I know where Andrea'll be tomorrow at noon: In the Flag Room at Dallas City Hall, where council member Delia Jasso will be joined by members of the Dallas Police Department and local rape-victims advocacy and support groups to announce the kickoff of what DPD's calling a "Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign." Till then, DPD sends a list outlining its strategies following a 25-percent rise in reported sexual assaults this year over last. The list follows, but, first, this relevant excerpt:
The Dallas Police Department has recognized a spike in the number of sexual assault offenses reported for this year. There have been 25% more sexual assault offenses reported this year than for the same time period last year. Analysis shows that alcohol and/or drugs use by either the victim or the perpetrator was involved in 62% of those offenses. Also, of these offenses, 60% of the rapes involved known persons or acquaintances and 15% of the victims accepted rides from the offender.
Public Awareness Regarding Sexual AssaultThe Dallas Police Department has recognized a spike in the number of sexual assault offenses reported for this year. There have been 25% more sexual assault offenses reported this year than for the same time period last year. Analysis shows that alcohol and/or drugs use by either the victim or the perpetrator was involved in 62% of those offenses. Also, of these offenses, 60% of the rapes involved known persons or acquaintances and 15% of the victims accepted rides from the offender.
Keep in mind that silence does not mean sexual consent. An intoxicated or unconscious person cannot give sexual consent. "NO means NO!"
In an effort to reduce victimization of Sexual Assault, our strategies include:
The Dallas Police Department encourages everyone to adhere to the following suggestions:
- Increased bike/foot patrols in entertainment areas, especially during closing time
- Increased enforcement action taken by off-duty officers working parking lots of bars/clubs
- Increased enforcement of TABC regulations in bars and clubs
- Increased enforcement of underage drinking violations
- Thorough and detailed investigative case work to insure the apprehension and incarceration of offenders
- Increased training for officers in what to look for in a potential victim and intervene before an offense occurs
- Working closely with victim advocacy organizations, probation and parole agencies and the District Attorney's Office
- Utilizing social networks to disseminate information concerning criminal offenses
- Conducting personal safety presentations to community and crime watch groups, as well as local colleges and universities
- Distributing public awareness flyers to nightclubs
- Be aware of your surroundings; know where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing.
- When consuming alcohol at clubs, bars, or restaurants, please watch your drink; don't leave it unattended, even for a few seconds.
- Don't accept a drink handed to you by a stranger or any acquaintance you have just met.
- If you feel you have been drugged, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Trust your instincts. If something about the situation or the person just does not feel right, it probably is not. Get out of the situation as soon as possible.
On September 1, 2010, at 12 noon, the Dallas Police Department, Councilmember Delia Jasso, and members of various rape advocacy groups will be kicking off a "Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign." A Press Conference will be held at 1500 Marilla Street in the Flag Room of City Hall.
For more information on personal safety and sexual assault prevention, please contact the Dallas Police Department's Sexual Assaults Unit, 214-671-3584 or you may visit the following web sites:
Dallas Police Department, click the "CRIME INFO" tabTexas Association Against Sexual Assault
Dallas County Sexual Assault Coalition
Dallas Area Rape Crisis CenterVictims Outreach (214) 358-5173
Parkland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Center (214) 590-0430
Turning Point Rape Crisis Center 1-800-886-7273
