Every student at Eastern Oregon University has the right to pursue academic, social, and work activities without fear or intimidation. Yet, threats of sexual violence exist on all college campuses. From verbal harassment to physical assault, the Eastern campus is not immune to "rape culture" in our society.
Creating A Rape-free Environment (C.A.R.E.).that is the purpose of this handbook. CAREing involves creating awareness, changing attitudes and confronting behaviors. The C.A.R.E. handbook provides information on aspects of rape culture, relevant laws and policies, suggestions for protecting oneself, and helpful resources within the college and surrounding communities.
The C.A.R.E. handbook is sponsored by Eastern's Date Rape Task Force, which is comprised of students, faculty, administrators, staff and community members. Special thanks to the University of Oregon Office of the Dean of Student Life for the C.A.R.E. acronym and case examples.
Dear Campus Community Member :
The topic of sexual misconduct is not pleasant but it is important that it be addressed directly and openly. Please take a few minutes to read this brochure. I think the information is important and useful.
Eastern Oregon University takes pride in itself as an outstanding campus community, which is devoted to intellectual pursuit. A critical factor for our community is the safety of its citizens. Sexual misconduct is a behavior for which perpetrators will be subject to campus discipline and referral to legal action.
Eastern is a wonderful University. It will always be because its citizens take active interest and responsibility to insure a safe environment.
Sheldon Nord
Vice President for Student Affairs
COERCIVE RAPE SCENARIO
Would you call this rape?
Yoko squirmed uncomfortably in her seat as she tried to pay attention to her humanities professor. She was aware Bob was staring at her. She didn't know him well and it made her uncomfortable. Yoko looked over at Bob anxiously, returned his smile politely and looked down. After class, Bob approached Yoko and asked her to have a beer with him. In Yoko's culture, she would not go out for a beer with someone she didn't know well and trust, yet, Bob seemed friendly. She was flattered to be asked out. She did not feel comfortable turning him down. "How about coffee instead?" suggested Yoko. "Okay," Bob said, "after that, let's go see a movie." "Umm.well, yes that would be fine," Yoko agreed pensively. After the movie, Bob asked Yoko back to his place for a drink. Yoko thanked Bob but told him she had to go home and study. Bob walked her back to her apartment. Yoko tried to say goodbye, but Bob pushed his way in. Yoko was uncomfortable with this, but did not know how to ask Bob to leave without being rude. Bob then approached her and sat down next to her. He started to kiss her. Yoko was very surprised and was not sure how to react. "What are you thinking about?" Yoko asked as she pulled away. "Let me stay just a little longer," Bob said as he persisted to kiss Yoko, despite her protests. Yoko felt very helpless and did not know how to change her situation. Bob proceeded to force himself on her and have intercourse with Yoko.
Does agreeing to go out with someone mean you are agreeing to have intercourse with him or her? Is there ever a time when you have to "pay-off" a date with sexual activity?
The above scenario is an example of coercive rape. Although Yoko never said "no" to Bob, she clearly did not consent to the sexual activity. Bob took advantage of the cultural differences and coerced her into having intercourse by pressuring her with reasons of why she should. Coercive rape, using verbal pressure to engage a person in intercourse against his or her will, can also happen between people of the same culture and the same sex and is the least reported of all forms of rape and the hardest form to prosecute. A survivor of coercive rape usually has a difficult time overcoming the effects of the rape because he/she does not identify the act as rape. The best method to prevent coercive rape is to openly and honestly communicate about your sexual limits before the situation arises.
Myth: Many women "ask for it" by the way they dress or behave.
Fact: Acting unwisely and causing an assault are not the same. The Federal Commission on Crimes of Violence found that only 4% of reported rapes involved any precipitating behavior on the woman's part. Men may interpret almost anything a woman does as "asking for it." Our society encourages women to be sexually attractive to men, but those who are raped are condemned as "deserving it."
One in three women have bee the victim of rape. Seventy-four percent go unreported. (U.S. Department of Justice, 1994-96). Twenty percent of college age women will be victims of sexual assault at some point in their college career. Fifty-seven percent of sexual assaults occurred during a date. (Koss, Mary P; Mary R. Harvey. The Rape Victim: Clinical and Community Interventions. Sage Library of Social Research, 1991.)
Men are victims of 10% of all reported rapes. Many of these are male-to-male rapes (FBI Crime Statistics, 1989).
At the University of Oregon, 18% of lesbians and gays reported being sexually assaulted because of their sexual orientation (Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Concerns, 1990).
DATE RAPE SCENARIO - ACQUAINTANCE RAPE SCENARIO
Would you call this rape?
Rob and Sally made a great couple! They had dated throughout the term, but still had that excited feeling whenever they were together. One rainy Oregon Saturday night, they decided to stay home and have a quiet evening together. While Sally built the fire, Rob made some popcorn with plenty of butter. Together they sat by the fire, munching popcorn and watching a great old movie. When the movie finally ended and conversation waned, they began to kiss. Rob and Sally were both getting turned on. After a while of heavy petting, Rob began to take off Sally's clothes. Sally stopped him and said she was not ready to go all the way just yet. Rob persisted despite Sally's protests. When Sally pleaded for Rob to stop, Rob replied by saying he was too turned on to stop. Rob went on to have intercourse with Sally while she lay there very quietly and cried.
Does one have an obligation to stop unwanted sexual activities even when he or she is turned on? Is there ever a time when "no" means "yes" or "maybe"?
The above scenario is an example of date rape; being forced into sexual intercourse by someone the victim is or has been dating. Rob and Sally had been dating for a period of time when she was forced into unwanted sexual intercourse. Date rape is one of the most prevalent forms of rape today and the effects of the rape are very difficult to overcome due to the victim's prior trust in the perpetrator. Date rapes can happen anytime from the first date to the third year anniversary and even later. One of the best methods for avoiding date rape is to communicate openly and honestly about sexual wants before the "heat of the moment."
Myth: Rapes occur in dark alleys. The rapist is a stranger.
Fact: Sixty-eight percent of victims know their rapist prior to the attack (husband, boyfriend, relative, acquaintances). One if four rapes takes place in a public area or parking garage. (U.S. Department of Justice, 1994-96).
Cathy and Jim were study partners for their math class. Together, they had muddled through formulas and proofs for an entire term. Dead week came around and Cathy and Jim were at Jim's apartment studying for their math final. In the middle of the evening, Jim suddenly moved closer to Cathy and put his hand on her knee. Surprised by Jim's advances, Cathy pulled away and grew tense. Despite Cathy's verbal protest and rejections, Jim moved closer and continued his advances. Cathy could not resist Jim's strength any longer. He had intercourse with her. Afterwards, Cathy ran back to her dorm room I the dark. She did not tell anyone until a month after it happened.
By going to Jim's apartment, did Cathy lead Jim to believe that she wanted to have intercourse? Should Cathy have to do more than struggle and verbally reject Jim to make him stop?
The above scenario is an example of acquaintance rape, forced sexual intercourse by someone the victim knows. Cathy and Jim had known each other before he attacked her. Cathy trusted him enough to be comfortable alone with him in his apartment.
Myth: Rape is just a little unwanted sex.
Fact: Rape is a crime of violence. Rape takes its toll physically and emotionally. It often results in sexual and reproductive injuries, as well as causing a wide array of emotional problems including an inability to trust, phobias, depression and even suicide. (Leidig, Margorie Witlaker, Ph.D. The continuum of violence against women: Psychological and physical consequences. Journal of American College Health, 40(4) Jan.92, p. 149-155.)
In 55% of campus sexual assaults, the offender and/or victim were drinking or using drugs (Koss, 1988).
PREVENTION
This section is about taking active steps for self-protection. It contains suggestions that will decrease the likelihood of being victimized. At the same time, there is no one magic formula that works all the time. People must make their own decision to survive danger or harassment the best way they can. This section provides information to help people make the best choices.
Avoidance
Interruption
If a person is proceeding beyond the boundaries of what you want in terms of physical contact, take action. For example, if you are getting "bad vibes" about a person, don't assume there is something wrong with you. If they are too aggressive or are treating you like their personally possession, end the date.
