What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is an offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI's UCR program. Sex offenses are any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is capable of giving consent.
• Rape - The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
• Fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
• Incest – Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
• Statutory rape – Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?
The primary concern for survivors of sexual violence is safety and to address medical issues related to physical injury, sexually transmitted infections, and/or pregnancy. The secondary concern is evidence collection to aid in a possible police investigation.
INCIDENT REPORT FORM
- Get to a safe place immediately. Go to your apartment/home, residence hall or to a trusted friend. DO NOT change your clothing or shower. Preservation of physical evidence is of the utmost importance. If you change your clothes, it is important that they are kept in a paper bag to preserve evidence. DO NOT apply medication to any injuries that may have been sustained unless absolutely necessary. Do NOT drink or chew gum or disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.Go to a local hospital's emergency department. Medical attention at the local hospital is required in order to preserve valuable evidence should you decide to seek prosecution through the criminal justice system. It is important to know if you go to the hospital the local police may be contacted. If you suspect that you have been given a predatory drug, such as Rohypnol or GHB, please let the staff at the hospital know. A urine sample can be collected within 72 hours of a sexual assault for predatory drug testing.
- Report the assault to a campus official, local authorities or a Campus Security Authorities (CSAs).
- Local Police - 911
- Campus Safety, 254.659.7777 (HCC) or 817.760.5504 (JCC) or 817.295.7392 (Burleson Center)
- Dean of Students, Mr. Randy Graves, 254.659.7793 or Mr. Adrian Riojas, 817.760.5504
- Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Tamy Rogers, Executive Director of Human Resources, 112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645, 254-659-7731 or trogers@hillcollege.edu
- Utilize campus or community resources. The Dean of Students may be able to assist with changes in academic schedules or residence hall arrangements if reasonable accommodations are available. A survivor of sexual assault is always encouraged to consult with trained mental health professional regardless of whether the person elects to file a report with the police or other campus officials. Mental health professionals typically can maintain confidentiality and should discuss their confidential privileges with you. Seeking support after a sexual assault is crucial.Please remember if this happens to you, you are NOT alone. Consider seeking out appropriate support.
Staying Safe on Campus
To protect yourself and your friends from incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce risk:
- Trust your instincts
- Say "NO" clearly and firmly
- Notice when your boundaries aren't being respected
- Be "situational aware" by taking note of your surroundings and who is present
- Don't be afraid to ask for help in situations where you don't feel safe
- Look out for friends and ask that they look out for you by letting people know where you are and where you are going
- If you have a cell phone, have it easily accessible at all times
- Arrange to walk with others and not alone
- Lock doors and windows in your car and living space
- Call local police or campus safety to report suspicious activity or suspicious people.
The Federal Campus Sexual Assault Victim's Bill of Rights
- Survivors shall be notified of their options to notify law enforcement.
- Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present.
- Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
- Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
- Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.
Conduct Violations
Students and employees are strongly encouraged to report all crimes. Reporting can protect the survivor's safety and can help prevent future assaults. If you feel that a Hill College student or employee's actions may constitute a violation of policy, please report those behaviors.
Discipline and Penalties, Discipline Procedure
Student Rights and Responsibilities, Student Conduct
Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, Sex and Sexual Violence, Title IX
Student Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Sex and Sexual Violence
Employee Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Sex and Sexual Violence
Resources
- Family Abuse Center 800.283.8401
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.SAFE(7233) or 800.787.3224 (TTY)
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center 877.739.3895
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 800.656.HOPE (4673)
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 866.331.9474 or 866.331.8453
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Family Crisis Center of Johnson County 800.848.3206
- Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children 888.867.7233
- Human Trafficking Hotline 888.373.7888
- Texas Council of Family Violence Hotline 800.799.7233