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Immediate Help if You've Been Sexually Assaulted
Taking Action, What to do if You're Sexually Assaulted Putting the Pieces Back Together How to Help a Friend UCLA Protocol for Responding to Back to Sexual Violence Back to What's Your Concern? |
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
February 2003
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
This document was developed to establish a consistent, compassionate, campus-wide mechanism
for assisting UCLA students, staff and faculty who have been raped or sexually assaulted,
regardless of where or when the incident occurred. This document also identifies mechanisms
by which the campus will be notified when campus safety is at risk in compliance with
federal regulations. Section 1 provides an
introduction to the problem, Section 2
outlines the guidelines for assisting a sexual assault survivor,
Section 3 outlines the
service provision guidelines applying to the
Rape Services Consultation Team, Section 4 reviews the
steps for Campus Representatives to respond to initial sexual assault disclosures,
and Section 5 reviews the
steps for Rape Services Consultants to
respond to initial sexual assault disclosures.
1.2 Overview
Rape and sexual assault are significant issues for all members of the campus community.
The seriousness of the problem as it impacts the campus is twofold. Of primary concern
is the profound effect on those directly affected by sexual assault, particularly in
terms of emotional well-being, academic and job success, and increased risk of
attrition. Regardless of whether an incident has occurred on or off-campus, recently
or in the past, the resulting impact has the potential to negatively affect an individual's
current performance as a member of the campus community. Of equal importance is the
impact sexual assault has on the campus climate and the overall perception of a
university's responsiveness to and concern for the well-being of its members.
Institutions of higher education are challenged to respond creatively to the problems and inequities of society at large. It is wholly appropriate that they also lead the way in educating society about sexual assault and in providing a consistent, caring and timely response when sexual assaults occur within the campus community. While education is the key to changing attitudes and beliefs which perpetuate sexual assault, policies can also play a major role. Institutional procedures dealing with sexual assault and its aftermath can have a powerful effect in lessening its occurrence, in part, by increasing reporting and creating a climate in which sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence are not tolerated. Because of the nature of the crimes, rape and sexual assault frequently go unreported. Surveys conducted over the past decade indicate that the number of rapes actually committed is between 2 to 10 times the number of rapes reported. The reticence to come forward and speak of the experience is perpetuated, in part, by the many myths that exist which erroneously place blame and responsibility for the crime on the survivor rather than on the perpetrator. It is common for survivors of sexual assault to internalize feelings of guilt and shame, and to fear that others will blame them, minimize their experience and not understand their pain. They commonly do not seek help or support. In addition to the personal anguish experienced as a result of inadequate support, these "silent" survivors are at risk of underachievement, poor performance, job transfers and resignations, and academic attrition. As an institution, it is our desire to create a supportive climate which will encourage all survivors of rape and sexual assault to report incidents and receive the necessary support and information to assist them in dealing with this trauma.
1.3 Definition of Terms
The terms "rape" and "sexual assault" refer to a range of specific behaviors that are predominantly directed against women but can be directed against men as well. An understanding of the following terms and their implications will provide the framework for a more comprehensive understanding of the issues. "Rape" refers in this document to "rape" as defined by the California Penal Code. Among others, the Penal Code prohibits the following acts, which are summarized as follows: a) sexual intercourse against an individual's will accomplished by force or threats of bodily injury; b) sexual intercourse against an individual's will where the person has reasonable fear that she (or he) or another will be injured if she (or he) does not submit to the intercourse; or c) sexual intercourse where the person is incapable of giving consent, or is prevented from resisting, which includes but is not limited to where the victim is prevented from resisting due to being intoxicated, drugged, unconscious, or asleep. "Sexual Assault" refers in this document to "sexual assault" as defined by the California Penal Code. This includes forced sodomy (anal intercourse); forced oral copulation (oral-genital contact); rape by a foreign object (forced penetration by a foreign object, including a finger); and sexual battery (the unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal). It also includes situations when the accused sexually assaults a complainant incapable of giving consent, including where the complainant is prevented from resisting due to alcohol or drugs. It is important to keep in mind that forced intercourse or other unwanted sexual contact is defined as rape or sexual assault whether the assailant is a stranger to or an acquaintance of the complainant. In addition, intoxication of the assailant does not diminish the assailant's responsibility for sexual assault. Throughout this document, the term "sexual assault" will generally be used to refer to the range of behaviors described above. In addition, the acts of sexual assault discussed in this document are considered allegations and those accused are