The month of April represents many things: warmer weather, a week of break, school ending soon, and sexual assault awareness.  The later is not something we like to think of, but a subject which is crucially important. 

"People don't want to believe it happens in their own town, but it does," UMPI's school counselor, Denise Hamlin, said. 

It can happen anywhere, to anyone.  The most important preventive measure is to be aware of your surroundings.

            If you are drinking with friends, stay as a group; make sure no one gets left behind.  Don't let your drink out of your sight and don't accept drinks from someone that you did not see mix it.  Hamlin likened this to a bottle of milk-if it were open, you would not purchase it at store.

"If something feels out of place, it probably is," Hamlin said.  "Listen to your instincts." 

This tip does not just apply to parties, but to general life.  If you're walking to a night class, go with a friend.  Have your car keys, or dorm key card, out before you exit the building.  Try to park in a well-lit area and leave when other people do.

Although those safety tips are important to remember, the majority of rape cases are caused by someone the victim knows.  If you feel harassed by someone you had just broken up with, or anyone for that matter, take this seriously.  In the dorms, lock your door, even if you feel you know everyone on your floor.

            Tell someone you trust before you go out, and make sure you have a way to contact people if a date does turn out badly.  If you are meeting someone for the first time, meet in a public area or with other friends around.   

            If you know someone who has been assaulted, take them seriously. 

"Support them.  Believe them.  Too often, we want to blame the victim, but sexual assault is not the fault of the victim," Hamlin explained. 

Encourage the victim to talk to a counselor or call the sexual assault hotline at (800) 550-3304 or (207) 762-4851.