Safety Measures for Sexual Assault

If you saw the 48 Hours show titled, "Campus Insecurity," there were some compelling questions raised about how safe a college campus really is. Here are some answers to suggested questions from "Ask The Safety Basics: Questions To Take With You On College Tours" from cbsnews.com.

Safety Measures for Sexual Assault

What is the school's policy regarding sexual misconduct? Do officials have information available about the prevalence of sexual assault, the circumstances in which it commonly occurs, what to do if it happens, university sanctions, campus resources, and prevention strategies?

An individual who feels that she/he has been the victim of sexual assault (referred to in this section as the survivor) has a variety of options. Those who have been raped or otherwise sexually assaulted as defined in the Ohio Revised Code should file criminal charges with the Wilmington Police Department or the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office. Survivors of sexual assault may also file formal judicial charges on campus or engage an informal grievance process which may involve a number of creative alternatives, such as joint counseling for the survivor and the alleged abuser, or safe opportunities for confrontation. Survivors may also seek information or counseling without any obligation to pursue a formal course of action.

Anyone seeking support, information, or counseling can contact a member of Student Life, Residence Life, or Campus Safety.

How does the school define sexual misconduct? Does it provide the campus community with a clear definition of the behaviors that constitute sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct that the university considers unacceptable and sanctionable?

The following is from the Student Handbook: The phrase sexual assault refers to any sexual act against the wishes of the recipient of the behavior and, in the most serious cases, involving force or coercion. Force may involve the use of or display of a weapon, physical battering, or immobilization of the recipient, or other threatening behavior which causes the recipient to fear bodily harm. This may include an attack upon someone who is physically helpless (i.e., asleep, unconscious, or passed out). Coercion involves psychological pressuring or threats to the recipient that is other than physical, including but not limited to the abuse of a student-to-student power relationship (authority) and the administering of drugs or alcohol to prevent resistance.

What are the campus security measures? Do the measures include adequate lighting, effective residence hall security systems, escort services, timely notifications of reported crimes, and ongoing information campaigns?

Last year the Student Government Association accompanied the Dean of Students and the Director of the Physical Plant on a tour of campus to determine locations for improved lighting and for new campus security phones. A security phone is currently in place between Boyd and Kettering on the west side of campus. Residence halls are locked 24-hours, with the exception of Austin-Pickett Hall, which must remain open at the North Austin entrance to accommodate faculty offices and classrooms. Students may obtain escorts from Campus Safety by contacting the officer on duty. If a particular individual or situation threatens a campus environment, flyers with information are posted on external residence hall doors and in Pyle Center.

What is the school's protocol for managing reported cases? What procedures will be implemented, and how will the rights of victims and accused students be protected?

Students are encouraged to report any situations to Campus Safety and to the Wilmington Police if needed. After the report and any investigations are completed, the information will be sent to the Office of the Dean of Students. If a judicial investigation is appropriate, the Dean of Students will assign a Judicial Advisor to the case. The procedures for adjudication of violations of the Student Code of Conduct, including sexual assault are outlined in the Student Handbook.

Is there a system in place for gathering and disseminating information about sexual misconduct?

Yes. The Student Handbook contains information for students about what services are available. Resident Assistants are also trained on how to assist survivors of sexual assault. Incidents of sexual misconduct that occur on campus are reported to Campus Safety and to the Office of the Dean of Students.

Does the college or university institute comprehensive educational programs about sexual assault that reach all members of the campus community?

During the first few weeks of school, new students receive health information in same-gender sessions with the College Nurse. This information includes general information about counseling services available to all students.

Has the college or university established comprehensive services for victims of sexual assault?

Yes. The College has an agreement with a local licensed counselor who works with our students. Each student can take advantage of 3 free visits each year. If a student needs care beyond three visits, the counselor will work with the student to see what further care insurance will cover. In the event that a student doesn’t form a good bond with the counselor, there are other individuals in town providing similar services that we utilize.