Sexual Assault
Definitions
The following is how the Office on Violence Against Women defines these terms.
Any nonconsensual sexual act including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.
Violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner with whom the victim shares a child, is cohabiting with or has cohabitated with.
Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for his/her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
What are your options if you are raped or sexually assaulted?
While we strongly encourage you to report any incidents to the school and seek medical attention it is your decision what steps you would like to take. Please remember there are resources both on and off campus to help that are listed below.
- Go to a safe place
- Call someone you trust or an advocate to be with you and give you support
- Preserve all physical evidence of the assault. Do not shower, bathe, douche, or brush your teeth
- Save all the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault in a paper bag
- Contact someone on campus to report the incident or for support
- Go to a hospital to be checked out medically
- If the assault occurred in the last 120 hours and you would like to have a rape kit done go to a hospital. The kits are free and having one completed does not mean you need to pursue any legal options. After five days they are not able to collect material for the kit
- If you are uncomfortable using resources at SHU use an outside resource
- Remember you are not to blame for what has happened to you. There are many people out there who want to support you.
What are your options if you are in an abusive relationship or being stalked?
While we strongly encourage you to report any incidents to the school and seek medical attention if needed it is your decision what steps you would like to take. Please remember there are resources both on and off campus to help that are listed below.
- Go to a safe place
- Use a resource either on or off campus to help come up with a safety plan
- Contact someone on campus to report the incident or for support
- Talk to someone you trust who can provide support
- Remember you are not to blame for what has happened to you. There are many people out there who want to support you.
Resources
Counseling Center
203-371-7955
Health Services
203-371-7838
Not able to provide completion of rape kits
University Chaplain
203-371-7707
Campus Advocates
203-258-3702
These individuals are required to inform the Director of Title IX Compliance about instances of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking.
Residential Life (RSA’s, RHD’s)
Contact information varies by hall
Public Safety
203-371-7995
Title IX Coordinator: Beth Anne Voight-Jause
203-416-3420
These resources are completely separate from Sacred Heart. They will not notify SHU if a student utilizes their resources.
Center for Family Justice
Sexual Assault: 203-333-2233
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE
How to help a friend
You are not expected to be an expert in any of these areas. Below are some general tips on how to a help a friend in need. The resources above are available for you to use should you need more information or are looking for support for yourself.
Sexual Assault
- Listen to them
- Tell them you believe them, are sorry this happened to them, didn’t do anything to deserve this, etc.
- Do not ask questions about why they did or did not do something
- Help your friend organize their thoughts and go over options but do not make decisions for them
Dating Violence
- Talk to your friends about your concerns but be patient and calm
- They may not be ready to talk right away. It’s important they know you will be there for them whenever they are ready
- Discuss their options but do not pressure them into choosing one
- If you feel your friend is in imminent danger contact 911 or Public Safety’s emergency number 203-371-7911
How faculty/staff can help a student
If a student shares with you an incident of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, as a responsible employee you are required to notify the Director of Title IX Compliance. If possible, before the student shares anything make it clear that you are required to report incidents relating to sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking including their name to the Director of Title IX Compliance. Do not promise you will keep the information confidential. All SHU faculty/staff with the exception of health services, counseling center, and university chaplains are considered responsible employees.
- Tell them you believe them, are sorry this happened to them, didn’t do anything to deserve this, etc.
- Do not ask questions about why they did or did not do something
- Help them organize their thoughts and go over options but do not make decisions for them
- Explain the Director of Title IX Compliance will be reaching regarding options and to offer support