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
âś… 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).
Documented Legal Case: Temple University – Ari Goldstein
Ari Goldstein
The Crime and Conviction
Former Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity president Ari Goldstein was convicted in February 2020 of attempted sexual assault and sentenced to 3.5-7 years in prison plus lifetime sex offender registration. The case involved two separate incidents at the fraternity house.
Modus Operandi - How It Happened
February 2018 Incident (Conviction):
- Goldstein invited a freshman female student to his bedroom during a fraternity party
- Once in his private room, he locked the door and physically restrained her
- He pinned her down on his bed and attempted to force her to perform oral sex
- When she resisted and said "no," he continued trying to force the act
- The victim managed to escape from the room and immediately reported the assault
November 2017 Incident (Acquittal):
- A junior female student went to Goldstein's room for what began as consensual activity
- During the encounter, she told him to stop when he became aggressive
- He pressed his arm against her collarbone and put his fingers down her throat
- When she said "no," he continued trying to force oral sex
- Jury found this incident did not meet criminal standards (acquitted)
The Pattern and Context
- Goldstein was president of one of Temple's most popular fraternities
- Prosecutors argued he presided over a culture where sexual assault was "openly discussed and even joked about"
- The fraternity house hosted regular parties with heavy drinking
- Temple received "multiple credible reports" of sexual misconduct at Alpha Epsilon Pi events
- At least three women came forward with allegations against fraternity members
Why This Case Succeeded in Court
- Clear victim testimony about saying "no" repeatedly
- Physical evidence of force and restraint
- Immediate reporting by the victim
- Multiple witnesses to the victim's distressed state after escaping
- Pattern of behavior at the fraternity house
Aftermath
- Temple permanently suspended Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity in April 2018
- Goldstein was arrested at Boston airport while trying to flee to Israel
- Victim testified about lasting psychological trauma: "In 30 minutes, you instilled in me a fear that I will carry with me into every intimate relationship"
Other Notable Cases
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2014) – Four students hospitalized after suspected drink spiking at Tau Kappa Epsilon. Fraternity used color-coded hand stamps (red for women, black for men) and served "cloudy" drinks suspected to contain Rohypnol.
- University of Missouri (2016) – Delta Upsilon accused of giving pledges pills to drug women during initiation. Allegations were later deemed unsubstantiated by the university.
Critical Statistics
Only 3% of rapists are ever convicted, highlighting the importance of prevention and immediate reporting.
Safety Guidelines for Party-Goers
Before Going Out
- Use the buddy system with trusted friends
- Share your location and plans with someone staying home
- Eat a full meal and stay hydrated
At the Party
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Only accept drinks you see being made
- Watch for unusual taste, cloudiness, or excessive effects
- Stay with your group at all times
- Trust your instincts - leave if something feels wrong
Red Flags
- Pressure to drink more than comfortable
- Feeling more intoxicated than expected
- Friends acting unusually confused or disoriented
- Anyone trying to separate you from your group
If Something Goes Wrong
- Leave immediately with friends
- Seek medical attention for suspected drink tampering
- Report to campus police and university officials
- Preserve evidence - don't shower or change clothes before reporting
Emergency Preparedness
- Arrange safe transportation home in advance
- Keep phone charged and accessible
- Know campus emergency contacts
- Remember: Your safety comes first
Resources: Campus police, Title IX coordinators, counseling services, and medical centers are available 24/7 for support and reporting.
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.
Recommended Reading: The Gift of Fear
We highly recommend The Gift of Fear by security expert Gavin de Becker for survivors of sexual abuse and anyone looking to better understand personal safety.
This groundbreaking book explores how our intuition serves as a powerful early warning system, helping us recognize and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
De Becker’s work is particularly valuable for survivors because it validates the importance of trusting those gut feelings that something isn’t right. The book provides practical insights into recognizing warning signs, understanding predatory behavior, and developing confidence in your own judgment.
Rather than living in fear, de Becker teaches readers how to use fear as a tool for protection and empowerment.
Many survivors find this book helpful in their healing journey. It offers both validation of their experiences and practical strategies for moving forward with greater awareness and confidence. The book is available at most bookstores and libraries.
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.orgRAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at rainn.org is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. It operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and provides 24/7 confidential support, resources for survivors, and connects people with local help.
Visit rainn.orgNSOPW (National Sex Offender Public Website)
The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) at nsopw.gov is the official U.S. government database that allows you to search registered sex offender information across all 50 states, territories, and tribal jurisdictions from one central location. It provides names, photos, addresses, and conviction details to help parents and community members stay informed about offenders in their area.
Visit nsopw.govLegal Disclaimer
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Stop-Silence.org exercises its First Amendment right to publish information derived from public court records for educational purposes. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that access to and publication of court records is protected under the First Amendment (Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980); Cox Broadcasting Corp. v. Cohn, 420 U.S. 469 (1975)). The allegations and claims described in these civil proceedings have not been adjudicated and represent disputed matters between parties in ongoing or concluded litigation.
CASE SELECTION CRITERIA: This website only publishes information about (1) active civil and criminal cases currently in litigation, and (2) closed cases that resulted in a conviction or finding of liability. Cases that have been settled, dismissed, or otherwise resolved between parties are not included, as these matters have been concluded by mutual agreement.
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EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE: This material serves the public interest by enhancing understanding of legal proceedings involving matters of public concern. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing this information, and this content does not constitute legal advice.
ACCURACY: Information is reproduced directly from public court filings. Users requiring current case status should consult official court records or qualified legal counsel.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION: This educational content should not be used as a substitute for professional legal consultation. Readers are advised to seek appropriate legal counsel for specific legal questions or situations.
A Message of Hope
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