The purpose of this policy describes the guidelines for reporting sexual assault, guidelines for Public Safety officers and others responding to sexual assaults, resources for victims of sexual assault, and sanctions for staff and students who violate this policy.
Rape, sexual assault, forced or unwanted sexual contact, sexual or physical abuse, and stalking of any kind, or the threat of such conduct, on property owned, leased, or controlled by the College is prohibited.
Sexual contact shall be considered unwanted or without consent if:
- No clear consent is freely given;
- Inflicted through force, threat of force, or coercion; or
- Inflicted upon a person who is unconscious, or without the physical or mental capacity to give consent. Impairment caused by alcohol or drugs may be considered without consent.
Reporting Sexual Assault
Any student or staff member who feels they are a victim of any form of sexual assault is strongly encouraged to report this immediately to the Public Safety Department (Public Safety), Lane County Sheriffs Department, or other appropriate law enforcement agency. Public Safety will assist victims in contacting a specific agency and will provide security to victims while awaiting law enforcement assistance.
In addition to filing a complaint with a law enforcement agency, victims of all forms of sexual assault under this policy may use the college complaint processes.
Complaints of unwanted sexual contact that do not rise to the level of assault should be handled through the College's Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure.
The Student Complaint Procedure provides for both formal and informal complaint resolution.
Staff complaints may be filed with the Director of Human Resources or the Director of the Women's Program.
Complaints may be filed with Public Safety by contacting that office at (541) 463-5558.
Guidance for Victims of a Sexual Assault
- The VICTIM of a sexual assault SHOULD
- get to a safe place
- get medical attention (Public Safety or other law enforcement can assist you with this)
- should wrap in something warm, such as a blanket or coat
- should call (541) 463-5555 at the main campus (911 at all other campuses)
- The VICTIM of a sexual assault SHOULD NOT:
- shower or bathe
- brush or comb hair
- douche or go to the bathroom
- change clothes
- eat or drink anything
- brush or rinse teeth
- touch things at the crime scene
Guidance for Responders to a Sexual Assault
Where a sexual assault has occurred, RESPONDERS (including Public Safety Officers) will follow the following guidelines:
- Take no action that would disturb or eliminate evidence associated with Fingerprints, Bite Marks, Broken fingernails, Documents, Blood/body Fluids, Blood/Fluid splatters, Firearms, Tool Marks, Hair, Fibers, Paint, Glass
- Safeguard scene
- Take photos, sketch (if appropriate) and take a preliminary statement from the victim and any witnesses
- Seal off the area and provide support for responding Lane County Sheriffs Department units
- Establish a crime scene log (persons leaving/arriving, time, date)
- Establish a chain-of-custody consistent with law enforcement best practices
Sanctions
College imposed sanctions or discipline does not relieve the accused of possible criminal or civil liabilities from outside the college.
Student Sanctions: Sanctions may be imposed by the judicial advisor upon any student, group or organization under the Student Code of Conduct.
Staff Sanctions: Any employee of Lane Community College who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Staff will have due process and just cause protection under applicable contracts and working agreements
Education and Assistance
Information and assistance to advise and assist victims/survivors of these offenses is available through the following college offices, which also are available to present educational and risk-reduction programs for staff and students.
Counseling Center (541) 463-5322
Public Safety (541) 463-5558
Health Clinic (541) 463-5665
Women's Center (541) 463-5353
Medical Services
Victims of rape or any form of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance from Student Health or the nearest hospital. For assaults occurring on college property after hours contact Public Safety and they will contact emergency service personnel to respond and assist.
Support services and contact numbers:
On campus:
Counseling Center (541) 463-5322
Public Safety (541) 463-5558
Health Clinic (541) 463-5665
Women's Center (541) 463-5353
Off campus:
Sexual Assault Support Services (541) 343-7277 or (800) 788-4727
Victims Assistance Program (541) 682-4523
McKenzie Willamette Hospital (541) 726-4400
Sacred Heart Hospital (541) 686-6931
Peace Harbor – Florence (541) 997-8412
Cottage Grove Community Hospital (541) 942-0511
Sexual Assault Victims/Survivors Rights
Sexual assault victims/survivors have the following rights:
- To be free from any suggestions that victims must report the crimes in order to be assured of any other right provided under this policy and to have any allegations of sexual assault treated seriously;
- To be treated with dignity;
- To be free from any suggestion that victims are responsible for the commission of crimes against them;
- To be free from pressure from campus personnel to:
- Report crimes if the victim does not wish to do so
- Report crimes as lesser offenses than the victim perceives the crime to be
- Refrain from reporting crimes
- Refrain from reporting crimes to avoid unwanted personal publicity;
- To be notified of existing campus and community-based medical, counseling, mental health and student services for victims of sexual assault whether or not the crime is formally reported to campus or civil authorities;
- To have access to campus counseling under the same terms and conditions as apply to other students in their institution seeking counseling; and
- To be notified of options for changing academic situation.
Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present at any hearing, and both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings.