E-mail this pageSexual Assault: Safety Tips, Resources and the Law
Overview
Rape and sexual assault are not just a women' problem. Nor are they something that happens to someone else or somewhere else. Sexual assault happens everywhere, everyday and every minute to women and men of all ages.
Did You Know That?
- 1 in 4 college women have been the victims of rape or attempted rape.
- 90% of the victims know their assailants.
- 1 in 12 men admit to having fulfilled the legal definition of rape.
- 85% or more of sexual assaults involve alcohol.
Many rapes and other forms of sexual exploitation might be prevented if college women and men are educated about the problem and learn effective prevention strategies. Because rape is everyone' problem, we can only solve it through the efforts of women and men working together. Take the time now to learn the facts about rape and what you can do.
Protecting Against Sexual Assault
Follow these Tips:
- Practice good personal safety habits. Protect yourself from stranger crime and always lock your door when home or away. Don't admit anyone into your residence hall. Report any suspicious persons or activity to University Police. Call for a walking escort when you are without one, extension 2022.
- Know your sexual intentions and limits. You have a right to say "NO" to any unwanted sexual contact.
- Communicate your limits verbally. Don?t assume the other person knows your feelings or will get the message from your body language.
- Listen to your gut feelings. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave the situation and go to a safe place.
- Attend social activities with friends. Agree to look out for one another and leave as a group.
- Eliminate or limit your alcohol intake. It interferes with your ability to communicate your limits and identify risky situations.
- No one deserves to be raped. Know that the effects can be overwhelming. Feelings of guilt, fear and confusion are common. There are many resources available to support you and help you explore your options.
Date Rape Drugs
Royhypnol ("Roofies"), GHB and other drugs increase the risk of sexual assault when slipped into a drink these drugs are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The effects happen within 15 to 30 minutes and can last for hours. Effects can include dizziness, feeling intoxicated, sleepiness and amnesia like symptoms.
Take precautions to protect yourself against these drugs:
- Only drink from un-opened containers or drinks you've seen poured.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Avoid group drinks like punch bowls.
If you feel really tired or really drunk and don't know why, you may be feeling the effects of a drug. Tell a friend and get to a safe place
Protecting Against Accusations of Sexual Assault
- Listen carefully. If you are receiving an unclear message, ask for clarification.
- When you hear "NO" believe it and STOP.
- Assume silence means "NO" and STOP.
- Don?t assume that if someone agrees to kissing, etc. that the person is willing to have further sexual contact.
- Know that having sexual contact with someone who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent is a crime. (This includes intoxicated persons.)
What To Do In Case of Sexual Assault
OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT THE COLLEGE FOR DEALING WITH SEX OFFENSES
If you, as a student at Plattsburgh State University, are victimized by assault, sexual or otherwise, you have a variety of options for reporting this event to campus and other authorities.
First, be sure you are safe. Then, as soon after the incident as possible, talk with someone who can offer you support and help you examine your options. Residence Hall Staff can be of great help in guiding you to the available resources.
You may go to the Center for Student Health & Psychological Services and/or to the Crisis Center of CEF for support and counseling. These resources are strictly confidential, unless there is a danger to someone’s life. Another campus resource is the Office for Violence Prevention, which provides information, referral, and advocacy services.
You are urged and encouraged to report assaults to University Police. Talking with University Police about your options can help you to make an informed decision about what action, if any, you choose to take. Filing a report does not mean that you have to press charges. You can choose to do nothing but inform University Police, or you may choose other options including college judicial action or criminal action. Without such a report, the college typically cannot take action. Some steps you can take to enhance your ability to take legal action are to report the incident as soon as possible, don’t change clothing or bathe, leave the area where the incident occurred untouched, and seek medical attention with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at CVPH .
You are also encouraged to report sexual assaults and other violations of college regulations inflicted on you by fellow students to the judicial coordinator. The college regulations prohibit sexual assault of any type, as well as all forms of harassment and violence.For additional information contact the Judicial Affairs Office or pick up a Student Conduct Manual. Judicial penalties range from a reprimand to dismissal from the college, with action decided on a case-by-case basis.
Further, you can keep yourself abreast of crime trends and security alerts by reading the weekly crime blotter in the student newspaper and by watching for alert posters on the entrance to buildings and via email.Crime statistics and safety/security procedures are available at www.plattsburgh.edu/crimestats or by contacting Chief Sabo at University Police.
Note: The New York State Sex Offender Registry can be accessed through the web at http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor or by calling 1 (900) 288-3838.
Additionally, if registered sex offenders are employed at the University or enrolled as a student at the University information regarding these sex offenders will be made available to the public, according to the sex offender registry guidelines.The public should contact University Police at 564-2022 or in person at the University Police Department located in the Health Center Building to request sex offender information.
Regulations and Laws About Sexual Offenses
Sexual assault of others is prohibited by campus regulations at Plattsburgh State University. Sexual assault is any sexual contact or sexual attention committed by force, bribes, threats, manipulation, pressure, trick or violence.
New York State Law contains the following legal provisions defining the crimes related to sexual assault:
Section 130.20 - Sexual Misconduct. This offense includes sexual intercourse without consent and deviate sexual intercourse without consent.The penalty for violation of this section includes imprisonment for a definite period to be fixed by the court up to one year.
