* SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY

Victims of sexual assault or persons who have information regarding a sexual assault are strongly urged to report the incident to the LCC Police Department immediately.

It is the policy of the LCC Police Department to conduct investigations of all sexual assault complaints with sensitivity,  compassion,  patience and respect for the victim.  Investigations are conducted in accordance with the Texas Penal Code,  Code of Criminal Procedure and the Webb County District Attorney’s Office guidelines.

All information and reports of sexual assault are kept strictly confidential. Victims may use a fictitious name or initials to be used in all public files and records concerning the sexual assault to protect their identity.

Information and assistance is available through  the Office of Student Affairs (721-5417), LCC Counseling Services (721-5135), (South 794-4135) LCC Student Health Services (721-5189), (South 794-4189) Sexual Assault Services (724-3177).  If requested, these departments will assist the victim in contacting the LCC Police Department. The Office of Student Development can assist the victim with issues such as class schedule changes, withdrawal procedures,  or campus housing relocation.

* Facts

If someone forces you to have sex against your will, or has sex with you while you are

       unconscious or unable to consent, this is sexual assault and a criminal offense.
If someone touches you for sexual purposes,  without your consent, this is sexual assault

       and a criminal offense.

You have a legal and moral right to press criminal charges or internal charges (through the

       LCC judicial system) or both.
You may pursue internal LCC charges confidentially through Campus Police or the Office of

       the Dean of Student Affairs. Your name and the details of the incident will be kept confidential.
Remember, you are not responsible for the unwelcome acts of others. It is never okay to

       force or coerce others into sex.

Over eighty percent of all rapes and sexual assaults on campus involve victims and

       perpetrators who are intoxicated and who know each other. The victim often trusts the

       perpetrator.
The recurring characteristics (warning signs) associated with sexual assault are:

• They occur at parties.
• The victim is an underclass student, unfamiliar with alcohol and the surroundings.
• The victim has not made arrangements with friends to travel together or “look out” for each other at parties.
• The victim often goes to the perpetrator’s room or another room, alone, not suspecting that this isolation can put her at risk.
• Some forms of sexual contact such as kissing, hugging, and touching may be mutually welcome, but sometimes the offender interprets this behavior as consent to go further.
   

Suggestions to prevent sexual assault:

Do not accept a ride from someone you have just met.

Use alcohol responsibly. Many rape cases involve the use of alcohol on the part of the

       victim, the rapist, or both. If you are in a situation where people are abusing alcohol or

       drugs, you may be in extreme danger.
Acquaintance rape can result from ineffective communication.

Make sure if you mean “no’’ you say “no” in unmistakable ways including body language,

       clothing, tone of voice, and gestures. Ignoring unwanted contact rather than confronting it

       may be falsely perceived as a “yes”.
Passivity, submissiveness and reluctance are dangerous and can create an atmosphere

       conducive to sexual aggression.

Know your limits and communicate them clearly and firmly.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid secluded places, especially with someone you

       don’t know well.
Have a safety plan and avoid men who display controlling behavior and don’t respect your

       limits. Although victims are seldom responsible for being assaulted, there are precautions

       you can take to lower your risk.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM:

Call the police immediately and report the assault.
Call a close friend or family member to be with you. You will need someone to help calm

       you and get proper assistance.
Seek medical attention. Sexual assaults often result in the transmission of venereal

       diseases and pregnancy. Other injuries sustained during the attack need to be evaluated

       and treated.
Do not take a shower or bath. The police department will arrange for a medical

       examination by a licensed physician so that evidence can be collected. Bathing will destroy

       the evidence.
Do not change your clothes. Valuable evidence can be collected from your clothing. A

       change of clothing can be provided for you after the examination.
Do not move any items. The rapist may have left fingerprints or other evidence which can

       be collected.
DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF. It is not your fault.

A student committing a sexual assault is subject to internal disciplinary proceedings with

       sanctions up to and including expulsion from the college. An employee committing a sexual

       assault is subject to internal disciplinary proceedings with sanctions up to and including

       discharge from the college. Such persons may also face external criminal charges.