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
statutes. 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 assailants
if such crimes do occur, and the availability 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.
Jacquelyn Condon
Vice President for Student Life &
Dean of Students
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:
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Sexual assault is an act of
violence. The objective is not to experience sex but to express power, control and anger.
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Sexual assault frequently
occurs under the threat of great bodily harm or death.
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There is not a typical victim
of sexual assault. Anyone can be a victim, including men. However, women between the ages of
15 and 24 are at greater risk.
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There is no typical rapist.
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The majority of sexual assault
victims know their assailant.
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The rapist’s attack is usually
planned and is usually preceded by some conversation or contact with the victim.
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Using alcohol can cloud
judgment and slow responses, making people more vulnerable to assault.
What should you do if you are
assaulted?
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Try to remain calm.
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Call one of the “Friends”
volunteers. (see phone numbers)
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You may also prefer to call: a
friend, a family member, or campus security. Campus Security will notify the Office of
Student Affairs.
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It is best not to bathe,
douche, change clothes, apply medication, or otherwise change your appearance. Try not to
urinate or defecate. Any of these actions may destroy evidence needed for later prosecution.
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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 if the assailant is a member of the college
community.
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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 this brochure.
What should you do if someone
you know if assaulted?
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Be supportive and non-judgmental.
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.
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Encourage and assist the
person in seeking medical attention. A volunteer is available to accompany the individual to
the emergency room of the hospital.
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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.
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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.
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Encourage the person to
contact one of the rape counseling resources listed in this brochure.
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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 list of resources in this
brochure.
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