Clarion University Sexual Assault Policies and Procedures

Educational programs to promote awareness of sex offenses include presentations during new student orientation, programming in the residence halls and Greek Affairs. There is also a recognized student organization, Students Together Against Rape (STAR) on campus. Two public safety officers are also certified as Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) instructors. R.A.D. is a nationally recognized self-defense course for women that teaches practical crime prevention skills.

The R.A.D course also teaches techniques for avoiding and escaping from potentially dangerous situations. The R.A.D. course is offered two times a semester and once during the summer and is open to all female students and employees. A similar program is also offered to male students and employees.
The University’s Office of Social Equity is able to provide information about the rules, regulations, and statutes dealing with sexual harassment and sexual assault. The Office of Social Equity can also assist persons who wish to file a complaint of such conduct.

If you are the victim of sexual assault:
Report to the Public Safety Office – 393-2111 – Inasmuch as all allegations of sexual assault and rape have the potential to involve criminal conduct, the university strongly advises all victims to first report directly to Public Safety. If the assault occurred off campus, call 911 and the appropriate police agency will respond.

Get medical attention immediately – You could be injured—externally and internally. You could become pregnant, or you could get a sexually transmitted disease. A medical examination could also provide important evidence of rape for prosecution. Community police officers will help. PASSAGES (226-RAPE, hot line 9-1-1) also provides trained
support staff to assist you.

Don’t bathe or douche – Bathing or douching might be the first thing you want to
do—but don’t. You might literally be washing away valuable evidence. Wait until you have had a medical examination.

Save your clothing – It’s all right to change clothes, but save what you were wearing. Your clothing could be used as evidence for prosecution. Place all items in a paper bag.

We are here to help – Understanding officers will be assigned to work with you, to
help you to apprehend the offender. Your contact with the police officers will be
confidential. The assigned officer will explain the various aspects of criminal
prosecution should the offender be identified.

In the event a student is the victim of a sex offense which precipitates a problem in academic or living arrangements, the student can receive assistance from the college dean or Director of Campus Life, respectively.

Conduct regulations pertaining to sex offenses, disciplinary procedures in dealing with such offenses, and possible sanctions are contained in the Student Rights, Regulations and Procedures Handbook.

The necessity for quick reporting cannot be overemphasized. If an attacker rapes you, rapes someone you know, or attempts to commit a rape on the campus, notify Public Safety immediately at 393-2111.