What is Sexual Assault?
UNCW Code of Student Life
Any attempted or actual sexual activity that is unwanted or nonconsensual including oral or anal penetration, sexual touching, fondling, rape and a variety of other acts. Sexual assault is a crime under North Carolina law.
If You are the Victim of a Sexual Assault
http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/care/survivors.htm
How to Help a Friend
http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/care/survivors-helpafriend.htm
In the Immediate Aftermath of an Assault
Here are some suggestions for victims immediately following an assault:
- Get to a safe place, one that is well-lit and where there are people you know and trust.
- Do not bathe, douche, brush your teeth, drink, change clothing or even comb your hair before seeking medical attention. It is only natural to want to do so, but you may be destroying physical evidence that could be needed later if you decide to prosecute.
- Call for help! People who care and who will provide you with support and information are available 24 hours a day by calling CARE at 512-4821 or the Rape Crisis Center at 392-7460. Staff members at both centers can help you consider your reporting options and decide what to do next.
- To report the assault, call University Police at 962-2222 or ext. 911 on-campus. Reporting does not mean that you have to prosecute. See the next section for more on reporting options.
- Get immediate medical attention. You may have injuries of which you are unaware.
- If you wish, call a friend, family member, or other trusted person to be with you.
Reporting Alternatives after a Sexual Assault
It is important to report ANY sexual assault. To do so does not obligate a person to prosecute their assailant. There are several ways to take action:
- Anonymous Notification
- Adjudication through the UNCW University Judicial System
- Criminal Prosecution
In any case, we recommend that victims report the crime to the University Police or local law enforcement officials as soon as possible to ensure proper evidence collection and investigation. This will be of great importance should the person choose later to prosecute. Reporting options may be discussed with any of the university resources listed at the end of this section.
Anonymous Notification
An anonymous notification may be filed with any of the university resources listed here. In this notification, the victim’s identity will remain undisclosed. By using this reporting option, you can provide the university or law enforcement agencies with important information that may prevent other assaults or may alert police and others to specific high risk areas while maintaining your anonymity.
An Anonymous Notification contains information required by state and federal law, and in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Once completed, the Anonymous Notification is then forwarded to University Police where it is filed and used for compiling the University Police Department Yearly Report.
UNCW University Judicial System
Whether or not you choose to pursue criminal prosecution, if the assailant is a UNCW student, you may file a report through the UNCW Campus Judicial System. A hearing will be conducted and a university administrator or the Campus Judicial Board will hear your case. If the assailant is found responsible, sanctions can range from probation to indefinite suspension from the university. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students, Room 214 - University Union, 962-3119.
Criminal Prosecution
If you decide to pursue formal prosecution, local law enforcement officials will need assistance in identifying and apprehending the assailant. Information concerning the time and location of the assault, as well as a complete description of the assailant (if possible) will be important. The more information and details you can provide, the better the chances of identification and prosecution. If the assailant is identified, the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office will determine if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. Be aware that your past sexual history cannot be discussed except for past relations with the assailant.
What are the UNCW Policies about Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault Policy
http://www.uncw.edu/policies/04-130-sexualassault.htm
Sexual Assault Prevention & Education at UNCW
The CARE office is one of several offices that provide systematic, year round sexual assault education & prevention programs to students on the UNCW campus.http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/care/.html
University Police offer Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training to any UNCW woman, free of charge. http://www.uncw.edu/ba/police/pindex.htm#RAD
The Relationship Violence-Sexual Assault Response Team (RV-SART) http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/care/rv-sart.htm
The Relationship Violence & Sexual Assault Response Team (RV-SART) creates and reviews policy and procedures relating to sexual assault, abusive relationships, harassment and stalking. In this process, the University Police is central to the University’s commitment to information dissemination and data collection while maintaining their traditional role of ensuring community safety.
Additional Resources about Sexual Assault
RAINN- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
