Safety Awareness | Crime Reporting Equals Crime Prevention |

The Department of Public Safety is proactive in crime prevention efforts throughout the year. Some examples of our programs are:

1. Sexual Assault Prevention

2. Domestic Violence Prevention

3. Drug Abuse Prevention

4. Theft Prevention (Operation Engrave)

Sexual Assult Policy Statement

Clark Atlanta University prohibits sexual assault by its students on its property or as a part of its activities. Sexual Assault is defined as:

Sexual Assault I: Rape, forcible sodomy, forcible sexual penetration of another person's anal or genital opening with any object. These acts must be committed either by force, threat, intimidation, or through the use of victim's mental or physical incapacitation, of which the accused was aware, or reasonably should have been aware.

Sexual Assault II: The touching of an unwilling person's intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breasts, or buttocks, or clothing covering them) or forcing an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts. These acts must be committed either by force, threat, intimidation, or through the victim's mental or physical incapacitation, of which the accused was aware of, or reasonably should have been aware.

This policy applies to all full-time and part-time students. Students who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include counseling, disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral to the proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sexual assault. All disciplinary appeals presently applicable to student will continue to be available for violation of the policy.

The purpose of this policy is to produce a campus environment that discourages sexual assault. The following is information that is important for each student to read and understand regarding the legal penalties associated with sexual assault.

Sexual Assult

What to do - How to Respond

Clark Atlanta University is a community of trust whose very existence depends on strict adherence to standards of conduct set by its members. Sexual assault is a serious violent crime. When it occurs at the University, it is also a flagrant violation of the standards set forth in the Clark Atlanta University Handbook.

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. One recent survey reported that one in every four women had been the victim of rape or attempted rape. In another survey, one in two college women reported being the victim of some kind of sexual aggression. It is also estimated that 10% of all men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

Many sexual assaults involve acquaintance rape, which often occurs on college campuses. When the assailant is an acquaintance, a survivor often has mixed feelings concerning both the incident and what to do about it.

Besides feeling frightened, angry, hurt and ashamed, survivors can feel betrayed and even guilty for having "facilitated" the assault. In some cases, they do not even acknowledge that they have been assaulted until well after the incident has occurred.

Victims can also be unsure of how to deal with the assault - administratively, legally, and otherwise - and can wonder what courses of action available and appropriate for them.

An unfortunate result is that many assault victims elect not to tell anyone about their ordeal and decline to seek the help they need, on an emotional level and otherwise, to deal with the trauma they have suffered.

The Division of Student Affairs encourages all members of the University community to be aware of both the consequences of sexual assault and the options available to victims/survivors. It further urges survivors to seek help using any of the resources that follow.

For more information, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (404-880-6119), the University Counseling Center (404-880-8044), or the Department of Public Safety (404-880-8623).

Overview

The purpose of this material is to provide information and assistance to sexual assault victims and persons who may come into contact with a victim. Being forced into sexual activity - even if it is a date, a steady relationship, or casual acquaintance - is still sexual assault. Nothing a person does, says, or wears gives anyone the right to commit an assault, sexually or otherwise, against them. Making a decision and regaining control are important to the healing process after an assault. The choice of how to proceed after an assault belongs solely to the victim. The following are a number of factors to consider:

Getting Assistance

The University encourages reporting all incidents of assault to the Department of Public Safety (880-8623). On-campus sexual assault should also be reported as quickly as possible to the University Counseling Center (404-880-8044). The best off-campus resource is the Grady Rape Crisis Center (404-659-7273), or the police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.

