The Student who may be a Victim of Sexual Violence
Your responsibilities are not to diagnose or provide therapy; it is the development of a compassionate and forthright conversation that ultimately helps a student in trouble find understanding, support, and the proper therapeutic resources
Facts about sexual violence:
- Sexual violence is any sexual contact that is committed by force, threats of force, coercion or when an individual is unable to give consent.
- Consent must be informed, freely and actively given, and an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions, which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.
- It is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and affirmative responses at each stage of sexual involvement.
- The lack of a negative response is not consent.
- Consent may not be given by any individual who is intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs and/or alcohol both voluntarily or involuntarily consumed.
- Past consent of sexual activities does not imply ongoing future consent.
Examples of sexual violence include:
- Completed rape
- Attempted rape
- Unwelcomed sexual contact
- Voyeuristic or exhibitionistic acts
Although most acts of sexual violence are committed by men against women, men can be assaulted by women, and same-sex assaults also occur.
What you can do:
- Inform the student that confidential services are available at the Victim Advocacy Program at: (904) 620-1010.
- Inform the student that they can receive a free forensic medical examination even if they decide not to report to law enforcement. Contact the Women's Center (904) 620-2528 to arrange for the exam up to five days after the assault.
- The Women's Center (904) 620-2528, Student Health Services (904) 620-2900, and the Counseling Center(904) 620-2602 can provide advocacy to assist the student with negotiating post-assault decisions and resources.
- Inform the student that they may also file a report with the Title IX Administrator(904) 620-2513 to begin an investigatory process.
- The LGBT Resource Center(904) 620-4720 can provide support for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) or students who are struggling with sexuality or gender identity after an assault.
- If the student needs immediate medical attention, refer them to the Student HealthServices or the closest emergency room.
- Refer the student to the Counseling Center(904) 620-2602 for counseling options.
- Be aware of the campus Sexual Misconduct Regulation, including what your campus crime reporting responsibilities and duties may be, as an university employee
- If the student wants to report the assault to police, assist them in contacting UNF Police Department at (904) 620-2800. If possible, they should not bathe, shower, brush their teeth, drink, or even use the restroom until they are seen by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). All these things destroy physical evidence that may be helpful in a criminal investigation.
- Referral may be made to Department of Recreation & Wellness for Free Anonymous HIV Testing, at (904) 620-1570.
- Inform the student that they are able to file an anonymous report with the UNF Police Department (904) 620-2800. They may also file a report with the Dean of Students (904) 620-1491.
- If the student needs help dealing with academic issues as a result of the sexual assault, contact the Dean of Students (904) 620-1491.