Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to sexual contact without consent. Forms of sexual assault include rape, sexual abuse, attempted rape, and unwanted sexual touch. Sexual assault may, but need not, refer to sexual penetration, which includes vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal penetration. Sexual assault also includes conduct that involves any unwanted touching or fondling of the genitals or breasts of the victim. Date or acquaintance rape is sexual assault.

The University works to ensure that consistent supportive care of rape and sexual assault victims is provided.  Depending on the needs and the wishes of the survivor of the incident, a variety of on-campus supportive services can be put into place. If a survivor would prefer to work with off-campus agencies, assistance will be provided to make those contacts.

In all cases the safety and well-being of the survivor will determine what action will be taken. Survivors who have been physically injured can be referred to Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department or to the University Health Service depending on the severity of the injury. A Security escort can be provided for those who need such assistance.

Whenever a survivor wishes to report an incident to University Security, an investigator will be notified. If an individual has not yet made a decision to file a report with Security, but has concern about potential danger to themselves or to others, that person can be assisted in completing an anonymous proxy report that will allow University Security to be aware of some of the details of an incident without revealing the identity of the survivor.  This practice allows University Security to protect the survivor and the rest of the campus community while allowing the survivor to determine whether and when she/he wishes to file a formal complaint.  

If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

First: Attend to your safety, medical and emotional needs. Please contact:

  • Rape Crisis Service at 546-2777
  • University Security at 275-3333
  • Rochester Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 911
  • University Counseling Center at 275-3113, or
  • Go to the Emergency Room of any local hospital (University Security can provide a ride)

Second: Report the incident by contacting:

  • Rochester Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 911
    • The Office of the Dean of Students at 275-4085
    • Rape Crisis Service at 546-2777
    • University Intercessor at 275-9125
    • University Security at 275-3333
  • University Security will create a report and notify the Office of the Dean of Students

If the incident is reported to University Security, the Office of the Dean of Students will:

  • Contact you to schedule an appointment.
    • During this appointment they will discuss
    • if a possible violation of the Standards of Student Conduct has occurred.
    • whether additional safety measures may be taken, such as issuing a temporary Active Avoidance Order, locating alternative housing arrangements, or removing the alleged perpetrator from campus pending the outcome of the conduct process.
    • whether or not an administrative hearing is required.
  • Ask you to schedule a time to speak with the University Intercessor to talk about your options and to insure that you are connected with the appropriate campus and community resources.
  • Contact the alleged perpetrator to inform the student of the report and to determine whether a Responsible Plea option is appropriate.

Student conduct process:
Please refer to page 3 for information regarding the student conduct process.

Incident involving a non-student:
The University will help and support you if the perpetrator is a non-student. Please follow the first and second steps of this document in regards to taking care of your needs and reporting the incident. The Office of the Dean of Students (275-4085) or University Intercessor at (275-9125) can help-please call us.

If you have questions about reporting sexual assault or the conduct process, please contact: Office of the Dean of Students at 275-4085 or University Intercessor at 275-9125.