Each of these crimes lack consent, which is active and enthusiastic participation. Consent can be given and revoked at any time and cannot be assumed from silence or lack of resistance.
Sexual Assault and Rape
Sexual assault is any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature by one person against another without their consent through: the use of force or intimidation, threat of immediate or future violence, or the inability of a person to give consent or to resist because of intoxication or unconsciousness.
Rape is any penetration against an individual without consent.
It is illegal to have any sexual contact with someone without consent. Regardless of the type of relationship, intoxication level, or whether some of the sexual activity was consensual, everyone has the right to indicate "no," to stop and change their mind at any time.
Dating and Domestic Violence
Dating and domestic violence and abusive relationships involve physical, sexual, psychological harm and/or threat of harm, by a current or former partner.
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behavior that is threatening and/or creates fear. This may include following, sending unwanted items or gifts, or contacting through phone, text messaging or social networking sites.
The CARE Office (formerly known as the Violence Prevention Program) and Valley Crisis Center are available to provide support and information about the various options you have. They can:
- Work with you in developing a safety plan.
- Work with campus offices to protect your personal information.
- Work with phone companies, social networking sites and email providers to protect your information.
Options for Responding to Stalking Behaviors
- Stalking is a reportable offense. You can report the behaviors to the campus or city police.
- Consider talking to your friends and family about the importance of keeping your personal information private.
- If you feel it is safe to do so, you should set clear limits about what is unwelcome contact. (e.g. "I'm not interested in having a relationship with you. Please, do not continue to call, stop by or have any contact with me whatsoever.")
- It is a good idea to maintain a log of incidents and behaviors because it will aid in documenting behaviors. For restraining order applications or criminal prosecution, you can log: harassing phone calls, letters, emails, acts of vandalism and threats communicated through third parties. Keeping a log may also help preserve your memory of individual incidents.
Learn more about a survivor's options.
