of to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)
Just because an incident is reported to OIEC does NOT mean it has to be investigated and survivors don’t have to participate in an investigation if they don’t want to. Only in rare instances (e.g. a serial offender or clear immediate risk to the campus community) would OIEC proceed without a survivor's involvement.
ARISE Committee Members
Toggle More InfoKatherine Cascio,Counseling and Psychological Services, Committee Chair
Ashleigh Droz,Internship and Cooperative Programs
Shelby Gilbert,Department of Health Sciences
Nikki Kirdahy,Prevention and Wellness Services
Myles Kittleson,University Police Department
Aisha Lewis,Victim Advocate
Jan-Martijn Meij,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Amy Miller,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Kristin Phillipine,Student Health Services
Jana Sabo,Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
Printable Materials

Please reach out with questions
Katherine Cascio, PhD, Staff Psychologist
(she, her, hers)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
300 Student and Community Counseling Center
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965
239-590-1243