Get angry; be assertive putting forth what you want and need without hostility or apology. Develop a body language to match.
Use anger as a positive force for defense and for change. Be willing to turn it outward rather than inward, hold assailants accountable.
If you are attacked:
Remember: Every rape situation is different. Never feel guilty about what you did or did not decide to do.
We do not need to think of self-defense only in terms of something we do alone. We can discuss and practice strategies together. We can take care of each other through establishing safe house networks, warning one another about abusive strangers and acquaintances. We can support people who tell us they have been assaulted, and defend people who are being persecuted for fighting back. All people suffer from the threat of abuse; many more people than we think are actually abused. Until EVERYONE is free of this fear, not one of us is really safe.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR A FRIEND IS RAPED
Sexual assault can be a very physically and emotionally damaging problem. Feelings of fear, anger, confusion, guilt, and even hysteria are not uncommon. You should understand that the perpetrator was at fault, not you, and that there is help available to you whether you just experienced this crisis or it is in your past. These suggestions are not in specific order. What you choose to do depends on you and your situation. We suggest that all of the following be considered for your safety and well-being.
Note: These are important because evidence can be gathered at the scene by the police, and your body and clothes by a nurse practitioner or physician to be used in legal proceedings.
3. Call the nearest crisis center for help, information, and support. Members of the center can go with you to the hospital or police, and give you emotional
support during the crisis. In Union County, call Shelter From the Storm at 963-9261, Eastern's Student Health Center at 962-3524, Eastern's Counseling
Center at 962-3392, or 911.
4. Notify the police of the crime . There are two methods of reporting.
5. Get medical attention at the Grande Ronde Hospital emergency room, Eastern's Student Health Center or your private physician if this is someone you have a good relationship with. Your physical health is important. Any physical trauma or injuries need to be treated. Possible infections need to be treated. Possible pregnancies need to be prevented (options for this are better in the first 24 hours.) If you intend to press charges, evidence will also need to be gathered for legal reasons. Take a change of clothes with you, if possible.
6. Obtain counseling , long or short term, form a counselor trained in dealing with sexual assault victims. One of the effective healing processes is to talk about the incident. Express all your thoughts, fears, and anxieties to a supportive counselor, advocator friend. Eastern Student Health Center, Shelter From the Storm, and Eastern's Counseling Center are some places to obtain help. (See resource page for telephone numbers.)
What to do if a friend or acquaintance is raped
The following suggestions are offered as guidelines for anyone assisting a sexual assault victim during the crisis or time period following. Survivors may react in various ways - they may be calm, numb, upset or hysterical. They may feel angry and feel loss of control over what has happened. Feelings of safety and security may be seriously disrupted. Some survivors see the attack as at least partly their fault and have feelings of guilt.
What can you do - immediately after:
• If danger of further physical assault exists, assist the victim to contact the police and/or find a safe place.
• Suggestions for an approach to the victim:
• Listen in a way that supports and validates the victim's feelings encouraging free expressing. Let the victim talk or cry.
• Believe whatever the victim says, and do not make contradictions.
• Be compassionate, supportive and patient. Let the victim know you care by helping in any way.
• Let the victim make their own choices while encouraging action and recovery.
• Assure the survivor that they are not to blame.
• Help the victim decide on an action regarding:
• Medical Attention.
• Emotional Support.
• Notifying the police of the crime. (Details of a, b, & c are described above under suggestions for the victim.)
Remember, the victim needs to make their own choices - respect their decision.
LEGAL DEFINITIONS AND EASTERN'S SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
Legal definitions :
Rape in the first degree - Class A felony
• A person who has sexual intercourse with a victim commits the crime of rape in the first degree if:
• The person is subjected to forcible compulsion by the person;
• The victim is under 12 years of age;
• The victim is under 16 years of age and is the person's sibling, person's child, person's spouse's child; or
• The victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental defect; mental incapacitation or physical helplessness.
Rape in the second degree - Class B felony
• A person who has sexual intercourse with another person commits the crime of rape in the second degree if the other person is less than 14 years of age.
Rape in the third degree - Class C felony
• A person commits the crime of rape in the third degree if the person has sexual intercourse with another person less than 16 years of age.
