Isu sexual violence prevention and response

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Sexual Violence Policy

Sexual Violence Policy

Purpose

To state the University’s policy regarding sexual and intimate partner violence.

Introduction to University Policy

Indiana State University is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to the continued intellectual and social development of its students. A campus community of mutual respect and concern is established through the active efforts of all its members. Indiana State University maintains a proactive stance in the prevention of sexual violence and imposes strict sanctions against those found responsible of committing such acts. Sexual violence will not be tolerated. Victims of sexual violence will be provided the active support and intervention needed to support their continued progress on academic and career goals.

Definitions

Sexual Violence (SV) is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will. SV encompasses a range of offenses, including but not limited to a completed nonconsensual sex act (i.e., rape), an attempted nonconsensual sex act, abusive sexual contact (i.e., unwanted touching), and non-contact sexual abuse (e.g., threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, verbal sexual harassment). These four types are defined in more detail below. All types involve victims who do not consent, or who are unable to consent or refuse to allow the act.

A completed sex act is defined as contact between the penis and the vulva or the penis and the anus involving penetration, however slight; contact between the mouth and penis, vulva, or anus; or penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person by a hand, finger, or other object.
An attempted (but not completed) sex act
Abusive sexual contact is defined as intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person without his or her consent, or of a person who is unable to consent or refuse.
Non-contact sexual abuse does not include physical contact of a sexual nature between the perpetrator and the victim. It includes acts such as voyeurism; intentional exposure of an individual to exhibitionism; unwanted exposure to pornography; verbal or behavioral sexual harassment; threats of sexual violence to accomplish some other end; or taking or distributing nude photographs of a sexual nature of another person without his or her consent or knowledge, or of a person who is unable to consent or refuse.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term "intimate partner violence" describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.

IPV can vary in frequency and severity. It occurs on a continuum, ranging from one hit that may or may not impact the victim to chronic, severe battering.

There are four main types of intimate partner violence including but not limited to

Physical violence is the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury, or harm. Physical violence includes, but is not limited to, scratching; pushing; shoving; throwing; grabbing; biting; choking; shaking; slapping; punching; burning; use of a weapon; and use of restraints or one's body, size, or strength against another person.
Sexual violence is divided into three categories: 1) use of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or her will, whether or not the act is completed; 2) attempted or completed sex act involving a person who is unable to understand the nature or condition of the act, to decline participation, or to communicate unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, e.g., because of illness, disability, or the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or because of intimidation or pressure; and 3) abusive sexual contact.
Threats of physical or sexual violence use words, gestures, or weapons to communicate the intent to cause death, disability, injury, or physical harm.
Psychological/emotional violence involves trauma to the victim caused by acts, threats of acts, or coercive tactics. Psychological/emotional abuse can include, but is not limited to, humiliating the victim, controlling what the victim can and cannot do, withholding information from the victim, deliberately doing something to make the victim feel diminished or embarrassed, isolating the victim from friends and family, and denying the victim access to money or other basic resources. It is considered psychological/emotional violence when there has been prior physical or sexual violence or prior threat of physical or sexual violence.

The definitions above are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) to provide consistent definitions to monitor and examine trends over time. In addition, this helps to determine the magnitude of sexual violence and compare these problems across jurisdictions.

Procedure

The following guidelines apply to Indiana State University faculty, staff and students who are assisting students who are a victim of sexual assault.

IF a sexual assault has occurred:

GO TO A SAFE PLACE. You may want to contact someone you know and trust to be with you.

CONTACT A RESOURCE.

On campus, please call Public Safety (911 or 812-237-5555). On-Campus Resources

You always have the option to contact a resource off-campus, such as a Law Enforcement Agency and/or Counseling Service. Public Safety can help you make these contacts. Off-Campus Resources

PRESERVE EVIDENCE. Please do not shower, change clothes, douche or brush your teeth. It is very important to preserve evidence for evidence collection, which provides proof of a criminal offense.

SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT at Union Hospital, or Terre Haute Regional Hospital. You should receive treatment for injuries and tests for pregnancy and STDs. Public Safety can provide transportation to and from the hospital.

Public Safety Services

Periodically during the academic year the ISU Police, in cooperation with other University organizations and departments, present crime prevention awareness sessions on sexual assault (rape and acquaintance rape), Rohypnol abuse, relationship violence and residence hall security.

The Department also offers Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) training for female students and staff. This is a comprehensive course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Certified RAD instructors teach each session.

For more information about programs or to request a program for your group or organization please call the ISU Department of Public Safety at 237-7829.

Student Counseling Center