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VI-1.30(A) UMCP PROCEDURES ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT APRIL 17, 1995
I. INTRODUCTION
These procedures implement the Board of Regents Interim Policy
on Sexual Assault (VI-1.30). The Regents sexual assault policy
is found in the UMCP Policies and Procedures Manual, available in
the President s Office of Legal Affairs, in McKeldin Library, and
through PROFS and inforM computer networks.
Sexual assault is a terrifying violation of a person s right to
control his or her own body and ability to make a sexual choice.
Because sexual assault is an act of domination and often
violence, being sexually assaulted means that the person has been
assaulted both physically and psychologically. It produces
extreme conflicting feelings in the survivor, among which are
fear, shame, anger, and depression. Anyone can be sexually
assaulted; everyone will need time in which to recover.
The University is committed to educating the campus community
about the nature and consequences of sexual assault. Although our
primary focus is prevention, the University has programs in place
to assist sexual assault survivors, provide information about and
referrals to the criminal justice system, and to adjudicate cases
in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and other
University administration processes as appropriate.
Sexual assault is a very serious offense and the standard
sanction for any sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, is
expulsion, and/or termination of employment.
Definitions
The University System Interim Policy on Sexual Assault (VI-1.30)
recognizes two levels of sexual assault:
Sexual Assault I:
By stranger or acquaintance, rape, forcible sodomy, or forcible
sexual penetration, however slight, of another person s anal or
genital opening with any object. These acts must be committed
either by force, threat, intimidation or through the use of the
victim s mental or physical helplessness of which the accused was
aware or should have been aware.
Sexual Assault II:
By stranger or acquaintance, the touch of an unwilling person s
intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks,
or clothing covering them) or forcing an unwilling person to
touch another s intimate parts. These acts must be committed
either by force, threat, intimidation or through the use of the
victim s mental or physical helplessness of which the accused was
aware or should have been aware.
II. EDUCATION AND PREVENTION
The Director of the UMCP Health Center is the Education Program
Coordinator for the UMCP Campus.
Orientation Program (314-8217 or x48217)
Acquaintance rape is addressed during the University s new
student orientation program. Orientation Advisors present skits
depicting typical acquaintance rape situations to raise
awareness and to educate incoming students about the issue and
available resources on campus.
Student Advocates for Education About Rape (SAFER) Sponsored by
the University Health Center, 314-8128 or x48128
The SAFER workshop is designed to give men and women a safe
environment to openly discuss with one another issues of
communication in a dating relationship. Presentations are given
for on-campus residents, Greek organizations, other student
groups, and academic classes.
Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD) (Sponsored by the
University Police, 405-3555 or x 53555)
The Rape Aggression Defense System program (open to the entire
UMCP community) teaches self-defense tactics and techniques for
the average individual. Participants learn about risk avoidance
and risk reduction, and then progress to hands-on training in the
basics of self-defense.
Counseling Center (314-7651 or x47651)
By request, the Counseling Center offers programs related to
sexual assault to members of the campus community, including
student organizations and the Greek System.
Resident Life (314-7343 or x47353)
The Department of Resident Life offers numerous educational
programs in the residence halls throughout the year. Topics
include sexual assault, acquaintance rape, self-defense, and
personal safety and security.
Emergency Phones
Police Emergency Response Telephones (PERT), recognized by a blue
light affixed to each station, are available throughout the
campus. By activating the phone, an individual will be
automatically connected to a Police Dispatcher who is immediately
alerted to the location of the phone. The University Police can
also be contacted free of charge by dialing 5-3333 from a campus
phone or 911 from a pay phone and advising the Operator that the
caller is at the University of Maryland. The call will be
immediately transferred to the University Police.
Shuttle Bus (314-2255 or x42255)
The Office of Commuter Affairs provides free shuttle service to
all students, faculty, and staff. Shuttle UM offers a variety
of regularly scheduled stops throughout campus from 5:30 pm until
3:00 am. The Shuttle also offers a Call-a-Ride service which
operates nightly from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Escorts/Student Police Auxiliary Foot Patrol (405-3555 or x53555)
The Student Police Auxiliary performs foot patrol services on the
campus between 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Student Police Aides are in radio contact with uniformed police
officers, and are available to provide walking escorts when
requested.
III. PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IF A SEXUAL ASSAULT OCCURS
The Director of the UMCP Health Center is the Initial Contact
Person for the UMCP Campus.
1. Self Care and Safety
After an assault, the survivor may be in a state of shock.
Although the first reaction will be to bathe or shower, DO NOT.
Instead, the survivor is advised to wrap in something warm, such
as a blanket or coat. Staying warm, instead of cleaning up right
away, will accomplish two important things:
1) It will help in recovering from the shock.
2) It is less likely that the evidence will be disturbed or
destroyed if the survivor decides to prosecute.
It is extremely important that survivors. . .
DO DO NOT
*get to a safe place *shower or bathe
*call the police for help *brush or comb hair
*lock doors and windows *douche
*keep warm *urinate (if possible)
*get medical attention *change clothes
*write down all they can remember *eat or drink anything
*take a change of clothing with them *brush or rinse teeth or
to the hospital or sexual assault smoke
center. If they must change their *touch things at the
clothes, put them in a paper bag crime scene
to give to the police (plastic
destroys evidence).
2. Call someone.
Survivors are advised to call someone for support immediately.
Survivors react to sexual assault in different ways; some are
upset, some are angry and some are very calm and controlled.
Whatever the reaction, one may make better decisions by talking
to a trusted friend or relative, or someone who is professionally
trained to deal with sexual assault. In addition, this person
can serve as a vital source of emotional support.
3. Seek Medical Attention
It is very important that the survivor seek medical attention as
soon as possible after a sexual assault. A medical exam is
important for two reasons: (1) it ensures that the survivor
receives the appropriate medical treatment, and (2) it is
essential in the collection of physical evidence if the survivor
decides to prosecute.
4. Police
Call police, 911 or University Police, 405-3333 or x 53333; for
non-emergencies 405-3555 or x53555
The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) is a full
service legislated police agency that serves the myriad needs of
the students, faculty, staff, and visitors within its
jurisdiction.Students are encouraged to report any sexual
assault, including acquaintance rape, to the University Police,
taking care to preserve all relevant evidence. The safety and
well-being of sexual offense survivors is the primary concern of
the police. Normally, the police will conduct a criminal
investigation, and report the findings of that investigation to
the State s Attorney. University Police officials can also
assist sexual assault survivors in notifying other law
enforcement authorities, as appropriate.
University of Maryland Police Department Sexual Assault Survivors
Bill of Rights:
Persons who report sexual assaults have the right to:
have a police officer meet privately with them in a place of the
survivor s choice. Survivors may choose to have a friend or
family member with them while speaking with the officer;
request either a male or a female officer to take the report;
have the police officer notify anyone the survivor would like
to be notified;
have their identity protected by the police. Police will not
release survivors names to the press;
be treated professionally and with sensitivity. Police will not
prejudge or blame any survivor;
request that police assist in arranging for medical treatment.
Police will also assist in arranging for counseling or other
resources if the survivor wishes;
have one primary investigator assigned to the case. That
individual will assist the survivor throughout the entire
investigative process;
have their case investigated fully;
have all questions answered fully;
have their case treated seriously and professionally.
While the University Police cannot make commitments for the
State s Attorney or withhold information from officials in the
State s Attorney s Office, the University Police will advise the
State s Attorney of any request by a survivor that no criminal
charges be filed (in most cases these requests are honored).
Furthermore, unless essential to protect the safety of others,
the University Police will not pursue campus disciplinary charges
on the complaint without the survivor s consent.