considered alleged perpetrators prior to official findings by campus disciplinary or criminal justice proceedings in accordance with procedural due process. "Survivor" is a term often used to refer to an individual who has been the target of an attempted or completed rape or sexual assault in order to validate the person's strength and determination "to survive". The term "survivor" is a term associated with empowerment and the assumption of control for one's life after a trauma. "Informal report" of rape or sexual assault refers in this document to the process in which a member of the UCLA community tells a campus representative about an on or off-campus incident, regardless of the date of occurrence. Unlike "formal reporting", in which the goals are to identify the validity of the charges brought forward and reach a just resolution, "informal reporting" is designed to provide a vehicle by which a member of the UCLA community who has been sexually assaulted can obtain information, support and assistance. It is important to note that an individual may informally report an incident to adjudicating agencies without being required to pursue the matter further. "Formal report" of rape or sexual assault refers in this document to filing a grievance or formal charges with the campus or community agencies designated to adjudicate complaints for the purpose of taking action and/or seeking redress. Campus agencies to which formal complaints may be made include the Dean of Students' Office, Office of Residential Life, Center for Student Programming, Fraternity and Sorority Relations, Campus Human Resources, Academic Senate, and the Police Department. Complaints against an Officially-Recognized Student Organization can be filed with Center for Student Programming, Fraternity and Sorority Relations or Dean of Students' Office. "Campus representative" refers to any individual who, in the course of their duties as a University employee, is in the position to assist a member of the UCLA campus community who has been assaulted.
1.4 Goals
The procedures outlined in this document were created to achieve the following goals:
2. GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTING A SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR
2.1 Impact of Sexual Assault on the Survivor
Rape and sexual assault are traumatic events, regardless of the circumstances and degree of force used, and can result in a variety of physiological and psychological repercussions. After a sexual assault incident has occurred, a survivor may experience a wide range of emotions including feelings of shock, detachment, depression, confusion, rage, shame, terror, anxiety, guilt and isolation. It is common for survivors to experience impaired concentration, impaired performance on academic or job-related tasks, mood swings, intrusive memories of the traumatic event, and/or suicidal thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks, inability to make decisions and trust one's own judgment, withdrawal from other people and emergence of physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, abdominal problems, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite). These reactions stem from the threat to one's safety and well-being, the loss of control over one's life, the intense feelings of violation and intrusion, the violation of trust, and loss of confidence in one's perceptions and judgment (especially in cases of date rape). This wide range of post-rape responses include: diminished responsiveness to the external world (psychic numbing), markedly diminished interest or participation in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of detachment from other people, having markedly reduced ability to feel emotions especially those associated with intimacy, tenderness, and sexuality. The individual may have sense of foreshortened future, persistent symptoms of anxiety, recurrent nightmares during which the traumatic event is relived, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks such as studying. The symptoms, sometimes referred to as Rape Trauma Syndrome, are usually most disruptive immediately following the sexual assault but can cause ongoing or recurring distress for months or even years in some form (often in the form of impaired self-esteem, poor concentration, depression, or flashbacks of the assault experience). Prompt intervention with sexual assault survivors can do much to mitigate this trauma and enhance healing.
2.2 Philosophy of Service Delivery
One of the most frightening, traumatic aspects of being sexually assaulted is the feeling of total helplessness and lack of control that survivors commonly experience. With this in mind, it is essential that campus representatives assist survivors in regaining control of their lives. Sexual assault survivors should be encouraged as much as possible to make their own decisions and choices following a sexual assault. It is not the function of any campus representative to urge a particular course of action upon the survivor of a sexual assault. Instead, the duties of the representative are to make the survivor aware of the available options and alternatives, to aid the survivor in making an informed decision as to a course of action, and to enable the survivor to follow through in that decision.2.3 Confidentiality
In the handling of sexual assault cases, every effort is made to maintain confidentiality. While it is essential that campus representatives honor the choices of the survivor, there are instances where it is the University's ethical and legal responsibility to disclose information regarding the circumstances related to a specific incident. For example, authorized representatives may share this information when the survivor or alleged perpetrator threatens her (or his) own health and safety or the health and safety of others and/or when the survivor is a minor (under 18 years of age). Questions regarding confidentiality should be referred to the UCLA Office of the Campus Counsel (310/206-6985).
