Sexual assault is an unfortunate reality on this campus and on campuses nationwide. At Miami, a variety of programs are aimed at increasing awareness of sexual assault and supporting students who report sexual assaults. Unfortunately, many students are unaware that the overwhelming threat of sexual assault is not from strangers, but from individuals they know or have just met. This summary is designed to provide a basic guide to university resources regarding sexual assault with special emphasis on "acquaintance rape."

How severe is the problem?

A 2004 study conducted at 119 colleges found that one in 20 college women reported being raped during the school year and almost 75 percent of victims said they were intoxicated when the assault occurred. The study was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health Alcohol Study, Saint Joseph's University, and the University of Arizona.

National statistics vary, but officials agree that most college women know their attackers and that most attacks go unreported.

A 2000 U.S. Department of Justice study on the sexual victimization of college women reports that 2.8 percent of those surveyed were the victims of rape or attempted rape per academic year and about 90 percent knew their attackers. On a campus of 10,000 women, that's 280 rapes or attempted rapes each academic year. However, the study further found that less than 5 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police.

The 1998 National Violence Against Women Survey (National Institute of Justice Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says one in six women has experienced rape or attempted rape as a child or adult. The Koss study (1988, also known as the Ms. Magazine Project on Campus Sexual Assault) estimates up to one in four college women had experienced rape or attempted rape (however, 38 percent of the group reporting rapes indicated the sexual assaults had occurred between the ages of 14-17). Miami recognizes that men also can be sexually assaulted. Miami University’s policy strongly encourages both men and women to report sexual assaults.

The Journal of the American Medical Association in August 2001 published a study indicating that almost one in five of 9th-12th grade girls reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from dating partners. The finding was based on surveys conducted in Massachusetts in 1997 and 1999 (20.2 percent in 1997 and 18 percent in 1999).

Miami provides complete information on crime statistics for all campuses as well as the City of Oxford. When reviewing statistics, remember that many more sexual assaults occur here and elsewhere than are reported.

What can I do to prevent sexual assault?

Educating yourself about the problem is a good first step. There are numerous programs aimed at promoting awareness among men and women regarding sexual assault. Contact the Coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programs (100 Health Services Center, 529-1870) for a complete list of programs. A sampling of resources:

• Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault, a program begun in the 2001–2002 year, addresses rape as a men’s issue. Male students meet in small all-male groups to discuss how men can make a difference. Student discussion leaders include athletes and fraternity members.
• Beginning in summer 2001, summer orientation included information for parents and students on the reality of sexual assault among college students. The programs stress the fact that most sexual assaults on campus involve acquaintances, include information on what constitutes consent and discuss risk reduction and prevention. The student segment includes a skit that portrays the dynamics involved in acquaintance rape situations.
• Peer health educators, or HAWKS (which stands for Health Advocates for Wellness Knowledge and Skills) provide programs on sexual assault and its link to alcohol upon request. Any student organization or residence hall can request such a program by calling 529-8544.
• The Nighttime Door to Door program provides a safe escort for students. An escort can be obtained from 6 p.m.–2 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 4 a.m. the rest of the week. Call 529-2277.
• The Miami police Web site includes answers to questions commonly asked by sexual assault survivors. Go to www.muohio.edu/police/ and select General Information, then Victim's Services.
• Various student-initiated programs are available, including Take Back the Night, organized annually by the Association for Women Students. Call 529-5122 to get involved.
• The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network is also an excellent resource. Call 1-800-656-HOPE or visit its Web site at www.rainn.org.

What if I'm sexually assaulted or know someone who is?

• Seek medical help. Your physical health should be your first priority. McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford has specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners. Victims will not be billed for services. Survivors of sexual assault at Miami also are strongly encouraged to report it to police. But even if you don't know whether you want to prosecute, reporting will ensure the collection of evidence and the documentation of facts while they are still fresh in your mind.
• "You’re Not Alone," a video created by Miami for students who have been sexually assaulted, introduces victims to the choices they have regarding how to deal with the assault. The video is available from any of the offices listed at the end of this publication. This video is also accessible from the Women's Center website (www.muohio.edu/womenscenter).
• Miami and Oxford police have adopted and publish a list of promises to survivors of sexual assault, including a pledge to treat every victim with respect and sensitivity and a pledge to take every case seriously and to investigate it thoroughly. Police also pledge to assist victims as they navigate the legal system.
• Counseling is available 24 hours a day by calling the independent Butler County Rape Crisis Program at 523-4146. Students may also seek assistance from Miami’s Student Counseling Service by calling 529-4634. On-call counselors can be reached at any time through the university police dispatcher.
• Although victims are encouraged to pursue a criminal case, those who choose not to can still file a report with the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution (if the accused is a student). In either case, the reports are included in the university’s crime statistics. Cases may be pursued simultaneously in criminal court and by the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution.
• The Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution protocol for working with sexual assault victims was established with advice from the Women’s Center, Student Counseling Service and Miami police. It ensures that victims’ medical needs are taken care of, that victims know what support services are available and that they are provided with information about various ways charges can be pursued (civil, criminal, campus judicial system). For more information, pick up the brochure "Important Information for Miami Students About Sexual Assault Programs and Services," available from any of the offices listed at the end of this publication.

What are the differences between campus disciplinary and criminal proceeding?

Both Miami’s code of conduct and the criminal system operate under the assumption that an accused is innocent until proven guilty. However, the standard of proof in disciplinary proceedings is "preponderance of evidence, " a less stringent one than "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," which is required for criminal proceedings. Preponderance of evidence requires that the facts establish the likelihood that the offense was committed by the accused person, while certainty must be established to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What happens to charges of sexual assault that are handled in the university’s judicial system?

Outcomes range from dismissal from the university to a finding of not responsible. For example, in a recent academic year, the university judicial system dealt with four alleged sexual misconduct violations. Two accused students were dismissed from the university; one was suspended, and the other was found not responsible. Criminal charges were pursued in two of the cases, but the grand jury did not return an indictment.

College disciplinary systems are not meant to be a substitute for the courts. They are a method for enforcing standards of behavior—standards that are often higher than those required by criminal law. Students who choose to pursue internal disciplinary action are informed of and urged to also seek redress via criminal proceedings. Criminal charges and internal disciplinary proceedings can occur simultaneously.

Suggestions and Comments:

Your suggestions and comments on programs to combat sexual assaults are encouraged. Please send them to sexualassaults@muohio.edu.

For more information:

Coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programs, 529-1870
Miami Police: 529-2222
Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution: 529-1417
Dean of Students: 529-1877
Women’s Center: 529-1510
Student Counseling Service: 529-4634
Butler County Rape Crisis Program: 523-4146

Issued by the Institutional Response Team