|
Bowling Green State University recognizes the seriousness of
sexual offenses and commits itself to preventing such offenses.
The University
Policy on Violence outlines, in full, the University's commitment
to a safe environment in which acts of violence are not tolerated.
Students who report the occurrence of a sexual offense are treated
with dignity. The University acknowledges the support services
of the Student Health Service, Office of Public Safety, Counseling
Center, Coalition Against Sexual Offenses (CASO), Transformation
Project, Office of Residence Life, Off-Campus Housing, Student
Legal Services, Wellness Connection, the Office of Student Life,
the Vice President for Student Affairs, and Behavioral Connections
of Wood County. Many additional University offices also provide
programming aimed at the prevention of sexual offenses.
Sex Offender Registration
Federal law requires convicted sex offenders to register for
the purpose of community notification. In addition, institutions
of higher education are required to track sex offenders who
are enrolled at or are employed at their institution. The law
requires sex offenders, already required to register in a specific
state, to provide notice of each institution of higher education
in that state at which that person is employed or enrolled as
a student. This registration is to be made available to law
enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institution
of higher education is located. Institutions of higher education
are required to issue a statement advising the campus community
where law enforcement agency information, provided by the state
concerning registered sex offenders, may be obtained.
Persons seeking to obtain sex offender registration information
relevant to the Bowling Green State University campus community
may contact the Wood County Sheriff's Office at 419-354-9004
or go to www.woodcountysheriff.com
and click on the sex offender link.
Quick jump to:
Information on Sexual Violations
Rape is a crime of power and control. It reflects a total disregard
for the rights and feelings of others. No one should be forced
or intimidated to have sex under any circumstances.
Rape, sexual harassment, and other sexual violations can happen
anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Based on a recent study conducted
by the National Institute of Justice, it is estimated that a
college enrolling 10,000 female students could experience more
than 350 rapes per year (U.S. Department of Justice, December
2000). Based on BGSU enrollment during Fall 2000 (BGSU Office
of Institutional Research, 2000) and these national statistics,
it is estimated that on the BGSU campus there could be an estimated
395 rapes per year. It is also estimated that one in 12 men
are the victims of rape or sexual assault. These are alarming
statistics.
BGSU does not tolerate sexual offenses. The Univeristy is prepared
to handle situations of sexual assault whether they occur on
campus or off campus. BGSU offers a variety of programs and
services that focus on education, prevention, and response to
sexual offenses.
Survivors of sexual violations can experience high levels of
physical and psychological distress. Negative consequences of
sexual assault are wide-ranging and may include:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Adoption of negative health practices (such as the misuse
of alcohol or drugs, disordered eating, and smoking)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Posttraumatic stress disorder, or other psychological disorders
- Difficulty concentrating on academic work
- Low self-esteem
- Problems with future intimacy or sexual functioning
In addition, there may be disruption of employment and expenditure
of massive financial resources and time as a result of pursuing
medical or legal services.
Especially in cases of acquaintance rape, survivors may blame
themselves. Many sexual offenses go unreported, which can result
in survivors failing to obtain necessary medical, social, psychological,
and legal assistance.
Top of page
Legal Definitions (based on the Ohio Revised Code 2907.01-2907.09)
and Categories
Sexual Assault
An umbrella term covering a wide range of actions taken against
a person without the person's consent, against the person's
will, or under force, threat of force, or coercion. Sexual activity
occurring when someone is medicated, asleep, passed out, or
drunk can also be illegal. In these situations a person cannot
truly consent since she or he is not in an aware state of mind.
Sexual Conduct
Vaginal intercourse between a male and female, anal intercourse,
or oral sexual activity between persons regardless of gender.
Penetration with any body part or object, however slight, is
sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.
Sexual Contact
Any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including the
thigh, genitals, buttocks, anal zones, pubic region, areas particularly
sensitive to sexual stimulation, or, if such person is female,
breast(s), for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying
either person.
Rape
Engaging in sexual conduct by force or threat of force; or for
the purpose of preventing resistance, offender substantially
impairs victim's judgment or control by giving any drug/intoxicant
secretly or by force, threat of force or deception. Victim need
not prove physical resistance.