2.4 Training
Training on the issues of rape and sexual assault and the provisions of the campus sexual assault procedures is the responsibility of all units providing services to or interacting with sexual assault survivors to ensure timely, accurate and sensitive assistance to all concerned. Campus training on sexual assault should be offered on a regular basis to campus representatives and those who may interact with individuals impacted by rape and sexual assault.
2.5 Services to Alleged or Self-Reported Assailants
These procedures set forth guidelines for providing services to UCLA students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual assault. Nothing in these procedures is intended to indicate that services cannot or should not be provided to UCLA students, staff and faculty who have been identified as alleged assailants. Some of the campus services that may assist those who have been accused or have questions regarding behaviors constituting sexual assault include Student Psychological Services, Staff and Faculty Counseling Center, Campus Human Resources, Dean of Students' Office, The Center for Women & Men, Office of Residential Life, Center for Student Programming, Fraternity and Sorority Relations, and Student Legal Services.SERVICE PROVISION GUIDELINES APPLYING TO THE RAPE
SERVICES CONSULTATION TEAM
3.1 Composition of the Rape Services Consultation Team
The Rape Services Consultation Team, located in the Center for Women & Men (310 825-3945), is composed of UCLA professional-level staff who have received specific training in working with rape and sexual assault survivors. The Rape Services Consultation Team consists of the Rape Services Consultation Team Coordinator (RSCTC) and Rape Services Consultants (RSCs).The content of the training includes but is not limited to:
3.2 Philosophy of Service Delivery
It is essential that RSCs maintain confidentiality according to the general provisions discussed in Section 2.3 to ensure a climate in which clients feel safe and in control. Further, it is essential for the RSCs to refrain from identifying a specific course of action survivors should take, but rather, they should provide information, choices and options to assist survivors in making their own decisions (except in situations where survivors are at risk of endangering themselves or others). It is also important for the RSC to act as an educator presenting options and alternatives as clearly, honestly and with as little personal bias as possible to ensure that survivors make informed choices which are in their best interests. This information should be presented in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.3.3 The Role of the Rape Services Consultant (RSC)
The UCLA campus has a variety of student and staff services which may be of assistance to rape and sexual assault survivors, significant others, family and friends (refer to Section 5, Step 5a. for specific information). Similarly, the surrounding community offers a wide range of specialized rape-related services for assistance and support. The role of the RSC is to:
The RSC most commonly assists with discussing options, identifying appropriate support services, serving as a liaison with other campus and community services and setting up appointments with the survivor (as requested). The RSC may also be called upon to interact with faculty when academic assistance is necessary or with Campus Human Resources representatives when job-related assistance is necessary. In addition, the RSC acts as a consultant to other interested individuals (at the request of the survivor) such as the survivor's parents, roommates, and friends. The RSC also provides consultation services to other campus units that may need assistance regarding a sexual assault incident (e.g., Office of Residential Life, Office of the Dean of Students). The RSC is intended as a central referral source for information relating to the rights, options and services available to a sexual assault survivor. The RSC will not be expected to provide specific or detailed legal, medical, or psychological guidance to a survivor and must refrain from doing so. The RSC will inform a survivor both orally and in writing of the existence and location of services available for specialized assistance and support and will assist survivors in obtaining requested services.
3.4 Record Keeping and Data Collection
Confidentiality should be maintained in accordance with Section 2.3 of the "UCLA Protocol for Responding to Incidents of Rape and Sexual Assault Involving Students, Staff and Faculty".
3.5 Case Consultation Conferences
During the course of assisting a survivor and at the conclusion of the case (when no further services are required or requested), the RSC assigned to the case will review relevant information with the Rape Services Consultation Team Coordinator (RSCTC) and other appropriate individuals as deemed necessary and/or beneficial by the RSC Team Coordinator.
