Sexual assault is an assault of a sexual nature on another person. Sexual violence is physical acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person is unable to give consent. Consent is words or actions that demonstrate a knowing or voluntary willingness to engage in a mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Consent may not be inferred from silence or passivity; a current or previous relationship does not constitute consent.
A recent national study by the Justice Department found that the number of incidents in which female college students were sexually assaulted occurred at a rate of 35.3 incidents per 1,000. The survey defined sexual assault as completed or attempted rape, threats of rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact with force or the threat of force, and stalking. The report’s findings included the following:
- nearly 60 percent of the rapes on campuses took place in the victims’ residences; and
- fewer than five percent of rapes and attempted rapes were reported to law enforcement officials.
Sexual assaults are predominantly committed by men against women; however, men can be assaulted by women, and same-sex assaults do occur. The majority of assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim and involve the use of alcohol by one or both persons. Sexual assault violates state and federal law and University policy.
If you become aware that a student is a victim of sexual assault or has been the recipient of inappropriate and/or unwelcome physical contact: