SEXUAL OFFENSE POLICY
Purpose
It is the purpose of this document to state Saint Joseph's University's (SJU) policy on sexual offenses and to identify and describe procedures and resources available to those individuals who believe they have been a victim or victims of a sexual offense, and to identify the possible sanctions for violations of this policy, the appeals procedures and educational programs.
Policy
Saint Joseph's University will not tolerate sexual offenses, whether forcible or non-forcible, on its campus or at University sponsored events, by any member of the SJU community (faculty, students, administrators, and staff including union members). A definition of sexual offenses is contained in C below. The University also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take action under this Policy for off-campus behavior. Sexual offenses are not only a violation of law and reprehensible in any context, but are a matter of particular concern in an academic community in which students, faculty and staff are related by strong bonds of dependence and trust. A member of the Saint Joseph's community charged with a sexual offense may be prosecuted under applicable criminal statutes of the location where the offense occurred, and may, whether or not criminal charges are filed, be subject to internal University disciplinary proceedings. An individual who believes that he or she has been a victim of a sexual offense is encouraged to report the matter immediately to the Office of Public Safety and Security (610-660-1111), and/or the local police (911). Evidence including clothing, drinks, glasses, bed linens, etc. should be preserved. In order to preserve evidence of body hairs and fluids, a victim should be medically examined as soon as possible and before any showering, bathing or other clean up occurs. Support is available as set forth later in this policy under Section H. These support services are also available for individuals who are not sure if they are victims of a sexual offense. While it is best to report the offense immediately, it can be
reported at any time.
Sexual Offenses
The Federal Uniform Crime Reporting Program defines a forcible sexual offense as any sexual act directed against that person's will; or not forcibly against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. Non-forcible sexual offenses are acts of unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse and include
incest and statutory rape.
Reports to Campus Security Authorities.
Report Procedures
- Office of Public Safety and Security (610-660-1111). A report of a sexual offense should be made to the Office of Public Safety and Security. This can be done by calling (610) 660-1111. The Office of Public Safety and Security will provide information about filing criminal charges. If t he person making the report of a sexual offense so desires, the Office of Public Safety and Security will assist her or him in contacting the local police. This office will also provide information for contacting a member of REPP (Rape Education and Prevention Program; beeper number 610-733-9650, available 24 hours a day) if she or he so desires.
- Police. The matter may be reported directly to the police in the location where the offense occurs. Nine-one-one (911) may be called for both the Philadelphia and Lower Merion police. If the police are handling the matter, the Office of Public Safety and Security may defer or postpone its investigation.
- Any University "campus security authority" as defined by the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, who receives a report of a sexual offense, must report the offense to the Office of Public Safety and Security. A "campus security authority" is defined as:
-
a campus police or security department;
-
any other individual who has responsibility for campus security, e.g., an individual who is responsible for monitoring entrance into the University's property; or
-
an official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings.
(Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information, pg. 142)