IV. RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
1. Sexual Assault Hotline (314-2222 or x4222)
The Sexual Assault Hotline is a University Health Center program
organized to help survivors of sexual offenses. Hotline
volunteers undergo extensive training and are available to: 1)
listen; 2) answer questions about rape and other sexual offenses;
3) advise survivors of their legal alternatives; 4) refer
survivors for medical and psychological care; 5) support
survivors during medical examinations; 6) attend University
Police interviews; 7) attend legal/judicial proceedings with
survivors; and 8) provide information and support for family and
friends.
2. PG County Sexual Assault Center
(618-3154)
The Sexual Assault Center at Prince George s Hospital Center,
located 20 minutes from College Park, in Cheverly, MD, is a 24-hour
service providing medical care, official evidence collection, and
counseling services. Directions: Rt. 193 (University Blvd.) East
toward Greenbelt (University Blvd. becomes Greenbelt Road), take
Baltimore-Washington Parkway South toward DC. Exit the Parkway at
Rt. 202 (Cheverly) and carefully follow signs to the to the
Hospital. University Police will provide transportation to the
Sexual Assault Center. Services are available for women, as well
as men.
3. DC Rape Crisis Center - (202)-333-RAPE
4. Montgomery County Sexual Assault Hotline
656-9420
5. University Health Center (314-8190 or x48190; 314-8162 or
x48162 after 5 p.m.)
The University Health Center Women s Health Clinic provides medical
care and evidence collection for sexual assault survivors, as well
as women s health care in general. Hours of operation are
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 .pm. The Women s Health Clinic has
worked with University Police to coordinate evidence collection on
campus. Sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment,
pregnancy testing, and the morning after pill (postcoital
contraception) are available as well. In deciding where to get
care, it is most important to seek medical attention as quickly as
possible after an assault. While it may seem more convenient to
wait until the Women s Health Clinic opens the following morning,
it is preferred that survivors go to the Sexual Assault Center at
P.G. Hospital so that evidence can be collected as soon as
possible.
Services to Men: The Health Center provides medical care and
evidence collection for male survivors of sexual assault as well.
Men can obtain service by coming to Urgent Care (314-8162 or
x48162). Men can request a male clinician. Again, in emergencies
it is best to go to the Sexual Assault Center at P.G. Hospital for
immediate attention and evidence collection rather than waiting for
the Health Center to open.
6. Sexual Assault Recovery Program (314-8106 or x48106)
The Sexual Assault Recovery Program provides students the following
services free of charge: short term individual psychotherapy, a
recovery group, assertiveness therapy group, crisis intervention in
the turbulent days immediately following an assault or an attempted
assault, and couples psychotherapy to sort out the impact on the
relationship. It is located within the Mental Health Service on
the third floor of the Health Center. At this time group treatment
is only available for women; all other services are available for
women or men. Couples counseling is available for same-sex or
opposite-sex couples.
7. Counseling Center, Shoemaker Building (314-7651 or x47651)
The Counseling Center, staffed primarily by psychologists, provides
individual counseling and support groups specifically for survivors
of sexual assault, sexual abuse and incest. All modes of treatment
focus on the emotional and psychological recovery needs of
survivors. Couples counseling and third party consultation for
concerned parties including friends and/or relatives of a survivor
are also available. If the incident occurs on campus, crisis
intervention may be provided in the aftermath of a reported sexual
assault to individuals directly or indirectly affected by the
crime. All services are confidential and free for students.
Faculty and staff can be seen for an intake free of charge.
Referrals are also provided. HOURS: Monday through Thursday, 8:30
a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer: 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All contacts with the Health Center and Counseling Center staff are
confidential. No information will be released without informed
consent. The only exceptions to the confidentiality policy may
occur in circumstances that arise when an individual is considered
to be actively suicidal or homicidal, or to comply with a court
order.
8. Campus Chaplains (405-8456 or x58456)
Campus Chaplains can be called upon immediately after a sexual
assault to offer emotional care or counseling, and can be called
upon later during the survivor s period of recovery, to assist the
survivor, the survivor s significant other, or family members. A
crisis such as sexual assault can raise many questions of a
spiritual or religious nature in the mind of the survivor.