Gross Sexual Imposition
Having sexual contact with another, by force or threat of force;
or the offender substantially impairs the other person's judgment
or control using drugs or intoxicant secretly or by force, threat
of force or deception.
Voyeurism
Trespassing or secretly invading privacy of another; to spy
or eavesdrop upon another with the purpose of sexually arousing
or gratifying one's self.
Public Indecency
Recklessly exposing one's private parts, or masturbating; engaging
in conduct appearing to an ordinary observer to be sexual conduct
or masturbation.
Sexual Other
Minor incidents of a sexual nature which may or may not involve
physical contact. (Example: offensive sexual words or comments,
bumping, gestures, etc.)
Top of page
Rape Information
There are occasions when a secondary source will share information
regarding an alleged incident which may have occurred on campus.
The caller typically provides little or no detail regarding
the victim, suspect, time, place, or what actually happened.
This information, however, is recorded for the benefit of our
students and the campus community.
Top of page
Policies and Procedures to be Followed in Response to Cases
of a Reported Sexual Offense
A. Seeking Assistance
The student who has been sexually assaulted has many options
in seeking assistance. Although victims of sexual assault
are not always sure about what has happened to them or what
steps they can take, there are staff members specialized in
victim advocacy who can assist the student in making informed
choices. A confidential victim advocate is available through
the Transformation Project of the Women's Center. Students
can also receive assistance from the Department of Public
Safety, Counseling Center, Office of Student Life, Office
of Residence Life, Student Health Service, Bowling Green City
Police, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Prosecutor's Office,
and The Link Crisis Hotline. The student has the option whether
to seek legal, medical and/or psychological services. If the
student does not wish to report the assault, he or she should
still seek medical attention.
B. Seeking Medical Attention and Maintaining Evidence
It is important for a student who has been sexually assaulted
to receive medical care to ensure physical well-being and
to maintain the collection and preservation of evidence should
the student choose to take legal action at any time in the
future. Medical care may include emergency contraception,
antibiotic treatment to address any sexually transmitted infections
and specialized, physical examinations. Physical examinations
and rape kits conducted at the BGSU Student Health Service
and at Wood County Hospital are provided by a trained Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiner. The purpose of the rape kit is for
the collection of evidence. All evidence should be collected
in the first 72 hours after the assault has occurred. Rape
kits are most effective if the student does not shower or
change clothes after the assault in order to preserve vital
evidence. Having a rape kit completed does not mean that the
case will go to court or that the student must press criminal
charges. It does leave the option available and can greatly
enhance the chances of a successful prosecution should the
student make the decision to press charges.
C. Legal Issues
- The student who states that a sexual offense has occurred
has the right to full and prompt cooperation from University
personnel and Health Service professionals. The student also
has the right to choose whether to prosecute in a court of
law. Even if the student does not want to press charges, the
student should speak with an officer regarding the assault
in order to keep all options open for the future. An advocate
can help determine the difference between pressing charges
and filing a report. University Police officers receive training
in the investigation of sexual offenses. Officers are trained
to first seek medical assistance for the survivor, then obtain
vital information and evidence which may be used in a later
disciplinary or court action. All University Police officers
have full police powers which enable them to make arrests
anywhere on the campus of Bowling Green State University.
In addition, Bowling Green State University Police and the
City of Bowling Green Police Department have a Mutual Aid
Agreement which gives University Police officers full powers
of arrest within the city of Bowling Green; likewise the Bowling
Green City Police have arrest powers on the campus of Bowling
Green State University.
- Duty to Report: All University personnel, with the
exception of those providing mental health services, are required
to report that a felony has been or is being committed. The
victim's identity may be kept confidential.
- Reporting Procedures On and Off Campus: On-campus
assaults should be reported to University Police. All off-campus
offenses should be reported to the Bowling Green City Police
Department.
Top of page
Options to Consider in the Aftermath of Sexual Assault
Advocacy
Sexual assault advocates are trained in providing emotional
support, information/referrals, plus medical and legal information.
