Understanding the Crisis
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men in college experience sexual assault
- Alcohol/drugs are involved in 50%+ of cases
- Most survivors never report due to fear or shame
Facing this reality is step one to change.
Get Help Now
- RAINN Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Text “HELLO” to 741741 (Crisis Line)
- Dial 988 for national crisis support
Seek a SANE nurse if within 72 hours. Support is always available, even without reporting.
For Survivors
- It's not your fault. You are not alone.
- You can request housing/class changes
- Therapy, legal action, or just someone to listen — all are valid
Before They Leave for College
Support your child with preparation, understanding, and love.
Have THE Talk
- Predators use alcohol and drugs as weapons
- Most assaults involve someone they know
- Being drunk or high ≠ consent
- Trust their instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is
Practical Safety
- Buddy system – never leave friends alone
- Watch drinks being made, never leave drinks unattended
- Know signs of drugging (sudden extreme intoxication, confusion)
- Program campus security number
- Create a "come get me" code word
If Your Child Discloses
✅ Say This:
- "I believe you"
- "This was not your fault"
- "I'm here for you"
- "What do you need?"
❌ Never Say:
- Why didn't you fight back?
- Why were you drinking?
- We need to call the police right now
- Don't treat them as broken
🚨 Red Flags Needing Immediate Help:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Severe depression
- Substance abuse
- Not eating or attending classes
Know Your Rights
- Title IX protects students from sexual violence
- You can request academic/housing support without reporting
- You have the right to privacy, safety, and dignity
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE
If you are a victim of sexual assault and considering civil litigation, immediately consult with an attorney who specializes in civil sexual assault cases. Time limits (statutes of limitations) vary by state, and waiting could affect your rights.
How to Find a Specialized Attorney:
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center Legal Assistance: 1-877-739-3895
- American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory: findlegalhelp.org
- Your State Bar Association: Search "[your state] bar association lawyer referral"
- Victim Rights Law Center: 617-399-6720 (free consultations)
- Time's Up Legal Defense Fund: Connects survivors with attorneys
Many attorneys offer free initial consultations for sexual assault cases and may work on contingency (no upfront fees).
Ryan Joseph Kennedy
Real Case: Southern Methodist Church - 2025
Jane Doe vs. Ryan Joseph Kennedy
Case DC-25-02422, Dallas County, Texas.This public case highlights the legal journey of a survivor facing institutional failure. It demonstrates the importance of accountability.
Legal Disclaimer: The civil complaint excerpted herein is a matter of public record and is included solely as an illustrative example for academic and informational purposes. The complaint is publicly accessible via Trellis Law.
The referenced case remains pending, and no judicial determination of liability or guilt has been made. The inclusion of this material does not imply endorsement or presumption of outcome. There is no expectation of privacy, as the filing is a public document accessible in full to any member of the public.
In a rare move that brought a typically private matter into public view, a survivor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas County, Texas, chose to pursue civil litigation against Ryan Joseph Kennedy, an SMU classmate, and her alleged attacker, after the criminal justice system failed to deliver justice. The case illustrates both the challenges survivors face and the potential of civil courts as an alternative avenue for accountability.
Additional Illustrative Cases
To further illustrate the systemic challenges faced by survivors of campus sexual assault and the varying legal responses, two additional cases are summarized below:
1. Soenen et al. v. Brown University
U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island, Case No. 1:21-cv-00325
A federal class-action lawsuit filed in 2021 alleges that Brown University failed to properly investigate and address sexual misconduct complaints from students over several decades in violation of Title IX. The plaintiffs contend that the university's systemic mishandling of reports and inadequate preventive measures enabled a hostile environment for survivors. As of 2025, the case remains active, with several claims allowed to proceed by the court. This litigation highlights the long-term institutional failures that can give rise to collective legal action and underscores survivors' challenges in seeking redress.
2. Simpson v. University of Colorado Boulder
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 500 F.3d 1170 (10th Cir. 2007)
In this landmark Title IX case, the University of Colorado Boulder was found liable for deliberate indifference after university officials failed to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault involving football team recruits. The jury awarded $2.5 million to the plaintiffs, and the case prompted significant policy reforms at the university. Simpson established a precedent for institutional liability where administrators are aware of and fail to act on credible reports of sexual assault.
These cases and the SMU litigation illustrate the common patterns of institutional failure and the diverse legal remedies survivors may pursue. They underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform, robust support systems, and greater institutional accountability.
Limitations of the Legal System: The Role of Evidence
However, it is essential to recognize that cases of sexual assault—whether addressed in civil courts, through campus processes, or by criminal prosecution—are inherently difficult to prove.
Legal systems are bound by rules of evidence and the presumption of innocence. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors cannot always be blamed for outcomes in which charges are not filed, or convictions are not obtained.
When there is insufficient admissible evidence, even the most serious allegations may not result in legal action or findings of liability.
The requirement of proof protects the rights of all parties, but it can also mean that some survivors do not obtain the justice they seek.
Resources & Organizations
Find national, legal, and Texas-specific support options for survivors and families.
Title IX Info
Understand your legal rights under Title IX and how to report violations.
View ed.gov/ocrDARCC (Dallas)
Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center provides counseling and support locally.
Visit dallasrapecrisis.orgA Message of Hope
You survived the assault. You can survive the healing. 💙
Every step forward is a win. You are seen. You are believed.
Join the Movement
Stop-Silence.org is more than a site — it's a survivor-led initiative built on truth, courage, and change.
We’ve shared our story with trusted friends and supporters who stand for justice and healing.
If this message resonates with you, help us amplify it. Speak out, share, and let others know: they are not alone.