For Maggie Watson, the evening began with a walk on the beachand ended with her drugged, unconscious and raped.
More than 800 students filled McFarlin Auditorium Monday nightto hear the 20-year-old sophomore from Texas State University tellher story as part of the “Speak Up and Speak Out”awareness campaign.
“Yes, I was raped, but what I want to share with you ismore than that,” Watson said, emphasizing that hers is astory of survival.
Watson vacationed at South Padre Island during Memorial Dayweekend in 2002 with her stepsister, stepsister’s mother anduncle. There they met a group of guys staying in the condo nextdoor and became friends, riding jet skis and having barbequesthroughout the weekend.
On the last night, Watson took a walk with one of the guys onthe beach, where he drugged her drink, took her back to his condoand raped her.
Watson was confused afterward and didn’t tell anyone whathappened. For a month, she battled insomnia and panic attacks andalso quit her job. She finally confided in her stepsister andfriends, as well as one of her former professors who had also beensexually assaulted.
“Talking has been the number one factor in my healingprocess,” Watson said.
She said she struggled with blaming herself for the incident,but once she could admit that it happened and it was not her fault,she felt better.
“That rape would not have occurred had there not been arapist involved,” she said.
Watson offered advice to students, reminding them that “itcan happen to anyone.”
She emphasized that nearly 80 percent of victims know theirattacker, and students should trust their instincts if everuncomfortable in a situation. Watson also reminded students towatch their drinks and use the buddy system.
“The prevention tips were helpful,” said first-yearMolly Herod.
Paige Wingert, another first-year, agreed, and was surprised bymany of the statistics Watson offered.
This is the second year SMU has sponsored the event. While itwas open to all students, first-years were expected to attend andfill out an evaluation form as well as a card with their name andstudent ID. First-years not in attendance must complete an onlinecourse available on WebCT.
Watson is part of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault,which sponsors crisis centers, public service announcements, postercampaigns and speakers throughout Texas.
“Communication leads to prevention,” Watson said,”and talking leads to healing.”
Need to remember
• Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted
• An estimated 82 percent of sexual assaults are neverreported
• Nearly 80 percent of victims know their attacker
• According to an anonymous survey taken in preparation ofthe “Speak Up and Speak Out” campaign, one in threecollege-age males would rape a woman if he knew he could get awaywith it
• 18 percent of males in that survey had already rapedsomeone
• The average perpetrator rapes 26 times before gettingcaught
What to do if you are raped or sexually assaulted
• Go to a safe place and tell someone — a trustedfriend, advisor or call 214-768-4795 for free, confidentialcounseling and/or information about what to do
• Report the assault — it’s your decision, butnotifying the police does not initiate criminal charges
• Seek medical attention — you could be injured,become pregnant or be exposed to an STD. Parkland Hospital is theonly Dallas County medical facility that can conduct an exam thatcan be used as evidence. Please do not bathe or douche until afterthe exam.
• Obtain counseling – whatever you decide, allcounseling is confidential.
