Frequently Asked Questions

A: Any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, whether by an acquaintance or by a stranger, is a sexual assault. Physical resistance need not occur to fulfill the definition of sexual assault. Consent CAN NEVER be given by anyone under the age of sixteen. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to the following:

• rape
• acquaintance rape (e.g. friend, classmate, peer, co-worker, partner, etc.)
• incest
• sexual assault with an object
• forcible sodomy
• forcible oral sex
• forcible fondling

A: Options on what to do and who to contact are available on our Emergency Help page, or you can call University Health Service 24-7—any time of day or night, including weekends. Ask for the nurse on call at 216-368-2450 or a staff person in the Women's Clinic at 216-368-2453 during regular hours. Anything you tell staff at the University Health Service is confidential. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Do not change clothes, shower or douche. More information is available through the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.

A: Consent is the equal approval, given freely, willingly, and knowingly of each participant to desired sexual involvement. Consent is an affirmative, conscious decision — indicated clearly by words or actions — to engage in mutually accepted sexual contact. A person forced to engage in sexual contact by force, threat of force, or coercion has not consented to contact. Lack of mutual consent is the crucial factor in any sexual assault. Consent CANNOT be given if a person's ability to resist or consent is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or if there is a significant age or perceived power differential. Examples include, but are not limited to being:

• unconscious
• frightened
• intimidated
• sexual assault with an object
• substantially impaired because of a psychological health condition
• substantially impaired because of voluntary intoxication
• substantially impaired because of the deceptive administering of any drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance

A: Yes it is. What defines assault is the absence of consent. The university policy on sexual assault says, Consent CANNOT be given if a person's ability to resist or consent is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or if there is a significant age or perceived power differential. Examples include, but are not limited to being:

• substantially impaired because of voluntary intoxication
• substantially impaired because of the deceptive administering of any drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance

A: The primary concern of the university is keeping students safe and offering support if they are sexually assaulted. At the same time, students may be asked to reflect on their use and abuse of or involvement with alcohol and drugs, separate from an assault incident.

A: Yes, Plan B is available. It is most effective in the first 72 hours after the incident, but can be given up to 5 days afterwards. Call for an appointment—the sooner the better. You can also contact the nurse on call from Friday 4:30 p.m. through Monday 8 a.m. at 368-2450. These pills are definitely recommended in case of sexual assault. They are about 89 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. They do not, however, protect against sexually transmitted infections. Plan B is also available over the counter in pharmacies. You must be 18 or over to get it without a prescription. The cost may be $20 to $25.

A: In order to preserve the option of pursuing criminal prosecution we encourage you to report the sexual assault to the police. Once reported to the police, an investigation will be conducted, evidence will be collected and tested and the prosecutor will determine if there is enough probable cause to pursue criminal prosecution. Although you may not choose to press charges ultimately the decision is left to the prosecutor.

A: If you go to the hospital, you will be treated for physical injuries and evidence of assault will be collected. In Ohio, hospitals must (by law) report any felony to law enforcement. Their report would have to include date, time and general location of the crime. If the victim is adamant that he/she does not want to report, his/her name will not be disclosed to law enforcement however, if he/she chooses to have evidence collected, his/her name will be on the evidence.

Hospital personnel and/or other advocates usually spend a lot of time talking with victims about the role of law enforcement, the importance of filing a police report ASAP and that this is NOT the same as prosecuting (which they can decide on later). While some victims may initially worry that they may get into trouble (underage drinking, illicit drug use, etc.), in Cuyahoga county most victims usually agree to speak with law enforcement (even those that are initially against it) once they understand that the role of law enforcement is help. (Information provided by Cleveland Rape Crisis Center)

A: Typically, if you positively identify a suspect, that person will be arrested by the police for the crime you described or an arrest warrant will be issued. If you cannot identify a suspect, an investigation into the identity of the suspect will take place. Police will investigate the case and present their findings to the prosecutor. If the prosecutor feels there is enough evidence, he/she will refer the case to the Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury finds sufficient evidence, the suspect will be indicted and a county arrest warrant will be issued for their arrest. After the arrest is made, the suspect may be issued a bond. If the arrested person can't afford to pay their bond, he/she will remain in jail until trial. If requested, the victim may be issued a restraining order, or some form of protection order forbidding the suspect from making contact or being in the vicinity of the victim.

A: Yes. Each process is independent of each other. However, if a case is processed in the public legal system, University judicial records may be subpoenaed and used in a court of law.

A: Once a report of a sexual assault is made the University may be obligated to report the campus community of the report. The University is obligated to alert the campus of crimes that it determines it represents a threat to members of the campus community. But regardless of the action taken by the University, the names of any person involved will not appear on a campus alert.

A: In most situations, a person who is sexually assaulted has the right to decide if her or his parent/guardian is notified unless the person is unable to give consent to necessary medical treatment or is under the age of 18.

A: A University representative can work with you to identify options that will help you feel safe i.e. identifying alternative living arrangements, parking and transportation issues, and/or academic/social concerns etc. Typically, the Office of Student Affairs coordinates these efforts; however, representatives from other on-campus resources can also assist you.

University Police and Security Services officers are available to provide walking or riding escorts in the University Circle area, 24 hours a day. To arrange for an escort call 368-3333. Reporting any unusual or suspicious activity to University Police immediately will help the university maintain your safety.

A: Sexual assault does not happen because of something that was wrong with the person who was assaulted or anything she or he did, wore, or thought. No one deserves to be raped.
» Learn more about prevention and resistance.

A: Visit the sexual assault section of this site to learn more.

A:Date rape drugs are substances used to make a person incapable of resisting an attack. Alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, opiates, and chloral Hydrate plus alcohol (aka "Mickey Finn") have traditionally been used to "knock out" unsuspecting victims. Substances coming into wider use now are GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine and Burundanga/Datura.

• Ketamine (known as "K," "Special K," and "cat vitamin") is an anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. It is odorless and tasteless, so it can be added to beverages without being detected. It causes amnesia.
• GHB (known as, "Grievous Bodily Harm," "G," "Liquid Ecstasy," and "Georgia Home Boy") is a central nervous system depressant that can relax or sedate the body. It is often used in combination with alcohol, which makes it more dangerous. It is predominantly used at nightclubs and raves.
• Rohhypnol (known as the "forget me pill") is a tasteless, odorless substance that dissolves easily in carbonated beverages. A small amount can cause profound amnesia, lasting for 8 to 12 hours.
• Datura produces sedation and amnesia that can last from 2 to 3 days.

A: Yes. The Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996. Violation of this law carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines for anyone who intends to commit a violent crime by covertly distributing a controlled substance to an unknowing individual.

A: A recent survey of 2,003 urine samples submitted by rape centers across the country revealed the following about common drugs used in drug-assisted rape: Alcohol, 69 percent; Marijuana, 18 percent; Cocaine, 5 percent; GHB, 3 percent; Rohypnol, 1 percent.