Campus Crime Information

A. Department of Public Safety

B. Reporting Crimes

C. Security of Campus Facilities

D. Campus Law Enforcement

E. Security Awareness Programs

F. Sexual Assault Policy and Programs

Policy Sections

I. Student Rights

II.  Student Responsibilities

III. Student Organizations

IV. Miscellaneous

V. Campus Crime Information

VI. Charts and Notes

F. Sexual Assault Policy and Programs

Introduction

The University of Iowa believes that sexual abuse in any form is reprehensible, especially within the University environment. All forms of non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, such as rape, unwelcome touching of genitals or breasts, and forced oral sex, are prohibited. When an assault occurs and a complaint is filed, the University will undertake every reasonable effort to discipline the offender and pursue criminal charges, regardless of the offender's status in the University community. For victims of sexual assault, the University provides a variety of confidential and free services, including advocacy and counseling, and makes reasonable adjustments to alleviate related problems with academic class schedules and housing arrangements.

Criminal Definitions & University Standards

State law defines sexual abuse as a sex act done by force or against the will of another person (Code of Iowa, §709.1). A sex act generally means any sexual contact between two or more persons, including but not limited to intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral-genital contact, and contact of genitals or anus with a finger or an object (Code of Iowa, §702.17). Criminal sexual abuse is one example of non-consensual physical conduct prohibited by University policy. University policy prohibits all members of the University community - students, staff, and faculty - from engaging in non-consensual physical conduct of a sexual nature on University property or in connection with University activities. Policy violations warrant the imposition of University disciplinary sanctions and may result in criminal charges. Sanctions may also be imposed for non-consensual physical conduct committed on non-University property which adversely affects a student's educational status or a staff or faculty member's employment status.

On every occasion an individual old enough to give consent has the right to decide the extent of physical sexual activity in which he or she wishes to engage, if any, with another willing partner. Consent in other situations does not reduce an assailant's responsibility for non-consensual sexual activity. In some cases, consensual sexual activity occurs before an assault or after an assault. Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed regardless of whether the non-consensual sexual activity was preceded or followed by consensual sexual activity.

An individual who has consumed alcohol or other drugs, knowingly or unknowingly, may not be able to give free and full consent. The University urges students to be aware of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on human interactions. The assailant's use of alcohol or other drugs does not diminish his or her responsibility for the assault. In cases where the victim unknowingly consumed alcohol or other drugs prior to an assault, additional sanctions will be imposed upon the assailant if he or she administered the drug to the victim or was aware that a drug had been consumed.

Resources, Options for Reporting and Seeking Medical Assistance: If You or Someone You Know Has Been Assaulted

Confidential Advocacy & Counseling Resources

The following confidential resources are available to students, faculty and staff who have been assaulted:

Counseling Resources

• Sexual Abuse Crisis and Resource Line (335-6000 or 1-800-284-7821) open 24 hours a day.
• University Counseling Services (335-7294).
• Faculty & Staff Services University Employee Assistance Program (335-2085).
  Advocacy Resources.
Rape Victim Advocacy Program (335-6000 or 1-800-284-7821). RVAP provides advocacy services within any University of Iowa administrative process or any court proceeding.

Other Confidential Resources
• Women’s Resource & Action Center (335-1486).
• Office of the Ombudsperson (335-3608).

Options for Reporting

A victim of a sexual assault has two primary reporting options. An assault may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency or to the University administration, or both. The victim should be aware that a criminal investigation is greatly enhanced if evidence is collected and maintained immediately by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

1. Reporting an assault through the criminal justice system
   Assaults should be reported to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location where the assault or abuse occurred. Institutional officials will assist victims in reporting the incident to the police if requested to do so.
   • If the assault occurred on University of Iowa property, call the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety at 335-5022
   • If the assault occurred in Iowa City, call the Iowa City Police Department at 356-5275
   • If the assault occurred in Coralville, call the Coralville Police Department at 354-1100
   • If the assault occurred in another area of Johnson County, call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department at 356-6020
   • If you are unsure where to call, contact the RVAP Sexual Abuse Crisis and Resource Line (335-6000) for assistance
   • If the assault took place on non-University property and was reported to another law enforcement agency, students and staff are encouraged to contact the University Department of Public Safety for assistance with safety issues while on campus
   • In case of an emergency, call 911 from wherever you are and a law enforcement officer will respond to assist you.
   
   In many cases, someone who has been assaulted can talk with a law enforcement officer about whether or not to file charges before making that decision. Victim advocates have special training in working with law enforcement. The RVAP Sexual Abuse Crisis and Resource Line can help the victim make an appointment with a law enforcement officer to discuss options.


2. Reporting an assault to University administration
University administrators affiliated with non-police departments also receive reports of crimes. Assaults that are reported to the director of equal opportunity & diversity or the vice president for student services & dean of students are included in the annual campus crime statistics. Under the University Violence Policy, residence hall personnel (including resident assistants) are mandatory reporters and will forward reports of assaults to the dean of students and the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity.

The Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity is the administrative department designated to investigate disciplinary complaints of sexual assault involving faculty, staff or students. When a complaint is filed, an investigation is undertaken pursuant to the Policy on Sexual Harassment. The findings of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity will be forwarded to the appropriate University administrator responsible for discipline of the respondent depending upon the status of the person accused of misconduct.

Individuals with questions or concerns about the University's sexual assault policy and its enforcement may contact the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity (335-0705).


Seeking Medical Assistance

If you were assaulted recently, you may want to consider going to a hospital or clinic to have a sexual abuse evidentiary examination. This examination preserves evidence in case you decide to press charges. It is a time when you can get medical advice and medication in case you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The evidentiary exam is paid for by the State of Iowa. Some survivors don’t seek medical care right away. Even if you were assaulted some time ago, it is okay to go to the doctor in order to be evaluated for STD’s, pregnancy, etc. Some local clinics may provide free or reduced rates for people who have been sexually assaulted but choose not to have the evidentiary exam.
Whether or not you want to seek medical help is your decision. The following information may help you in making that decision.
1. You are entitled to have an advocate from a sexual assault crisis center present with you to provide support during the exam.
2. The sexual assault evidence exam and follow-up treatment are paid for by the State of Iowa. You should not receive a bill.
3. The exam is available to women and men. When children are assaulted they are often seen at one of Iowa’s Child Protection Centers. You may want to check with your local law enforcement agency about this possibility.
4. You can get an evidentiary exam even if some time has passed since you were assaulted.
5. If the assault just happened, try and wait until after the exam to shower or bathe, so that the greatest amount of evidence might be preserved. If you have already showered, it is still fine to go ahead and have the exam.
6. If you have had any period of amnesia associated with the assault, tell the sexual abuse examiner you would like to give a urine sample to screen for possible drugs. If you cannot remember what happened you may have been given drugs without your knowledge.
7. If you are still wearing the clothes you had on during the assault, it might be best to wear them to the exam and bring a change of clothing with you to wear home.
8. If you are still wearing the clothes you had on during the assault, it might be best to wear them to the exam and bring a change of clothing with you to wear home.

Student Disciplinary Action and Sanctions

A University of Iowa student who is found guilty of sexual assault in violation of the Code of Student Life is ordinarily suspended or expelled from the University. When a complaint is filed alleging that a student has committed a sexual assault, the Dean of Students imposes interim sanctions as appropriate in consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity. A University no-contact order is issued, and the student accused of assault is told in writing that any contact with the complainant will result in disciplinary action. In addition, the accused student may be involuntarily transferred to a different residence hall, different class, or different work unit following receipt of a complaint depending upon the circumstances of the case and available alternatives. University policy prohibits a student accused of misconduct from retaliating against the complainant or witnesses, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.

If the Dean has probable cause to bring disciplinary charges based on the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity investigation, the complaint will be resolved at a formal hearing. At the hearing, evidence will be presented against the accused student. Hearings are conducted by administrative hearing officers, who record the evidence presented and determine whether the student charged is guilty of violating University regulations. Both the complainant and the accused are entitled to have an advisor present during the initial investigation and during a hearing. A student accused of misconduct is provided a minimum of seven business days to prepare for a hearing, and the hearing officer will issue a decision within two weeks following the conclusion of the hearing. Both parties will be informed in writing of the final determination regarding the outcome of the complaint and any sanctions imposed upon the accused.

If the accused student is found guilty, the sanctions determined by the Dean of Students will be imposed. A student found guilty of violating the Code of Student Life may appeal the hearing officer's decision to the University Provost. Appeals must be filed within 10 days following receipt of the hearing officer's decision, and the Provost answers appeals within 30 days. A complete description of the Judicial Procedure for Alleged Violations of the Code of Student Life posted at section II.B of Policies and Regulations affecting Students.

Educational Programs

The University urges all students and employees to be aware of one's personal safety and assume a responsible role in educating others. Persons age 16 to 24 are more vulnerable to sexual assault than any other age group, and the Iowa City community is not immune to the problems which persist in more densely populated environments. Although no single individual is invulnerable to sexual assault, research indicates that most victims of unwanted sexual attention are women, and in many cases the male aggressor is not a stranger.

Each year, a copy of this policy is mailed to every student and employee, along with the Code of Student Life, the Sexual Harassment Policy, the Violence Policy, and the Campus Security Statement. Throughout the academic year, members of the University community are invited to attend a variety of extracurricular programs presented on campus. Programs include sexual harassment seminars conducted by the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity; security awareness skits in freshman student orientation; RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) classes taught by UI police officers; healthy relationship and communication workshops organized and conducted by students; professional training on sexual assault issues provided for University staff by RVAP; and Saferide, a late-night fixed route transportation service offered by the Cambus Transit System. In addition to investigating reports of sexual assault and filing criminal charges, Public Safety law enforcement officers are available to speak to the University community about a variety of security-related issues, including sexual assault.