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Sexual Assault |
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Sexual assault includes acts ranging from a
stranger rape to emotional coercion for sex by
someone the victim knows. Any nonconsensual
sexual act is legally defined as sexual assault.
Any sexual act with a partner who is asleep,
unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to
give consent is sexual assault.
Any student who is the victim of a sexual
assault is encouraged to seek medical treatment
and to report the assault to local authorities,
so that evidence necessary to provide proof of
criminal sexual assault may be preserved.
Complaints of sexual assault may be reported to
the Dean of Students, Campus Security, Director
of Health and Wellness, or the Director of
Residence Life. Filing a police report with a
University officer will not obligate the victim
to prosecute. Students may request assistance in
reporting cases of sexual assault to local
police by contacting the Dean of Students or the
Director of Security.
Schreiner University will investigate all
reported sexual assaults and attempted sexual
assaults and, where appropriate, will hold
disciplinary hearings to adjudicate these
assaults according to the procedures outlined in
this handbook. Both the accuser and the accused
are entitled to the same opportunities to have
others present during a disciplinary hearing,
and both the accuser and the accused shall be
informed of the outcome of any campus
disciplinary proceedings brought alleging a sex
offense. A range of sanctions up to and
including suspension or expulsion from Schreiner
University are possible depending upon
individual circumstances.
Schreiner University will change the academic
and living arrangements of the victim of an
alleged sexual assault, if requested by the
victim and if the changes are reasonably
available. The Student Services Office will
assist the victim in making these changes.
Education programs designed to promote awareness
of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex
offenses are presented during the year. Victims
of sexual assault may seek counseling from the
Dean of Students, Director of Health and
Wellness, Counselor, or Campus Minister. Also,
the Hill Country Crisis Council provides
individual and group counseling for victims of
sexual assault, and has trained advocates to
accompany victims to the emergency room or
police station. The Crisis Council maintains a
24-hour hotline at (830) 257-2400. |
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Victim's Right to Know |
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Schreiner University offers
informational programs on the issue of sexual assault (including
rape or acquaintance rape) through its Residence Life programs. All
students should alert themselves to the dangers, preventative
measures, and responses needed to sexual assault.
Definitions
Broadly defined, sexual offenses include any sexual act directed
against another person, forcibly and/or without that persons
consent; or where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
Consent
The burden of obtaining consent is on the party seeking to initiate
a sexual encounter. Affirmative consent is required, either
verbally, or by voluntary acts unmistakable in their meaning. This
definition also covers incidents in which a victim is incapable of
giving legal consent, which is not the same as factual consent as
people may be able to give factual consent as a result of the use of
alcohol or drugs, but not be legally capable of so doing.
Procedures to Follow if a Sexual Assault Occurs
The Director of the Counseling, Kerrville Police Department and or
Schreiner University Security are the initial contacts on Schreiner
University Campus.
Please see contact information.
Self Care and Safety
After an assault, the survivor may be in a state of shock.
Although the first reaction will be to bathe or shower, DO NOT.
Instead, the survivor is advised to wrap in something warm, such as
a blanket or coat. Staying warm, instead of cleaning up right away,
will accomplish two important things:
1. It will help in recovering from the shock.
2. It is less likely that the evidence will be
disturbed or destroyed.
It is extremely important that survivors:
DO
get to a safe place
call the police for help
lock doors and windows
keep warm
get medical attention
write down all they can remember
take a change of clothing with them to the hospital or sexual
assault center. If they must change their clothes, put them in a
paper bag to give to the Police (plastic destroys evidence)
DO NOT
shower or bathe
brush or comb hair
douche
urinate (if possible)
change clothes
eat or drink anything
brush or rinse teeth or smoke
touch things at the crime scene
DO
Call Someone: Survivors are
advised to call someone for support immediately. Survivors react to
sexual assault in different ways: some are upset, some are angry and
some are very calm and controlled. Whatever the reaction, one may
make better decisions by talking to a trusted friend or relative, or
someone who is professionally trained to deal with sexual assault.
In addition, this person can serve as a vital source of emotional
support.
Seek Medical Attention: It is
very important that the survivor seek medical attention as soon as
possible after a sexual assault. A medical exam is important for two
reasons: (1) it ensures that the survivor receives the appropriate
medical treatment, and (2) it is essential in the collection of
physical evidence if the survivor decides to prosecute.
Call Kerrville Police, 911, or Schreiner
University Security: The Schreiner University Security
Department is a full service licensed security department that
serves students, faculty, staff, and visitors within its
jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to report any sexual assault,
including acquaintance rape, to University Security and/or Kerrville
Police, taking care to preserve all relevant evidence. The safety
and well-being of sexual offense survivors is the primary concern of
the University and KPD. Kerrville Police will conduct a criminal
investigation, and report the findings of that investigation to the
States Attorney. University Security officials can also assist
sexual assault survivors in notifying other authorities, as
appropriate.
Under Texas Law the victim of a sexual assault may choose to use a
pseudonym (a fictitious name).
Under Texas Law the victim of a sexual assault is covered under
the Crime Victims Compensation Act. |
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Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs |
Campus Services: The
University Mental Health Counselor is available to assist students in
most mental health issues in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression,
grief, relationship/marriage, and sexual assault. The Mental Health
Counselor will also assist students in finding help to deal with alcohol
and substance abuse problems and assist with referrals when appropriate.
The Counselor may be reached by dialing 792-7282.

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