Rape and Sexual Assault Services

Important Facts About Sexual Assault

  • It is never the survivor's fault.
  • A survivor's behavior is irrelevant, including his/her dress. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault.
  • It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 college women will be sexually assaulted during their college years.
  • Recent statistics indicate that 10% of sexual assault survivors are men.
  • Sexual assault is a crime of dominance, control, and power, not love.
  • Sexual assault is a violent and aggressive act. Sexual assault is not a sexual act.
  • Using alcohol or drugs is not an excuse for sexual assault.
  • Submission out of fear is not consent, and does not imply failure on the part of the survivor.
  • A survivor of acquaintance or date rape is as much a survivor as someone assaulted by a stranger.
  • Survivors may experience many after effects as a result of sexual assault, and individual reactions may vary.

Committee on Sexual Assault Prevention

Appointed annually by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Notre Dame's Committee on Sexual Assault Prevention (CSAP) offers advice and guidance to the Office of Student Affairs on how to assist and support victims of sexual assault. It facilitates collaboration and communication among the different departments and student groups working to address sexual violence and spearheads a variety of rape education/prevention initiatives.

Committee for Sexual Assault Prevention, 2007-08

  • Ann Firth, Assoc. V.P. for Student Affairs, Co-Chair
  • Bill Kirk, Assoc. V.P. for Residence Life, Co-Chair
  • Ava Preacher, Assistant Dean of Arts and Letters
  • John Duman, Professor of Biology
  • Jordy Brooks, Student
  • Michael Redding, Student
  • Cathy Steinmetz, Student
  • Liz Brown, Student Body President
  • Alex Chapeaux, Graduate Studen
  • Heather Rakoczy, Director of Gender Relations Center
  • Breyan Tornifolio, Program Coordinator for Gender Relations Center
  • Charmelle Green, Asst. Athletic Director
  • Phil Johnson, Director of Security
  • Kathy Brannock, Asst. Director of Residence Life and Housing
  • Susan Steibe-Pasalich, Director of University Counseling Center
  • Slandah Diejuste , Director of Residence Life, St. Mary's College
  • Cathe DeCleene, Director of Women's Health, St. Mary's College