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Sexual assault is defined as: any sexual act directed against
another person, forcibly, and/or against that person's will;
or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim
is incapable of giving consent.
The Campus recognizes the serious physical and psychological
impact of sexual assault. It is one of the most frequently
committed violent crimes in the United States and most unreported.
If attacked or confronted by an assailant, try to attract
attention. Assess the situation: options are to fight, run,
or reason with the assailant. Personal safety awareness programs
and self-defense courses can help educate one as to how to
respond appropriately in a sexual assault situation.
Acquaintance rape, sexual assault that occurs between people
who know each other, is far more common on college campuses
than stranger rape. Acquaintance rape is as serious as any
other form of rape.
If you are assaulted
- Report the incident immediately
- Do not wash, shower, change clothes, or
douche before calling or going for help.
- All efforts should be made to preserve evidence.
Do not touch any evidence of an attack or struggle even
if the assault took place in your room or home.
- Go to a safe place. Ask a friend to stay
with you. Call Public Safety at extension 2222.
If you feel you are the victim of a sexual assault on campus,
report the incident so that trained campus staff members can
provide prompt and supportive assistance. Public Safety personnel
will keep all calls confidential and will:
- Meet with you privately at a place of your choice to take
a complaint report.
- Refuse to release your name to the public and the press.
- Treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity,
dignity, understanding, and professionalism.
- Try to accommodate your wish to speak to either a male
or female officer.
- Assist you in arranging for any hospital treatment or
other medical care.
- Fully investigate your case along with local Law Enforcement.
This may lead to the arrest and full prosecution of a suspect.
You will be kept up to date on the progress of the investigation
and prosecution.
- Continue to be available to answer your questions and
explain systems and legal processes involved.
- Consider your case seriously regardless of your gender.
- Cooperate with the Office of Residence Life in changing
academic and living arrangements precipitated by the offense
if you request such action.
Procedures are in place for on-campus disciplinary action
in cases of alleged sexual assault. In such disciplinary actions
the accuser and the accused (1) are entitled to the same opportunities
to have others present during the proceedings and (2) shall
be informed of the outcome of the proceedings. Any individual
found guilty of rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses
(forcible or non-forcible) following an on-campus disciplinary
procedure is subject to sanctions up to and including expulsion
from the campus.
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