Sexual Violence & Health
Sexual violence is a difficult but necessary issue to address on campus.
It includes sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence, experiences that can affect anyone and often result in long-term impacts. The ASAP Campaign at UND promotes conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and protective sexual health behaviors. By providing resources, education, and prevention initiatives, we aim to empower students to create a safer and more respectful campus environment.
Sexual Violence
Consent is a clear, ongoing agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. It involves openly discussing boundaries and what each person is comfortable with. Communication is key, consent must happen every time, for every sexual activity.
Key Principles
- Communication is essential for a positive sexual experience
- Consent is about the presence of a “yes,” not the absence of a “no”
- Nonverbal cues (smiling, nodding, eye contact) can support, but not replace, verbal confirmation
Consent Include
- Asking permission before acting
- Confirming mutual interest
- Letting your partner know that they can stop at any time
- Periodically checking in
- Providing positive feedback and reassurance
- Explicit verbal agreement
- Respecting physical cues of comfort or discomfort
Resources
- CVIC at UND
- University Counseling Center
- Student Health Services
- Title IX & Sexual Misconduct
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- What Consent Looks Like
- Helping Survivors
- Clery Act
The National Domestic Violence Hotline identifies these as key characteristics of a healthy relationship:
- Communication
- Respect
- Trust
- Honesty
- Equality
- Independence
- Compromise
- Partnership
- Boundaries
- Support
Resources
Sex positivity means approaching conversations about sex in a respectful, open, and understanding way. It’s about:
- Having a positive attitude toward sex
- Respecting others’ preferences and boundaries
- Understanding that sex can be a normal, healthy part of life
- Increasing comfort with yourself, the topic, and your relationship partners
Resources
Sexual Health
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an illness passed through sexual contact. STIs may not always cause symptoms but can still affect your health and be transmitted to others.
When To Call Student Health Services
- You are sore
- You notice unusual symptoms
- You have concerns about possible STI/STD exposure
* When scheduling, let them know if you have a preference for a male or female provider so they can accommodate you.
How to Protect Yourself
- Abstinence is the only 100% effective method to prevent STIs/STDs.
- Use condoms consistently and correctly for all sexual activity.
- Get vaccinated.
- The Gardasil® vaccine is strongly encouraged for both men and women. It protects against most strains of HPV that cause genital warts and many cervical cancer cases. Available at Student Health Services.
- Limit the number of sexual partners and have open conversations about STI/STD testing before sexual activity.
- Get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Resources
Things You Should Know
- Abstinence is always an option. Decide your boundaries before being in a sexual situation.
- Condoms are an effective barrier method to reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- All condoms approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are equally effective
against pregnancy and STIs.
- They are classified as Class II Medical Devices, meaning each type undergoes rigorous testing, including electric current, water leak, and air burst tests.
- Condoms should be stored at room temperature and checked for expiration dates before use. Avoid storing them in wallets or cars where heat can damage them.
How to Use
How to Protect Yourself
- Always use a condom or oral dental dam correctly for any sexual activity.
- Discuss safer sex options with your partner before sexual activity.
- Condoms reduce, but do not eliminate the risk of STIs. Combining condoms with regular testing and vaccinations (like Gardasil®) increases protection.
- Communicate openly with your partner about boundaries and sexual health.
Resources
- Free condoms, dental dams, and lubricant are available are available at the UND Wellness Center and Student Health Services. Variety includes different sizes, textures, and brands (specific type or brand cannot be guaranteed).
- Student Health Services
- Scarleteen: Sex Readiness Checklist
- Emergency Contraception - WHO
Birth control (contraception) refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. Options range from abstinence to various medical and barrier methods. Not all contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and effectiveness can vary.
- Many types are available. Talk with a medical provider to find what works best for you
- Some methods prevent both pregnancy and STIs (such as condoms)
- Others are highly effective for pregnancy prevention but do not protect against STIs/STDs
Resources
- Student Health Services at UND provides many birth control options. Schedule your appointment today to discuss the best choice for your needs
- DHHS: Office on Women’s Health
- Bedsider Providers
- Emergency Contraception - WHO