Section 130.25/.30/.35 - Rape. This series of offenses includes sexual intercourse with a person incapable of consent because of the use of forcible compulsion or because the person is incapable of consent due to a mental defect, mental incapacity, or physical helplessness.This series of offenses further includes sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent.The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed four years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.
Section 130.40/.45/.50 - Criminal Sexual Act. This series of offenses includes oral or anal sexual conduct with a person incapable of consent because of the use of forcible compulsion or because the person is incapable of consent due to a mental defect, mental incapacity, or physical helplessness.This series of offenses further includes oral or anal sexual conduct with a person under the age of consent.The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed four years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.
Section 130.52 - Forcible Touching. This offense involves the forcible touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person; or for the purpose of gratifying the actor’s sexual desire.Forcible touching includes the squeezing, grabbing, or pinching of such other person’s sexual or other intimate parts.The penalty for violation of this section includes imprisonment for a period of up to one year in jail.
Section 130.55/.60/.65 - Sexual Abuse. This series of offenses includes sexual contact with a person by forcible compulsion, or with a person who is incapable of consent due to physical helplessness, or due to the person being under the age of consent.The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed three months up to imprisonment not to exceed seven years.
Section 130.65-a/.66/.67/.70 - Aggravated Sexual Abuse. This series of offenses occurs when a person inserts a finger or a foreign object in the vagina, urethra, penis or rectum of another person by forcible compulsion, when the other person is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless, or when the other person is under the age of consent.The level of this offense is enhanced if the insertion of a finger or foreign object causes injury to the other person.The penalties for the violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed seven years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.
It is important to note that the laws of New York State and Plattsburgh State's regulations operate independent of one another and that they do not substitute for each other. Plattsburgh State University may pursue enforcement of its own rules whether or not legal proceedings are initiated. The college makes no attempt to shield its members from the law.
Where there is probably cause to believe the college’s regulations prohibiting sexual misconduct have been violated, the college will pursue strong disciplinary action through its own channels.This discipline includes the possibility of suspension or dismissal from the college.
An individual charged with sexual misconduct will be subject to college disciplinary procedure, whether or not prosecution under New York State Criminal Statutes is pending.
The college will make every effort to be sensitive to the victims of these serious crimes.Protection of the victim and prevention of continued trauma is the college’s priority.When the victim and the accused live in the same residence hall, an immediate hearing with the college Judicial Officer will be held to determine the need for modifying the living arrangements.
Assistance for any other personal or academic concerns will be reviewed and options provided.
During the disciplinary process, the victim's rights are:
- To have a person of the victim's choice accompany the victim throughout the disciplinary hearing.
- To remain present during the entire proceeding.
- As established in criminal codes, to be assured that his/her irrelevant past sexual history will not be discussed during the hearing.
- To make a “victim impact statement” and to suggest an appropriate penalty if the accused is found in violation of the code.
- To be informed immediately of the outcome of the hearing.
- During the disciplinary process, the rights of the “accused” are as described under the – Due Process Procedure of the College Judicial System.
Remember, assault - sexual or otherwise - are crimes; they are not the victim's fault. Victims have the right to pursue adjudication of crimes that occur on the Plattsburgh campus through criminal courts and/or through the University’s internal disciplinary process (under the Student Code of Conduct). SUNY at Plattsburgh Police are trained to assist with prosecution in both systems.
HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WHO HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
- Be supportive - believe your friend and protect her/his privacy. Don’t reveal the story to other people. Let her decide whom she wishes to confide in.
- It is important that she retain the choice to report the crime, or not. The University Police, City Police, Rape Crisis Center and/or the University Center For Student Health and Psychological Services are available to help her weigh all her options.
- Encourage your friend to obtain medical care. Be sure to recommend evaluation of the risks of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Educational programs to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and sex offenses are presented to the campus community.University Police and Student Life and other staff provides programs in Residence Halls.
Resources
If you are a victim of sex crime it’s important to take care of yourself and to know your options.
Counseling Assistance
- Center for Student Health & Psychological Services
Health Center Building
Phone: 564-3086 (24 hour service)- Crisis Center of CEF
36 Brinkerhoff Street
Phone: 561-2330 (24hour service)- Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood
66 Brinkerhoff Street
Phone: 561-4430Medical Assistance
- Center for Student Health & Psychological Services
Health Center Building
Phone: 564-2187- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
CVPH Health Center Building
Beekman Street
Phone: 5627370- City of Plattsburgh Fire Department Ambulance
Phone: 911- Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood
66 Brinkerhoff Street
Phone: 561-4430Law Enforcement Assistance
- 911 (for all emergency calls)
- University Police Department
Health Center Building
Phone: 564-2022 (24 hour service)- City of Plattsburgh Police Department
1 Pine Street
Phone: 563-3411 (24 hour service)- Clinton County District Attorney
Government Center Building
Phone: 565-4770- New York State Police
4448 Route 22, Plattsburgh
Phone: 563-3761 (24 hour service)Other Resources
- Judicial Officer (Plattsburgh State University)
Kehoe Building, 6th floor
Phone: 564-3282- Office for Violence Prevention
Health Center Building
Phone: 564-4028
Contact Information
Plattsburgh State University Police
Phone: (518) 564-2022
Fax: (518) 564-4025
Hazing Hotline(518) 564-5555
Vandalism Hotline: (518) 564-2677
In case of an EMERGENCY dial 911
Mailing Address:
University Police DepartmentSUNY Plattsburgh
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901