Sexual Assault Awareness
Sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, is an act of aggression and power. Acquaintance rape accounts for the majority of rapes committed and includes situations in which a victim is physically or mentally unable to consent (often due to drinking too much). Sexual assault is specifically prohibited on campus and in the University community. Violators can be arrested, charged with a felony crime, and may face University discipline.
Reporting Sexual Assault
Reporting an incident of sexual assault is a difficult yet important decision. Making a report may help with recovery, provide support and services, and prevent the offender from assaulting someone else. It is important to contact the University Police Department (911 or 492-6666) or the Office of Victim Assistance (492-8855).
Immediately after the assault, call 911
for police assistance. To report
an incident that happened some time ago
and to discuss
reporting options, call the University
Police at 492-6666 or contact the Detective
Division at 492-8168. If the assault occurred
off campus, University Police can coordinate
with other law enforcement agencies. Reporting
to the police is not the same as pressing
charges against an offender. The University
Police Department can provide students
with a sexual assault philosophy sheet
that provides more detailed information
about victim rights and services, reporting
options, available police services, and
the prosecution process.
Both the University Police Department and the Office of Victim Assistance encourage third-party reporting. In third-party reporting, a friend of the victim can contact these authorities to discuss reporting options.
Support Services
The office of Victim Assistance (492-8855) has trained professionals available to discuss an incident of sexual assault in a private setting, help a victim decide which reporting options are best, and make referrals to the appropriate support services. Support to facilitate reporting the assault, and a brochure titled Reporting Sexual Assault: A Guide for CU Students is provided. Assistance also is available in contacting appropriate offices regarding changes in academic and living situations, when appropriate. Faculty, staff, friends, and family are encouraged to contact the Office of Victim Assistance to report assaults, seek information and support, and express concerns.
Medical help is important after a sexual assault. Treatment is available at Wardenburg Student Health Center (492-5101) and Boulder Community Hospital (440-2037). Medical staff can discuss the incident and are qualified to collect evidence in accordance with the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit protocol.
Counseling is available in Willard 134
(492-6766) and at the Wardenburg
Psychiatry Clinic (492-5654). The University
has
established the CU Rape and Gender
Education Program (COURAGE) through the
student government (UCSU) and Wardenburg
to educate the University community on
acquaintance rape. Call 492-4307 for more
information.
University procedures ensure that your rights will be protected.
Additional Support Services
| Rape Crisis Team of Boulder County | 303-443-7300 |
| Ombuds Office | 303-492-5077 |
| Office of Student Conduct | 303-492-5550 |
| Office of Affirmative Action | 303-492-6706 |
Sex Offender Registration Information
Sex offenders currently required to register must provide notice when they are employed at, volunteer at, or are enrolled at CU-Boulder. Law enforcement information concerning registered sex offenders at CU-Boulder may be obtained from the Records Division of the University Police Department during normal business hours.