Emotional trauma is severe after a sexual assault. The violation, loss of trust, and loss of control can have a serious long-term impact. It is not unusual for person to withdraw, feel guilty or distrustful. However, there are many people who understand and know places where support is available while one is recovering. The University Counseling Center is the best resource for all students

Medical Attention

If the student ultimately decides not to report the assault to the police, it is still very important to seek medical attention immediately for possible internal injuries or sexually transmitted diseases. Also, the collection of medical evidence becomes critical in the event of prosecution. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and to refrain from:

1. Taking a shower or washing any part of the body.

2. Douching

3. Brushing Teeth

4. Drinking Liquids

5. Changing clothes or changing sheets before seeking medical help

This will prevent the destruction of valuable evidence. At the Emergency Room, the doctor will collect hair samples, and other evidence, including clothing. (A victim should bring a change of clothing to wear home). The police will be contacted to take possession of the samples until the victim makes a decision about whether or not to press charges.

Counseling

Counseling is a very important step in helping someone who has been sexually assaulted regain control of his/her own life. Sexual assault is an extremely traumatic experience that needs professional attention. The University urges students involved in a sexual assault to meet with a counselor. Among other things, counselors can help victims decide what further steps should be taken following an assault.

Reporting to the Police

If an assault occurs on University property, it should be reported to the CAU Department of Public Safety (404-880-8623). Assaults, which occur off-campus, should be reported to the local police (404-880-8911).

A student who has been sexually assaulted deserves the right to a complete professional investigation before making a decision about how to proceed with the case. When the campus police are contacted, an officer will:

1. Conduct a preliminary investigation

2. Complete necessary procedures to protect against loss of evidence

3. Transport the victims to Grady Memorial Hospital

4. Notify the University Counseling Center

5. Notify the Vice President and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

A follow-up investigation is conduct and the results are discussed with the student along with rights and options. The victim's identity is kept confidential. The City of Atlanta Police may also be involved. Even if the assailant is not identified and prosecuted, reporting the assault is a way to regain a sense of personal power and control by enabling the victim to do something about the crime committed. Furthermore, information provided helps in the prevention of rape and the protection of other potential victims. (Most rapists are repeat offenders).

Note to Friends, Faculty, and Staff If someone who has been sexually assaulted comes to you, encourage the person to report the incident, seek medical attention, and pursue counseling. If the person will not report the assault, anyone can inform the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and/or the University Counseling Center that a sexual assault has occurred.

Support Resources

Clark Atlanta University students who are sexually assaulted have a number of resources available to them.

Public Safety: (404) 880-8623 Police Off-Campus: 911 Grady Rape Crisis Center: (404) 659-7273

This 24-hour hotline will put the victim in touch with a volunteer victim advocate for help.

Student Health Services: (404) 880-8286

If the victim chooses not to have the examination, medical attention at the Student Health Center may by considered.

University Counseling Center: (404) 880-8044 Student Affairs: (404) 880-6119 Grady Memorial Hospital: (404) 616-4861

Within 72 hours after the assault, a rape protocol examination can be administered. The police, a friend or relative should take the victim to the hospital. If the Rape Crisis Center is called, then a Rape Crisis Victim Advocate will meet the victim at the Center.

It should be stressed that seeking assistance in connection with a sexual assault - whether from the emergency room, the police, the Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, or anyone else - does not obligate victims to take further action. However, students may be accountable to both criminal and civil authorities as well as to the University for acts that constitute violations of law and of the University's Code of Student Conduct. Disciplinary actions at the University will normally proceed during the course of criminal proceedings, but will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

Even if the victim does not choose any of the above actions or remedies, there are other options for, and available assistance in, changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if requested by the victim and such changes are reasonably available.

Clark Atlanta University Sponsored Educational Programming

Clark Atlanta University sponsors a number of educational and awareness programs regarding sexual assault (including acquaintance rape) and violence in relationships. Information sessions are sponsored by the Department of Public Safety (880-8623); University Counseling Center (880-8044); Student Health Services (880-8286); and Student Activities (880-8075). For more information, contact the individual departments.

Due Process

A student accused of a serious offense shall be notified in writing of the specific charge before the case is considered. The student shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the consideration of the case, and shall have reasonable time and opportunity to prepare a defense and the right to be represented by a person of the student's choice consistent with University policies. The student shall also have opportunity to testify and present witnesses and evidence.

