An Important Message from the Office of Student Affairs…
Sexual assault, especially date rape, among college age students has
become a matter of national concern.
Rape, including date rape, and other forms of sexual assault violate
both college codes of conduct and Illinois criminal status. Such acts
are totally unacceptable within the Monmouth College Community.
Monmouth College is concerned about the prevention of rape and sexual
assault, the apprehension and discipline of prompt and caring services
to students who are raped or sexually assaulted.
The college has an established grievance procedure outlined in the
Scots’ Guide to respond to acts of violence within the college
community. We have developed this brochure to provide additional helpful
information to the campus community.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is sexual contact without your consent. It includes rape,
attempted rape, incest, and unwanted sexual conduct.
What is acquaintance rape?
Acquaintance rape is by someone you know. The rapist may be a friend, a
“friend of a friend”, a date, a relative, an employer, or other casual
acquaintance. Most rapes on college campuses are acquaintance rapes.
Some facts about sexual assault.
Sexual assault is an act of violence. The objective is not to experience
sex but to express power, control and anger.
Sexual assault frequently occurs under the threat of great bodily harm
or death.
There is not a typical victim or sexual assault. Anyone can be a victim,
including men. However, women between the ages of 15 and 24 are at
greater risk.
There is no typical rapist.
The majority of sexual assault victims know their assailant.
The rapist’s attack is usually planned and is usually preceded by some
conversation or contact with the victim.
Using alcohol can cloud judgment and slow responses, making people more
vulnerable to assault.
What should you do if you are assaulted?
Try to remain calm.
Call one of the “Friends” volunteers (see phone numbers
below).
It is best not to bathe, douche, change clothes, apply medication, or
otherwise modify your appearance. Try not to urinate or defecate. Any of
these actions could destroy evidence needed for later prosecution.
Seek medical attention. At the hospital emergency room you will receive
necessary attention to your health and safety, including attention to
physical injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. The
medical attention you receive will also gather evidence in case you
choose to pursue legal prosecution—either immediately or at a later
time. The hospital is required by law to report sexual assault to the
police. Evidence collected however, is given to you so that you decide
whether to cooperate with legal prosecution.
You may choose to report the crime to the police. The police will in
turn, report the crime to the State’s Attorney who will assist you with
legal prosecution regardless of whether you file legal charges on campus
with the Office of Student Affairs.
Seek emotional support in dealing with the emotions and stress that may
follow a sexual assault. Your stressful symptoms may continue for an
extended period of time. Help is available on campus and in the
surrounding area. See the list of resources in the brochure.
What should you do if someone
you know is assaulted?
Be supportive and nonjudgmental. Be a good listener and allow the person
to talk about the assault. Offer reassurance and help the person to feel
in control by allowing her or him to make the necessary decisions.
Encourage and assist the person in seeking medical attention. A
volunteer is available to accompany the individual to the emergency room
of the hospital.
Encourage the person to report the crime to the police. Remember,
however, that the decision belongs to the person who has been assaulted.
Your role is to support and encourage. A volunteer is available to
accompany her or him to the police station.
If the assailant is a member of the college community, encourage the
individual to file charges on campus through the Office of Student
Affairs. Established grievance procedures are discussed in detail in the
Monmouth College Scots’ Guide.
Be aware that victims of sexual assault often experience long-lasting
emotional trauma. Symptoms may include calm, hysteria, anxiety, anger,
shame and fear. Victims of acquaintance rape may experience especially
intense feelings of shame, guilt, betrayal, loss of confidence in their
own judgment and inability to trust. Recognize these as normal
reactions. Continue to be supportive.
Encourage the person to contact one of the rape counseling resources
listed in this brochure.
Recognize that assisting a victim of sexual assault brings stress into
your life. Help is available to you in coping with feelings and
emotional demands that you are experiencing. See the list of resources
in this brochure.
Where can you find help?
The following people have committed to be support persons for victims of
sexual assault. These volunteers can provide emotional support and
assistance in making decisions important to the well-being of the
victim. They also are available to transport the victim to the police,
hospital or counseling center.
Friends Hotline
Office Home/Room
Rev. Kathleen Fannin 457-2380 734-5061
Stacy Lotz 457-2359 309-342-0695
Cheryl Meeker 457-2364 734-4609
Other important numbers to remember:
Monmouth College Security -2345, “0” (or)
309-337-5708
Monmouth College Counseling Service
Appointments -2114
Emergency Hotline 309-322-7143
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault* 309-837-5555
Illinois Rape/Sexual Assault* 309-797-1777
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Toll Free 800-559-7233
Collect 309-691-4111
State’s Attorney Office 309-734-8476
City of Monmouth Police Department 911 (or)
309-734-8383
*May call collect.
To review the complete policy, please visit the
Scots Guide
|
