| | Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a broad term used to describe a number of sexual crimes. These include rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, voyeurism, and public indecency. Unfortunately, Ohio University is not immune from this type of crime, so in order to assist our students, the Student Health Service has designed a program for students who are victims of these crimes.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse (RN) who has received special training in order to provide comprehensive care to the sexual assault patient, and who has been specially trained on collecting forensic evidence (evidence that is suitable for use in court). The SANE will discuss what happened to you, do an exam looking for injury, provide medication to decrease your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections, and also offer medication that will prevent a pregnancy. In addition to medical treatment and forensic evidence collection, you will be provided the names of other professionals who will be available to you on a referral basis for follow-up care.
If you believe you have been Sexually Assaulted it is best if you do not bathe, shower, change your clothes, or brush your teeth after the assault since some evidence may be lost. If you have done any of these, still come in and discuss it with the SANE, an exam still can be done.
A SANE nurse is available through O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, located on Hospital Drive, Athens, Ohio (740-593-5551). You can also contact the Athens Police Department (740-593-6606), or the Ohio University Police Department (740-593-1911) for additional information or assistance.
Types of Sexual Assault
Public Indecency
Masturbating or flashing/exposing breasts or genitals to others in a public and uninvited manner.
Voyeurism
Watching a person or persons in an intimate setting without that person's permission.
Sexual Imposition
Being touched when the touching is offensive to the victim or when the victim's abilities are impaired.
Gross Sexual Imposition
Being touched on/in the thigh, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, or breasts, when force or threat of force was used or the victim's ability to defend was impaired by drugs, alcohol, or mental condition.
Sexual Battery
Being pressured or tricked into engaging in sexual conduct that includes penetration.
Rape
Being forced to engage in sexual conduct (that includes penetration) with another person when force or threat of force was used, or the victim's ability was impaired by drugs, alcohol, or mental condition.
Reporting on Sexual Assault
Deciding whether or not to report a sexual assault to law enforcement authorities can be difficult. It is important to understand that reporting to the police does not require you to prosecute. You should be aware of the following reporting options:
Direct Reporting
Involves the survivor speaking directly with law enforcement officers regarding the assault. Such reports can be made at the Student Health Service, the Ohio University Police Department or the Athens Police Department. If the survivor wished to pursue prosecuting the offender, direct reports are required and should be made as soon as possible. You will not be required as a part of the SANE program to pursue prosecuting and offender, but your options regarding pursuing prosecution will be explained.
Third Party Reporting
Involves someone other than the survivor contacting law enforcement authorities and reporting the details of the assault. In this case the survivor wishes to have the assault reported but may not want to talk directly with authorities. In this type of reporting, no names are given. The officers can take information regarding the assault that will be useful in tracking the number and nature of assaults, but will not be able to pursue charging or apprehending an offender.
Anonymous Reporting
Involves the survivor contacting authorities and reporting the details of the assault but not disclosing her/his identity. The survivor may opt to either give or withhold the name of the assailant. Again, this type of reporting is useful in tracking assaults, but cannot be used for further investigation.
Important Phone Numbers
On-Campus
Student Health Service
593-4730/4731
Counseling & Psychological Services
593-1616
Health Promotion, 339 Baker University Center
593-4742
OU Police Department
593-1911 (24 Hour Emergency Line)
Off-Campus
Sexual Assault Survivor Advocacy Program
593-3344
Office of Victim Assistance
593-3208
Athens Police Department
593-6979
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