University of Houston Police Department



		Sexual Assault Information Sexual Assault is: As defined by the Texas Penal Code, a stranger or acquaintance commits sexual assault through forcible sodomy, forcible sexual penetration, however slight, of another person's mouth, anal or genital opening with any object. These acts must be committed without the victim's consent either by force, threat of force or violence, 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 is non-consensual acts involving psychological manipulation, physical force, or coercion. It is an act of aggression and violence, and a crime punishable under the laws of the State of Texas by fines and incarceration ranging from two years to life imprisonment. The University of Houston's definition of sexual assault also includes any touching of an unwilling person's intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast or breasts, 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. Administrative Sanctions Rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses (forcible or non forcible) are violations of university policy. The University of Houston is committed to eradicating these behaviors and will not tolerate them. Following an on-campus disciplinary proceeding, sanctions may be imposed on faculty, staff or students found in violation of university policy, which may result in separation from the university. Refer to the Faculty, Staff and Student handbooks for a complete range of sanctions. The University of Houston has established disciplinary procedures which address eases of alleged sexual assault committed by faculty, staff or students. Included in these procedures are statements that: The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding; and Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sexual assault. Campus authorities are available to provide assistance in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault if requested by the victim and if these changes are reasonably available. Facts about Sexual Assault You probably already know a victim of sexual assault. The victim could be a neighbor, close friend, relative or, perhaps, even yourself. Sexual assault, which is commonly known as rape, is one of the fastest growing crimes in this country and the least reported. Fewer than 10 percent of these crimes are reported. The FBI estimates that one out of four women and one in 12 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. One of three women will face a threatened assault. Acquaintance rape constitutes 60 percent of sexual assault for the general population and 84 percent for college students. Surveys indicate that alcohol is a major factor in acquaintance rape. Women are predominantly the victims of sexual assault; however, adults and children of both sexes can also be potential victims of sexual assault. A large number of rapes are planned in advance by the attacker. Acquaintance/date rape involves someone the victim knows. Date rape is more likely to occur on the second or third date since defenses are higher on the first date. Victims will usually feel more ashamed, more guilty, more depressed, and more angry with themselves than victims of an unknown assailant. The victim may again have to meet the assailant in a class, a residence hall, elsewhere on campus, or even at work. Women in acquaintance rapes are more often confused about what is happening and who is responsible. Their confusion is heightened by the fact that acquaintance rapists, unlike stranger rapists, often become conciliatory after the assault and almost always try to remain in contact with the victim. As a result, victims are less likely to call it rape or even understand that it is a crime. Reporting a Sexual Assault If you are sexually assaulted, you are encouraged to call police immediately! Our emergency number is 911, or utilize any on-campus emergency information call box or telephone. If the incident occurred off-campus, UHPD is willing to coordinate notification to the appropriate law enforcement agency where the incident occurred. Note: when contacting the police, advise them if the suspect is still in the area and if any weapons were involved. If you are victimized: Get to a safe place as soon as you can. Go to the nearest lighted public place. Don't change clothes, shower, bathe or douche. Physical evidence is needed in court such as hair, blood types, seminal fluids, scrapings of flesh from the victim's nails. Protect the crime scene. If the attack did not occur in your residence, try to recall the area you were taken so the officers can recover evidence left at the scene. Get medical attention as soon as possible. A medical examination will provide any necessary treatment and collect important evidence. Injuries may not be immediately apparent. The UH Health Center's number is 743-5151. Campus authorities, including RA's, nurses, counselors, staff supervisors, or department heads, may assist in notifying authorities, if you wish. It is critical for the police agency to be informed as soon as possible after the incident so that appropriate steps, such as gathering of crucial evidence and information, can be taken. It is always a survivor's choice as to whether or not to report a sexual assault, but reporting an assault (or attempted assault) is extremely important for the protection of both the victim and the community. Reporting an assault does not mean that the survivor must prosecute. However, it does begin the legal process if the survivor decides to prosecute at a later date. The survivor has the option of requesting a concealed identity or pseudonym during the investigation. Talk with counselors who will maintain confidentiality, help explain your options, give you information, and provide emotional support. On campus you can call 743-5454. You can also call the Houston Area Women's Center Rape Crisis Center at 528-RAPE. Contact someone you trust, a close friend or a resident assistant, to be with you and to support you. This person may accompany you to the hospital or the police station if you wish. An advocate from the Women's Center Rape Crisis program can