Campus Public Safety
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 Inter-Residence Council (IRC); 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 ACCESS Center, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and the Student Affairs Office. Contact the WRC at 541-552-6217, www.sou.edu/wrc, or wrc@sou.edu.
| Number of Reports for 2003-04 (July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005) |
25
|
| Age of Victim |
Majority were 18-24 years of age
|
| Did the Victim know the Assailant? | 18 were acquainted with the assailant, 6 classified the assailant as a stranger |
| What type of misconduct? | Many incidents are reported as multiple types (i.e., harassment and abuse): Sexual Harrassment: 5 Sexual Abuse: 6 Acquaintance Rape: 11 Stranger Rape: 4 Domestic Violence: 1 Stalking: 2 |
| Where did the incident take place? | On Campus: 6 Housing Buildings: 5 Academic Building: 1 Off Campus: 16 |
| Was alcohol involved? | Yes: 16 No: 2 Unknown: 6 |
| Were drugs involved? Both voluntary and drug-facilitated assault |
Yes: 5 No: 12 Unknown: 8 |
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.
Administrative rule OAR 573-20-015 authorizes the University to impose sanctions up to and including expulsion against any person who causes bodily harm or threatens bodily harm to any person on any institutionally owned or controlled property. Procedures for disciplinary action in such cases are included under OAR 573-20-025 through 573-20-037. Results of campus disciplinary proceedings involving sex offenses are presented to the accuser as well as the accused. Details of the OARs may be viewed on the website at: www.sou.edu/studentrights
Students may also consult with the Office of Student Affairs, SU 324 If requested, that office can also assist victims of sexual assault in making academic or campus living situation changes.
