St. Cloud State University

Student Handbook Policies and Regulations Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated at St. Cloud State University. The university is committed to a campus environment which is free from the emotional and physical threat of sexual assault.

Sexual assault has been defined in detail in the Minnesota criminal statutes and is included in the SCSU sexual assault policy. State law classifies criminal sexual conduct into five degrees, depending on the level of force and the nature and extent of injury to the victim. Sexual assault is sexual contact without the victim's consent. This includes the intentional touching by the assailant of the victim's breasts, inner thighs, genitals and groin; or the coerced touching by the victim of the assailant's, the victim's or another's intimate parts.

If you have been sexually assaulted by a stranger or by someone you know, you should:

1. Call 911 right away if you are in immediate danger (9-911, if calling from on campus).
2. Call a supportive person or an advocate.
   Contact the Sexual Violence Prevention Program at the Women's Center at 308-3995 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If after hours, call the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center at 251-4357 for a 24-hour crisis line. Advocates are available to assist you in many ways, including explaining your legal options, providing emotional support, and/or accompanying you to the hospital or police station.
3. Get medical help.
   Do not shower or clean yourself in any way after a sexual assault. Important physical evidence can be gathered up to 72 hours after an assault. You also may have physical injuries that need attention.
4. Decide whether to file a police report and/or a complaint under the University's Student Code of Conduct. Sexual assault is a violation of the state criminal code and the SCSU Student Code of Conduct. Violators face disciplinary action under both judicial systems.
5. Seek support and counseling.
   There are a variety of agencies and campus departments that can assist you through the recovery process, including the SCSU Counseling Center, SCSU Women's Center/Sexual Violence Prevention Program, and the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.

Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights

The sexual assault victims' bill of rights was drafted by the campus/community sexual assault task force and approved by the president in June 1992. It was developed to encourage sexual assault reporting and to support victims as they seek campus services and justice.

A victim/survivor of sexual assault has the right to:

1. Privacy and treatment of sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Be treated with dignity and receive nonjudgemental assistance.
3. Meaningful support and advocacy from campus organizations and agencies. The university recognizes that institutional support for victims is essential.
4. Prompt assistance of campus authorities, at the request of the victim, in notifying the appropriate law enforcement officials and disciplinary authorities of a sexual assault incident.
5. Complete and prompt assistance of campus authorities, at the direction of law enforcement authorities, in obtaining, securing and maintaining evidence in connection with a sexual assault incident.
6. An investigation and resolution by campus disciplinary authorities of a sexual assault report.
7. Choose the level of participation in university disciplinary proceedings against an assailant, including the right to an advocate or their own attorney.
8. Privacy of past sexual/relationship history during campus judicial proceedings.
9. Notification of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding concerning a sexual assault complaint, consistent with laws relating to data practices.
10. Assistance of campus authorities in preserving materials relevant to a campus disciplinary proceeding for a sexual assault complainant or victim.
11. File for reparations and know the release status from pretrial detention of the accused assailant.
12. Assistance of campus personnel in shielding the victim, at her/his request, from unwanted contact with the alleged perpetrator, including housing and class transfers, if such transfers are feasible.

A "victim" is any person who incurs emotional and/or physical harm or loss as a result of unwanted sexual contact.

It is very important to report all sexual assaults in the campus community to the coordinator of Sexual Assault Services or the director of the SCSU Women's Center. The Women's Center collects and analyzes accounts of sexual assault in the campus community, and has developed a network of referral resources responsive to the needs of sexual assault victims.

Regarding release of information, publicizing sexual assaults is necessary so that the campus community can make informed judgments and take appropriate preventative measures. Confidentiality will be protected and support for victims will be provided in every possible manner.

The complete SCSU assault policy is contained in the campus Procedures Manual. Sexual assault is a violation of the state criminal code and the SCSU Student Code of Conduct. Violators could face disciplinary action under both judicial systems. For more information, or a copy of the entire policy, contact the Women's Center at 308-4958.