Advocates can be contacted at any point in the aftermath of
an assault to provide assistance; however, the sooner an advocate
is called and able to provide information and services, the
more options a victim may have. To contact an advocate on
campus, call the Transformation Project (419-372-2190) during
business hours on weekdays. For assistance at all other times,
call The Link hotline at 419-352-1545 and ask for a S.A.A.F.E.
Advocate.
Medical Care
Medical care is recommended after any sexual offense. At
a minimum, such care allows for testing and treatment of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, if the assault
has taken place within the last 72 hours, an exam can be conducted
(known as a rape kit exam) for the purpose of collecting evidence
for prosecution.
Students may seek medical care at the Student Health Service
(SHS) during business hours or Wood County Hospital's Emergency
Room 24 hours a day. If the student does not want a rape kit
completed, the SHS (419-372-2271) can still treat for STI's,
and offer emergency contraception.
Non-students can go to the Wood County Hospital's Emergency
Room for a rape exam if the assault occurred within the last
72 hours. Non-Students can also be seen at Planned Parenthood
(419-354-3540) or by a private physician for treatment of
STI's and pregnancy; however, these providers are unable to
conduct rape exams.
Reporting Sexual Assaults
Sexual assaults that occur on campus can be reported to the
BGSU Police at 419-372-2346. Sexual assaults that occur off
campus can be reported to City of Bowling Green Police at
419-352-2571 or the jurisdiction in which the assault took
place.
Even if the victim does not want to report the assault, many
campus officials have a responsibility to anonymously report
the crime. Anonymous reports do not contain the name of the
victim and will not be followed by an investigation. Instead,
only statistical information is forwarded to campus police
for use in the University's annual report.
Prosecution
A victim has a choice about whether to prosecute or not.
Even if a victim initially chooses not to prosecute, it can
be helpful to report an assault so that prosecution can be
pursued at a later date if the victim chooses to do so. This
allows for timely evidence collection and early interviews
with the victim/witnesses and gives more credibility if prosecution
is pursued at a later date.
Counseling and Mental Health Agencies
- BGSU Counseling Center, 419-372-2081
- BGSU Psychological Services, 419-372-2540
- Therapeutic Intervention Project, 419-352-5387
- The Transformation Project, 419-372-2190
BGSU Student Discipline Program
If the perpetrator is a student, a victim may utilize the
Student Discipline process, which is the University's system
of disciplinary action for students. This course of action
is an option even if the victim is not a student and is not
choosing to prosecute. The Student Discipline process can
be initiated through the Office of Student Life at 419-372-2843.
Counseling
Counseling can be an integral part of recovery from a sexual
assault. Referral sources include on- and off-campus counseling
and advocacy services, as well as peer-led Sexual Assault
Survivors Support groups available through the Transformation
Project (419-372-2190) and the Sexual Assault Awareness for
Empowerment (S.A.A.F.E.) Program via The Link hotline at 419-352-1545.
Housing Issues
When a sexual assault takes place in a residence hall, a
victim may need to relocate. This option can be made available
through the Office of Residence Life at 419-372-2011.
Academic Issues
Sexual assaults can also affect a victim's academic performance.
Students may seek assistance with academic issues through
the Office of Student Life at 419-372-2843.
Alcohol and Other Substances
Often times, victims, knowingly or unkowingly, ingest alcohol
and other substances prior to being sexually assaulted. In
any case, a victim of sexual assault will not be penalized
for underage consumption if an assault is reported to the
police or the Office of Student Life.
Victim's Compensation
Sexual assault victims who report the crime within 72 hours
may be eligible for victim's compensation for costs incurred
as a result of the crime. More information is available about
such compensation through the Transformation Project (419-372-2190)
or through the S.A.A.F.E. Program at 419-352-1545.
Top of page
Rights of a Student Who States that a Sexual Offense Has Occurred
A. Assistance
Contact the Transformation Project of the Women's Center,
the Student Health Service, the Counseling Center, the Office
of Residence Life, the Office of Student Life, Student Legal
Services, or the Link Crisis Hotline.
B. Medical Care
The appropriate medical examination including the collection
of medical evidence is available from the Student Health Service
during regular hours of operation. Twenty-four hour medical
service is available through area hospitals.
