Sexual Assault, Stalking & Relationship Violence
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 Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct 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.
Resources
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.
University Counseling and Psychological Services* provides professional and confidential counseling to students. (Hudson Health Center, 3rd Floor; 24/7 Crisis Line: 740.593.1616)
*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.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides a wide range of information on sexual assault statistics, risk reduction, side effects, and legal issues. It also tells you how to recognize sexual assault and how to report it, providing links and resources with additional information. It even operates its own 24/7 sexual assault hotline! You may also be able to find some volunteer opportunities through the website.