Sexual Misconduct Policy: NOTE: EOU's Sexual Misconduct Policy is currently under revision
Eastern affirms respect, responsibility, and caring in our academic community. Sexual misconduct is clearly inconsistent with the purposes of an academic community, and thus is a violation of the Student Conduct Policy as well as a violation of state and federal law.
• Unwanted verbal (including telephone), written (including electronic media), pictorial, or physical conduct of a sexual nature which a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, offensive, and/or which adversely affects the learning or living environment of the campus.
• Unwanted forceful sexual contact. The use of force may include, but not be limited to use of body weight, pushing or hitting, coercion or threats.
• The use of force (body weight, hitting or pushing, use of a weapon, threats to kidnap or kill, for example) to overcome earnest resistance to engage in sexual intercourse. Earnest resistance may be verbal or physical or both.
• Sexual intercourse when it falls within the legal definition of statutory rape.
• Sexual intercourse, when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation or physical helplessness and force is not used.
All complaints of sexual misconduct will follow the normal Student Conduct Complaint or Grievance Procedure of the institution as outline din the Faculty/Staff Handbook and Student Handbook. Complainants and respondents have the option of using local support services or institutional counseling services. However, institutional officials shall always recommend use of these services. Depending on the nature, scope and severity of the misconduct, sanctions levied through student conduct or grievance proceedings may include warning/written reprimand, probation, restitution for personal injury or property damages, restraint of contact, loss of privileges including use of institutional property, suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment. The University will attempt to prevent the public disclosure of victims and accused through all stages of counseling, support, campus conduct proceedings, and criminal court proceedings. However, since the University has the duty to warn the campus and local community about possible threats or danger, the University reserves the right to report incidents of sexual misconduct to civil authorities and the campus community when the Vice President of Student Affairs determines that a threat to the University community exists. The institution will offer confidential consultation to victims within the confines of administrative rule and appropriate ethical precepts.
RESOURCES - WHERE TO GET HELP, WHERE TO REPORT
Reach out to someone for help
Survivors typically have feelings of shame, anger, wanting to withdraw, confusion, etc. It is very important that you TALK TO SOMEONE on campus or in the community who can refer and help you get to the appropriate resources.
Obtain physical, emotional, academic, or legal/financial support following an attempted or completed assault. Confidentiality is maintained in these settings.
Physical
Immediate medical attention is important to assess and treat injuries, check for possibilities of sexually transmitted diseases, obtain necessary evidence if survivor decides later to pursue legal action. Do NOT change clothes, take a shower, or clean up before going in for an exam. Forensic evidence collected may be very important for future legal use.
Student Health Center - 962-3524 (M-F 8-5:00)
Grande Ronde Hospital Emergency Room - 963-1442
Emotional
Feeling that surface for the survivor, if not expressed and dealt with, could result in increasing depression, decreasing motivation and concentration, disturbing sleep and appetite, a and making it difficult to function academically and interpersonally. Counseling can provide support and help the survivor understand feelings, increase assertiveness and self esteem, etc.
Counseling Center - 962-3524
Shelter From the Storm Agency - 963-9261
Student Health Center - 962-2524
Gay and Lesbian Hotline - (EAST) 962-7048
Academic
When you have experienced a trauma such as harassment/assault/rape, it could have an impact on your ability to attend classes, take exams or study effectively. You may be able to obtain help in making special arrangements for your classes by contacting any of the following:
Vice President for Student Affairs
962-3635
Counseling Center
962-3392
Legal
You may feel that perpetrators of the harassment/assault/rape should be held responsible for their actions and be punished for their act against you.
La Grande Police Department
911 or 963-1017 (24 hour emergency)
~Can dispatch an officer to apprehend suspect as chosen by the survivor
~Can send a copy of report to District Attorney
Vice President for Student Affairs
962-3635
~Charges of misconduct can be brought against a student under the Student Conduct Code
C.A.R.E. - CREATING A RAPE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
For more information please contact :
Student Health Center
(541) 962-3524
Counseling Center
(541) 962-3392
Office of Student Affairs
(541) 962-3635