Sexual Harassment / Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Clark Atlanta University that sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender will not be condoned. As a matter of practice and policy, the University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free of conduct, which degrades or subjugates employees or students. This policy applies equally to faculty, administrative and support staff and students, and is in keeping with the spirit and intent of Federal guidelines (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) on discrimination because of gender.

It is policy of Clark Atlanta University to provide each student, faculty member and staff member with an environment free from harassment.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances; request for sexual favors; or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with performance by creating a hostile, offensive, or intimidating work environment, or is an expression of implied condition of employment. Such behavior will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Regulations

a. Any complaints relating to this type of misconduct against a student should be directed to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. These complaints will be investigated and handled in accordance with the "Code of Student Conduct".

b. Any complaints relating to this type of misconduct against a faculty or staff member should be reported to the Director of Human Resources immediately. Complaints will be treated confidently and promptly, and will be carefully investigated.

c. It is a violation of University policy for any member of the University community to retaliate against an individual who brings forth a complaint of sexual harassment.

Responsibilities

a. The Human Resources Department is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the University's Sexual Harassment Policy and the coordination of the grievance process for charges and complaints against faculty and staff.

b. Each Dean, Department Chair, and Administrative Head of a unit is responsible for creating an atmosphere free of discrimination and harassment, sexual or otherwise, and for dissemination and implementation of this policy within their area of responsibility. These individuals are also responsible for referring reported incidents of sexual harassment to Human Resources.

c. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to discourage sexual harassment, report such incidents, and cooperate in any investigation, which might result.

Procedure for Complaint Against Faculty / Staff Member

a. Any student who feels that he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment should contact the Director of Human Resources within fifteen (15) working days of the incident. This report can by oral or written, but a written and signed statement of the complaint must be submitted by the complaining student within three (3) working days of the initial report before an investigation can proceed.

b. Upon receipt of the written complaint, the Director of Human Resources will contact the person who allegedly initiated the sexual harassment, and inform that person of the basis of the complaint and of the opportunity to respond in writing within seven (7) working days of the complaint.

c. Upon receipt of the written response, the Director of Human Resource, after conducting a thorough investigation, will submit in writing a confidential summary of the complaint, the response, and the facts of the investigation to the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Provost, after conducting a thorough review of the facts of the investigation, including possible interviews with all parties involved, will determine if sexual harassment has occurred. All parties will be notified in writing of the Provost decision.

d. If it is determined that sexual harassment has occurred, appropriate disciplinary action up to and including discharge will be taken. The severity of the discipline will be determined by the severity and frequency of the offense or other conditions surrounding the incident. If faculty/staff person wishes to appeal the disciplinary action, she/he may appeal such action by the Provost under the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Faculty Handbook.

e. A student's failure to report the occurrence of sexual harassment within fifteen (15) working days or failure to file a written complaint within (3) working days of the verbal report may be deemed a waiver of any University action. If the person against whom the complaint of sexual harassment is filed fails to responds to the complaint within seven (7) working days of notification, the complaint will be taken as true, and appropriate disciplinary measures will by taken if circumstances warrant. Students are not allowed representation by a lawyer in the University's complaint resolution process.

Counseling Services

The University Counseling Center (UCC) is a comprehensive counseling and assistance facility providing personal, psychological, academic, career, and student development services and resources to all CAU students. The Center offers individual and group counseling, drug and alcohol abuse prevention counseling and education, career counseling, and an array of personal/social development programs.

The UCC staff consists of a director, psychologist, counselors, a social worker, interns, and support staff who serve both undergraduate and graduate students during their matriculation at Clark Atlanta University. The UCC staff has been carefully selected to provide students with a Counseling Center that is responsive to their individual need and that coordinates and implements programming which fosters students' total development.

The UCC is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with evening hours by appointment. Students may make their own appointments by phoning 880-8044, or may be referred by University administrators, faculty, staff, or other interested parties. All services within the UCC are free of charge.