Sexual assault (includes sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking)

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any unwanted physical, emotional or sexual contact. Sexual assault is a form of violence. It encompasses a wide range of sexual actions taken against a person without the person’s consent, against the person’s will, or under force, threat of force or coercion. Legally, consent cannot be given while intoxicated since these states inhibit an aware state of mind. (Excerpt from the Ohio Revised Code)

Ohio University policy #03.004: Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking includes sexual harassment and sexual assault, domestic violence and dating violence, and stalking. These behaviors are prohibited as unlawful discriminatory conduct under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 4112.02 of the Revised Code, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 ("VAWA"), and the Campus Sexual Assault Elimination Act ("Campus SaVE Act").

For additional information about the University’s sexual misconduct policy for faculty and staff, the student sexual misconduct process and definitions, visit the website of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance.

What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?

Seek medical treatment immediately. Sexual assault forensic exams can be completed up to 96 hours post-assault, but you can still seek medical attention if this timeline has passed. If possible, do not shower, bathe, eat or change clothes before seeking treatment. However, if you have engaged in any of these activities post-assault, medical providers may still be able to collect evidence. Nurses trained in sexual assault response are available at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital* (55 Hospital Drive, Athens; 740-593-5551) and follow-up care can be obtained through Campus Care* (Hudson Health Center, 1st Floor; 740-592-7100).
You may report the crime to the Ohio University Police Department (135 Scott Quad; 740-593-1911) for on-campus assaults or to Athens Police Department (11 N. College Street, Athens; 740-593-6606) for off-campus assaults.
You can contact the Survivor Advocacy Program* within the Ohio University Division of Student Affairs (24/7 crisis line: 740-597-SAFE (7233) or survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu. SAP serves student survivors at OHIO.
Sexual misconduct may be reported by any member of the Ohio University community wishing to file a report. The Office of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance and the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility will review information provided, take the most appropriate action and provide referrals and support. To report sexual misconduct at Ohio University, visit the ECRC website and click the purple box in the top right corner of the page.

*Confidential resource: Confidential resources are not required to report specific incidents to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance or any other investigating body and may not disclose any information without the permission of the student.

What other resources are available on campus?

The Survivor Advocacy Program* (SAP) at Ohio University provides support and advocacy services to student survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. SAP advocates are available to assist in navigating medical, legal, and Title IX processes, aid in housing and/or academic accommodations, and to provide support for student survivors and friends or family members of survivors. SAP can be reached via their 24-hour hotline: 740-597- SAFE (7233), by emailing survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu, or by dropping in to their office(s) located at 038 Lindley Hall M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
University Counseling and Psychological Services* provides professional and confidential counseling to students. (Hudson Health Center, 3rd Floor; 24/7 Crisis Line: 740-593-1616)

What other resources are available off campus?

My Sister’s Place* is a domestic violence agency in Athens, Ohio serving Athens, Hocking, and Vinton Counties and provides a 24/7 hotline, outreach counseling, and an emergency shelter (1-800-443-3402).
The Athens County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program (740-592-3208; Athens Co. Court House, 1st floor, 1 South Court Street) is designed to assist the survivor throughout the criminal justice process. If you have questions about your rights, obtaining protection orders, making a victim compensation claim, or any other concerns, Athens County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program has trained advocates who can assist you.
Hopewell Health Centers*, an integrated health care organization, provides access to affordable, quality care at its Athens Behavioral Health/Primary Care Clinic (90 Hospital Drive, Athens; 740-592-3091 or 1-888-475-8484 for 24/7 Crisis Line).
Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program*, a confidential rape crisis center based in Southeast Ohio (77 East State Street, Athens; 740-591-4266), serves OHIO faculty and staff.