3.6 Case Consultation Between UCLA and the Rape
Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center
The RSC Team Coordinator will be available for consultation with the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center to address concerns or questions which may arise in cases involving members of the UCLA community.
3.7 Ongoing Evaluation of Campus Rape and
Sexual Assault Services
A periodic review shall be conducted by the RSCTC to determine: 1) the efficacy of campus response mechanisms in cases of sexual assault; 2) the campus relationship with agencies such as the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center; and 3) the effectiveness of the "UCLA Protocol for Responding to Incidents of Rape and Sexual Assault Involving Students, Staff and Faculty". If a broader review is deemed necessary or advisable by the RSCTC a committee will be asked to undertake the review process, chaired by the RSCTC and composed of appropriate campus and community representatives designated by the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs; Chair, Academic Senate; and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Campus Human Resources. The RSC Team Coordinator is authorized to make necessary procedural modifications on a provisional basis.Steps For Campus Representatives to Respond to Initial Sexual
Assault Disclosures
Step 1: A UCLA student, staff or faculty discloses to you that she (or he) was raped or sexually assaulted.The incident may have occurred on or off campus, recently or in the past. (Note: If the individual is in a medical or psychological crisis warranting immediate intervention, follow your departmental emergency procedures and/or call 911. Call 911 for emergencies only. If non-emergency campus police assistance is requested, call (310) 825-1491. Note that a call to the police department for assistance does not require the survivor to file a formal report.) Step 2: Determine if the survivor is in need of support and/or assistance regarding the incident.
Step 3: Communicate that there are individuals on campus referred to as Rape Services Consultants (RSCs) who can provide assistance.
If the survivor does NOT wish to contact the RSC, the campus representative should contact the RSCTC directly for consultation and referrals. In addition, the RSC Team Coordinator will discuss the parameters of the information that may need to be reported to campus officials (such as date, time, place and circumstances surrounding the incident) in the interests of protecting campus safety. See Section 2.3 for further information regarding confidentiality.
Step 4: Communicate the importance of medical attention and discuss if assistance is needed at this time. It is important to note that when an assault has occurred within 72 hours of disclosure, it is essential that the survivor be aware of the option for emergency medical care and/or collection of evidence (to assist in judicial procedures), prophylactic check for STDs and the prevention of pregnancy resulting from the assault. If the survivor wishes to receive assistance, an RSC can assist in coordinating services. If the survivor does not want assistance at this time, provide printed referral information (Step 6).
Step 5: Communicate the importance of psychological support and discuss if assistance is needed at this time. If immediate intervention appears necessary (due to extreme distress or concerns raised about the individual's safety or the safety of others, including suicide threats and difficulty controlling anger), call the following numbers:
If immediate assistance is not needed or requested, an RSC can assist in coordinating services or printed referral information can be provided (Step 6).
Step 6: Provide printed information containing referrals (Containing numbers for assistance and other important information). STEPS FOR RAPE SERVICES CONSULTANTS (RSCs)
TO RESPOND TO INITIAL SEXUAL ASSAULT DISCLOSURES
5.1 Specific Steps for Campus Rape Services
Consultants to Follow:
Step 1: A rape or sexual assault is reported.An RSC is contacted directly by a UCLA student, staff, or faculty member or is contacted by a campus representative regarding a situation involving rape or sexual assault. When this contact has been made, the UCLA Rape Services Consultation Team Coordinator (RSCTC) will locate and assign an RSC to provide ongoing assistance.
Step 2: The need for medical attention is discussed.
If an individual needs or requests assistance for that business day, the RSC will refer them directly to Student Psychological Services (students), Staff and Faculty Counseling Center (staff and faculty), or the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. When requested, the RSC can facilitate this process. If immediate intervention appears necessary (due to extreme distress or concerns raised about the individual's safety or the safety of others, including suicide threats and difficulty controlling anger) call the following numbers:
If immediate assistance is not needed or requested, an RSC can assist in coordinating services or printed referral information can be provided (Step 6).
5.2 Campus Notification Process
When it is determined that university officials need to be notified of the incident to protect the safety of the individual(s) involved and/or the campus community, notifications will proceed in the following manner.
Protocol
Org Chart - Figure 1
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