be requested through the emergency room staff. Pursue charges against the assailant. You may seek criminal prosecution, file charges through the university judicial process (student life referral via Dean of Students Office, or sexual harassment charge), or file a civil suit. You may have rights to compensation and financial assistance, if you report the incident to the police. Write down what happened, in your own words, to help you better remember if you decide to press charges. Identification needed by Police Practice being observant so that if you are attacked you will be able to describe and identify the assailant. About Self Protection If you sense a danger of sexual assault, try to avoid confrontation. If you can't avoid confrontation, your own imagination and initiative are your best defenses. In any assault situation the most important thing to remember is to remain calm and avoid being isolated with the attacker. Immediately attempt to leave the scene and go to the nearest lighted public place. You may wish to attempt verbal or physical resistance. Verbal Resistance If the attacker has a weapon you may decide to use verbal resistance. There are many ways to use your voice to protect yourself. Trust your feeling about whether yelling or talking calmly would help you the most. Physical Resistance The goal of physical resistance is to react immediately, use your body or other available weapons, and escape. An available weapon includes objects such as an umbrella, lamp, ashtray, bottle, purse, etc. Five vital targets on the attacker are eyes, nose, throat, groin, and knees. The idea is to disable rather than hurt the attacker. Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. Practicing rape avoidance requires action, but you must feel confident with whatever measures you decide to adopt. Preventive Measures Home: Lock all doors and windows at all times. Replace or re-key locks when you move into a new home or apartment. Install a door viewer and a 1" deadbolt lock and make sure you have the only keys to your home. Leave outside and inside lights on at night. Use lights in more than one room. Pull all drapes and blinds completely closed to prevent someone seeing in from outside. Leave a TV or radio on so it does not appear you are alone. If you live alone, use your initials only on mailboxes and in the telephone directory. Never open your door to a stranger. Require identification from all repairmen, salesmen, etc. If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up and call the police. Do not give personal information over the telephone. Driving: Never pick up hitchhikers. Make certain you have enough gas to get to your destination. Park in well-lighted areas. When returning to your car, have your car keys ready so you can enter without delay, and look into the back seat. If possible, travel on well-lighted streets and avoid isolated back roads and shortcuts. Never leave your house keys with your car keys at a service station or parking lot. Keep car doors locked at all times and car windows rolled up when possible. If you have car trouble, raise the hood, get back inside and lock all doors. If anybody stops to offer help, do not get out of your car. Roll the window down only enough to convey your message and ask them to call the police. Keep a "SEND POLICE" sign inside your vehicle and some change for telephone calls. Walking: Never accept a ride or hitchhike. Stay in well-lighted areas and avoid shortcuts, vacant lots and other deserted areas. When possible, avoid walking alone or walk in areas where other people are present. Walk facing traffic; if a driver does stop and ask directions, avoid getting too near the car. Children: Children should be made aware of the dangers of accepting rides from, talking to or opening doors to strangers. Children should be encouraged to talk to their parents should a problem occur with a stranger, friend or relative. Children should know a safe, well traveled route to and from school, avoiding isolated areas. Teenaged baby-sitters should accept jobs only with people they know. Baby-sitters should be instructed to call the police if anything suspicious happens. They should never open the door to strangers. The sitter's parents should be called at the end of the evening to inform them that the sitter will be home shortly. Parents should be well versed in their children's activities. Sexual Assault Programs UHPD has established programs which address educating community members in the area of sexual assault prevention. The department also offers overlapping programs on campus personal and property security. UHPD schedules sexual assault prevention programs in the residence halls and other areas of campus on a regular basis. Individuals or groups may also request this crime prevention program by calling 743-0610 or 743-0600. An officer will be glad to coordinate the program with you. Other university departments such as the Counseling Center, Substance Abuse Training and Education Program (STEPS), Health Center and Residential Life offer additional educational programs concerning sexual assault prevention programs. Representatives from these areas will also be glad to work with you to coordinate a program on this topic. The information contained within this brochure is designed to heighten your awareness concerning sexual assault prevention. However, you may follow all the advice and safety tips recommended and still find yourself confronted by an attacker. If it happens, you will have only seconds to decide your method of defense, so you must prepare mentally for the possibility of rape happening to you. Remember, if you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. The Texas Penal Code defines sex crime offenses and provides penalty information for these offenses. The University of Houston also has established procedures and penalties for similar violations committed by faculty, staff or students. Until society rejects the myths and misconceptions about sexual assault and begins treating rape victims with compassion and understanding, there will never be a lasting solution to the crime of sexual assault.