Campus Public Safety

Anonymous sexual misconduct report summary

(July 1, 2009/June 30, 2010)

July 2010

From:   Women's resource Center Coordinator

This is being distributed in order to inform all campus personnel; students, faculty and staff, of the number of confidentially reported sexual misconduct incidents at Southern Oregon University. The WRC has been the campus official collection site for confidential and anonymous reports since 1999. The purpose of anonymous reporting is to:

• Increase the University's knowledge of sexual misconduct occurring within the campus population even where a victim did not wish to initiate a campus misconduct investigation or a criminal complaint;
• Enhance awareness among the campus community of the realities of sexual misconduct (i.e. most are acquaintance assaults, most involve alcohol/drug use by either/both the victim and alleged perpetrator, etc.);
• Improve access to advocacy for victims of sexual misconduct; and
• Foster a campus climate where reporting sexual misconduct is normative, where victims are provided with timely and sensitive support and advocacy, and where the University holds assailants responsible for their actions-ultimately creating an environment where each member of the campus community understands that sexual misconduct is a serious violation of community standards that is not acceptable at SOU.

The following represents the number of incidents reported to the WRC:

1999-00:  6                        2005-06:  8               

2000-01:  9                        2006-07:  10

2001-02:  16                      2007-08:  10 

2002-03:  12                      2008-09:  12 

2003-04:  23                      2009-10:  19

2004-05:  25

It should be noted that greater numbers of confidential reports do not necessarily reflect increased numbers of incidents.  Increased reporting may be a sign of improved knowledge and confidence in victim support services, and recognition that a violation took place. It should also be noted that it is possible that even greater sexual misconduct incidents have taken place and have not been reported. The Department of Justice estimates that one in four women and one in six men will be assaulted in her or his lifetime, and that one in five women will experience rape or attempted rape during her four years of college.

Third party reporting is encouraged, and the Women's Resource Center distributes blank anonymous report forms to various campus offices prior to fall term, as well as referral information for campus personnel to have and give out.

2009-10 Anonymous Report Summary received by the Women's Resource Center

*Incident Type Definitions:

• Sexual Harassment-unwanted teasing, sexual advances, intimidation
• Public Indecency-exposing one's genitals, flashing, mooning
• Sexual Assault-sexual contact without consent
• Acquaintance Rape-unwanted intercourse or penetration by a known person
• Stranger Rape-unwanted intercourse or penetration by an unknown person
• Stalking-unwanted following, calling, contacting by a person who has been told to desist
• Intimate Violence-physical, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual violence, within a dating or domestic relationship

Confidential Reporting by Source

This portion of the annual anonymous report of sexual misconduct is new as of June 2010.  The information on the chart below has been draw from previous year's raw data.  The purpose of this element of reporting is to chart the relative use of the anonymous reporting system and to consider how to continue to remove barriers that keep victims from reporting and from accessing the resources they need and deserve.

*Indicates that a report regarding the same incident came from these sources.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Campus Policies

Educational programs aimed at the prevention of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses are presented regularly by the campus-wide Prevention of Sexual Assault Committee; the Residencial Housing Association (HRA); and the Women's Resource Center (WRC). These programs are offered on the main campus and in individual residence halls. 

The following data is compiled from anonymous, confidential reports received by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC). Confidential reporting is available to all students, staff, and faculty. Third-party reporting is encouraged. Names are not required. Details of specific incidents are not revealed, but are reported in aggregate form to various University offices for use in awareness trainings and reporting requirements. Confidential reports can be made through the WRC, any housing representative, the Academic Support Programs, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and the Student Affairs Office. Contact the WRC at 541-552-6216, www.sou.edu/wrc, or wrc@sou.edu.

Southern Oregon University wants to help build a safe campus community and an environment that encourages victims of sexual assault to report incidents to campus and local law enforcement and to seek assistance in these difficult situations.

Sexual assaults are of serious concern to everyone on campus. Victims of such crimes, regardless of severity, are encouraged to seek assistance from the Ashland Police Department, the Security Office, the Office of Student Affairs, or other departments listed on the home page of this site.

Prompt reporting is encouraged to preserve evidence on the victim's person or at the crime scene. If criminal prosecution is desired, victims should not bathe or change their clothing, despite discomfort.

Students may also consult with the Office of Student Affairs, SU 322 If requested, that office can also assist victims of sexual assault in making academic or campus living situation changes.