As provided by state and federal laws or regulations, a student
who reports that a sexual offense has occurred shall be informed
of the option (under certain circumstances) to obtain the
results of mandatory testing of suspects of a sexual offense
for sexually transmitted infections.
C. Crisis Intervention/Emotional Support
Any student who has been assaulted has a right to receive
mental health services from the Counseling Center free of
charge. The student seeking such assistance generally meets
with a counselor for an initial assessment session. Based
on the perceived needs of the student and the availability
of counselors, this assessment may be followed by on-going
counseling or by referral to appropriate community resources.
Services are available through the Transformation Project
of the Women's Center and the S.A.A.F.E. Program where information
on intervention, referral, and victim's advocacy are provided.
D. Living and Academic Options
The student who reports that a sexual offense has occurred
may request, through Emergency Services in the Office of Student
Life, to be relocated to another on-campus residence.
The student shall be relocated as soon as possible based
on space availability. Efforts will also be made through Emergency
Services to assist the student with requests for changes in
his/her academic schedule and responsibilities. Requests for
academic changes and/or changes in living arrangements shall
be given prompt attention.
Top of page
Procedures for On-Campus Student Discipline Proceedings Involving
Reported Sexual Misconduct
- Student Rights
The following procedures and rights are applicable to the
complainant in cases involving reported sexual misconduct
by a student whether on or off campus.
- The complainant may submit a written complaint of the
alleged offense to the Associate Dean of Students, Office
of Student Life at 301 Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
- The complainant will be provided with an interview conducted
by the Associate Dean of Students, Office of Student Life,
which shall describe the due process and hearing procedures
for the alleged violator and the rights of the complainant.
Rights of the complainant include the following:
- To receive written notification of the time and
place of the hearing;
- The complainant is entitled to the same opportunities
as is the accused to have an adviser present during
a campus student discipline proceeding;
- To receive explanation of the degree of the burden
of proof, which is "more likely than not"
in campus student discipline proceedings, in contrast
to "beyond a reasonable doubt" in off-campus
criminal proceedings;
- To remain present during the entire proceeding;
- To present information and witnesses in his/her
own behalf;
- To hear and respond to information and testimony
presented at the hearing;
- To make a "victim impact statement"; and
- Not to have irrelevant sexual questions or history
considered during a hearing.
- Not to have the underage consumption of alcohol
considered.
- Both the complainant and the respondent shall be informed
of the outcome of any campus student discipline proceeding
brought forward alleging sexual misconduct.
- Sanctions following an On-Campus Student Discipline Hearing
Following an on-campus student discipline hearing, a finding
of responsibility against the respondent for sexual misconduct
can result in a maximum sanction of expulsion.
Top of page
Preventing Sexual Offenses
Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Offenses
- Coordination of programming and information dissemination
is the responsibility of CASO (a committee within the Division
of Student Affairs), the Department of Public Safety, and
The Wellness Connection.
- Written materials are disseminated to students and parents
with discussion of issues at Orientation and Registration
and Welcome Week.
- Programming and information are provided on campus by The
Transformation Project and by Behavioral Connections of Wood
County, an off-campus mental health agency.
- In addition, media communications, academic classes, the
Office of Residence Life, and campus organizations frequently
focus on sexual assault prevention programming.
Coalition Against Sexual Offenses (CASO)
Recognizing the prevalence of this problem and its serious
consequences, Bowling Green State University has established
the Coalition Against Sexual Offenses (CASO). CASO is comprised
of students, faculty members, counselors, health-care professionals,
health educators, law enforcers, Residence Life staff, and others
dedicated to combating sexual assault.
In recent years, CASO has played a major role in conducting
educational programs across campus, in establishing policies
and procedures for handling sexual offenses, in helping to formalize
local hospital emergency room procedures for survivors of sexual
assault, in training University office staffs, in developing
a flowchart to assist University personnel in intervening with
sexual assault survivors, in implementing a male peer program,
"Men Educating Men On The Prevention of Sexual Assault"
and a female peer program, "SAIN - Sexual Assault Information
Network". Information about preventing sexual offenses
(which has been largely excerpted from the 1989 Counseling Center
publication, "Sexual Violations: Know the Signs,"
written by Dr. Craig Vickio, Dr. Elizabeth Yarris, Ms. Nancy
Breen, and Ms. Kimberly Chin) is provided below.
