Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Reporting an incident
Sexual assault is defined as any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against the person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. It is an extreme form of sexual misconduct and abuse and will be considered a serious offense by the University. Any use of threat or force to obtain such sexual contact is illegal and may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials where the assault occurred.
The University strongly encourages any person who has been sexually assaulted either on or off-campus to contact the Police immediately. Assistance in notifying the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency can be obtained from the Campus Safety & Security or Student Life Departments. Time is a critical factor in reporting an incident, as evidence collection and preservation is a key factor in providing proof of the criminal offense. If the victim would like to obtain counseling, the Rape Crisis Center of Greene County may also be contacted.
For our local area which is the "Village of Cedarville", located within Greene County, sexual offenses should be reported as follows:
Incidents within the village: Cedarville Police Department - 937-766-5205, if no answer contact 911
Incidents outside the village: Greene County Sheriff's Office - 937-376-5111, or contact 911 and request a deputy
Rape Crisis/Victim's Assistance: County wide - 937-562-6380
Campus Safety & Security: University campus - 937-239-6491 or 999 from on campus
Student Life/Counseling Services: University campus - 937-766-7872 or ext. 7872
It should be stressed that contacting the police or victim's assistance center does not automatically obligate the victim to prosecute, filing a report will:
- Assure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests.
- Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam)
- Assure the victim has access to confidential counseling from counselors specially trained in the area of sexual crisis intervention.
Possible Sanctions Imposed
Those accused of sexual assault will be subject to an investigation conducted by the university. Sanctions and disciplinary actions for sexual assault as well as harassment are outlined under Chapter 6 of the Student Handbook [pdf], entitled "Community and Accountability". In addition, the university has a detailed Sexual Harassment Policy [pdf] that includes "sexual assault" as defined in the ORC 2907.3 within the policy (see page 2, examples of sexual harassment, item A).
If the victim of a sexual assault reports the matter to Law Enforcement Authorities the accused may be subject to investigation and subsequent prosecution, in addition, to any sanctions and actions taken by the university.
It is important to stress that both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and be informed of the outcome. Options and available assistance in changing classes and living situations subsequent to an alleged sexual assault incident can be arranged provided such options are reasonably available. These matters are handled by the Student Life Department.
Education & Awareness Programs
The university has sexual assault literature available in the Campus Safety & Security office located at the Human Resource and Safety Center and the Student Life Office located on the ground floor of the Steven's Student Center. In addition, both departments have copies of an Educational DVD that can be used for campus awareness meetings in a resident hall or seminar setting. Special awareness sessions on this subject matter will be announced in advance by Campus Safety or Student Life Departments.
Effective in August of 2007, all students will be sent an e-mail directing them to review the university's Dating & Date Rape Brochure [pdf] at the beginning of each semester for their education and awareness that will continue to include a link to this sexual assault policy statement.
Students who wish to discuss sexual assault issues are encouraged to contact the Student Life Offices and Counseling Department, as well as the Campus Safety & Security Department.
Sex Offender Information
Law enforcement agency information relative to sex offenders located in Greene County and in the State of Ohio is available here. In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSPA) of 2000, which is a Federal Law, convicted sex offenders enrolled at, or employed by, institutions of higher education are to be reported to those institutions by Law Enforcement. Cedarville University is required by law to inform the campus community that sex offender registration information would be available in the Campus Safety & Security or Student Life Offices.