Chaplains can facilitate the process of the survivor using her/his
unique faith perspective for her/his journey towards recovery and
wholeness. By calling 405-8456 or x58456 survivors can find out
which chaplains to call.
9. The Department of Resident Life (314-7343 or x47343)
All levels of staff are trained on issues surrounding sexual
assault and emergency response. The service desks, staffed 24 hours
a day, can contact the appropriate staff as needed in an emergency.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are peer staff members trained in many
areas including peer counseling and crisis intervention. They are
crucial for immediate and on-going follow-up and emotional support.
10. The Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (314-8170 or x48170;
314-8099 or x48099)
The Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is an assessment,
referral and short term counseling service that is available to all
UMCP employees at no cost. Issues of sexual assault can be
addressed in the short run by providing crisis intervention and
immediate referrals to sexual assault centers, and/or the police
department. Employees seeking longer term assistance can be
referred through the FSAP to a counselor off-campus who has
expertise in this area and who will be reimbursed through the
University s mental health component to its health insurance plans.
This is called OPTIONS and information regarding it can be obtained
through the FSAP or the Personnel Office. In addition to
coordinating these services, the FSAP counselor can communicate
with the employee s supervisor regarding missed time from work and
any other work problems that may arise as a result of a sexual
assault. An FSAP counselor is available Monday-Friday between
8:30-5:00. The FSAP offices are located in the Health Center.
V. LEGAL PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES
1. The Office of Judicial Programs (314-8204 or x48204)
The Office of Judicial Programs is responsible for student
discipline on campus. A sexual assault survivor or the campus
police may file a complaint with the Office of Judicial Programs if
the accused is a student. A hearing will be held if there is
sufficient evidence to pursue the case.
University disciplinary procedures and due process protections are
set forth in the Code of Student Conduct, published in the
Undergraduate Catalog. Both the accuser and the accused have the
same rights to be assisted by an advisor or advocate, and may be
accompanied by members of their immediate families. Also, both the
accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any
disciplinary case involving a sexual assault allegation.
Witnesses, including the accuser, are expected to appear in person
and will be subject to questioning by the accused, and by any
attorney representing the accused.
The hearing board is composed entirely of students, including a
trained student hearing officer.
Accusers, like the accused, are given a number of important rights,
including the right to question the accused, the right to be
advised by their own attorney, the right to address the board, the
right to question witnesses, and a right to know the outcome of the
case. Strict limits are placed upon inquiries about prior sexual
history of the accuser.
Acts of violence, including any sexual assault, may result in
expulsion from the University, as provided by the Code of Student
Conduct. Careful consideration will be given to any suggestion for
a lesser penalty by an accuser. Students who violate federal, state
and/or local laws are also subject to criminal charges.
Student survivors of a sexual assault are encouraged to contact
their Academic Deans and Resident Hall Directors for assistance in
changing academic and living situations, if necessary. Appropriate
changes will be made as reasonably available.
When a survivor contacts the University Police and/or the office of
Judicial Programs, these offices have the responsibility to
actively investigate the incident. However, if a sexual assault is
discussed with a counselor or medical professional, this
information will be kept confidential, as provided by law.
2. Student Legal Aid Office (314-7756 or x47756 for
undergraduates; 405-5807 or x55807 for graduate students)
Located in the Stamp Student Union (Room 1219), the Student Legal
Aid Office can help by providing free, confidential legal advice
to any Maryland student. Legal advice is given by a team of
student interns, legal assistants, and an attorney. Although
they cannot represent students in court or against another
student, they can inform students of the options available under
the civil and criminal laws, and can refer students to an
attorney if necessary. The office is open 10:00 a.m. until 4:00
p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary. The
Student Legal Aid office is funded by the student activities fee.
3. Personnel Office (405-5648 or x55648) (if accused is faculty
or staff)
In addition to criminal court proceedings, offenses committed by
faculty and staff will be referred to the Office of Personnel.
Disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including
termination of employment from the University.
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