Prevention
The responsibility of preventing sexual assault lies with the
person initiating sexual behavior, as that is the person who
has the power to stop what he or she is doing. With this in
mind these are things to consider when initiating sexual behavior:
- Sexual assault is a crime and violation of both the Code
of Student Conduct and BGSU Policy on Violence. As such, being
found responsible for a Code of Student Conduct violation
involving "sexual contact without permission" can
result in a maximum sanction of expulsion from BGSU. Additionally,
criminal charges could be brought forward as well as civil
litigation within the court system.
- Because sexual assault is a crime of power and control,
the most important thing to consider when engaging in sexual
behavior is the CONSENT of the other person involved. Only
a person's consent gives one the right to engage in sexual
interaction; therefore, consent must be many things, including:
- Verbal and clear: consent cannot be implied through
seemingly "mixed" messges. One's sexual partner
must be given every opportunity to communicate their wishes
and set their own limits to the degree of behavior that
is initiated upon them. No means no, and when in doubt
ask first.
- Sober and unimpaired: consent can only be given
by a person who has full control of his or her mental
capacities. A person who is drunk or high on drugs is
not legally in a position to give consent.
- Consistent and prompt: Even if someone has agreed
to be sexually involved with someone, that person has
the right to withdraw consent at any time, even during
behavior that might already be interpreted as sexual.
Consent is not implied by the fact that dinner was bought
for someone, or that the parties were sexually involved
in the past or even if someone was seemingly "led
on" by another's behavior.
- Unforced and non-threatened: Use of force, threats,
intimidation, or coercion is a willful denial of a person's
right to freely give his/her consent.
The well-being of the other person is of the utmost importance
during any sexual encounter. Be aware of what your partner is
saying or not saying during an encounter. When in doubt about
proceeding to the next level of intimacy, ask. Checking in with
your partner about what you are doing is a way of sharing the
power and control of the situation that was initiated by you.
This keeps the interaction an equal and safe situation for both
parties.
Risk Reduction
Although the responsibility of prevention truly lies with those
who are initiating sexual acts, there are things that individuals
can know and do that can help reduce the risk of sexual assault.
These are not guarantees of safety, but personal rights and
best practices for a safer environment at BGSU:
You have the right to your own values, attitudes and beliefs
about sexual behavior and relationships in general. Therefore
you have the right to determine the type of interactions and
activities you feel comfortable with and to end those activities
at any time.
While there is no perfect profile of someone who will be sexually
violent, there are some warning signs, which include:
- Domineering, overly controlling actions
- A tendency to disregard your feelings and desires
- The expression of hostility or dominance toward potential
partners
- The belief that certain actions entitle one to sex
- Intrusion into your personal space
- Touching you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
Remember the following:
- No one is ever entitled to sex. You are not obligated to
perform sexual acts as payment, as a favor, or in order to
be a "real man" or a "good woman".
- You have the right to deny alcohol at any time. Alcohol
not only impairs your judgment, many recognize alcohol as
a frequently used and highly effective date rape facilitating
drug.
- You have the right to say no at any time for any reason.
When you feel that your personal rights are being threatened
you have every right to take a stand and let the offending
party know that what they are doing is unwelcome.
- Going to larger parties with people you trust helps to avoid
dangerous situations. Inviting another couple to go with you
is another great way of ensuring that there will be others
around in case of emergency.
- Having your own transportation gives you a degree of power
to leave a situation if you see the need to.
- If you must walk alone, use the Campus Escort Service or
the "2-RIDE" service.
Bowling Green State University recognizes the need for healthy
and successful relationships. Prevention of sexual assault starts
with those who are committing the offenses and then is supplemented
by the use of methods to reduce the risk of an assault. All
students can play a role in combating sexual assault by holding
perpetrators accountable, supporting the rights and choices
of those who have been assaulted and making full use of campus
resources to educate themselves on this serious, yet preventable
problem.
Top of page
|
BGSU
Safety and Security