Investigation and Appeals Procedure Anyone who is aware of an instance of sexual harassment should so advise the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, any College Vice President, or the Director of Human Resources. Investigation of a complaint will be conducted by any or all of the above-named individuals and will be undertaken immediately and conducted in an expeditious manner, assuring maximum confidentiality consistent with principles of due process and fundamental fairness according to the following guidelines: •
The complaint should be in writing with sufficient specificity. A person bringing a complaint founded in good faith will suffer no retaliation.
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The person charged will be promptly notified and given an opportunity to respond.
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If a complaint is found to be valid, disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, consistent with the degree of seriousness of the sexual harassment, may be instituted.
RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes and serious problems for college students across the country. It is estimated that one in every four college women nationwide has been or will be the victim of a rape or attempted rape. This section outlines the steps to take if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault or rape.
IF YOU ARE RAPED OR SEXUALLY ASSAULTED: 1.
Remember that it’s not your fault.
2. 3.
Get to a safe place as soon as you can. Try to preserve all physical evidence
TO PRESERVE ALL THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE •
After the first 24 hours the quality of the evidence usually decreases, but evidence can be collected up to 72 hours after the assault.
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Do not wash or douche.
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Try not to urinate.
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If oral contact took place, do not eat, drink liquids, smoke, or brush teeth.
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Do not comb or brush hair.
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If changing clothes is necessary, clothing worn during the assault should be placed in a paper bag.
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This evidence is retained for at least one year by the local police after the assault takes place, so even if you do not want to prosecute at the time of the assault, you have the option of changing your mind. The length of time of retention varies from one locale to another, so check with the local police.
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Receive immediate medical attention.
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Report the assault to an on-campus official or local support services.
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Contact a close friend who can be with you until you feel safe again.
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