University of Alaska Anchorage Title IX Investigator Jerry Trew supplied the questions and answers regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault, as well as resources for those who may have experienced these things.
1. What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence includes: sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. All such acts are forms of sexual harassment and covered under Title IX.
2. How do I know if I’ve been sexually assaulted?
Generally, sexual assault is any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact against any individual by another. Sexual assault can occur either forcibly (against a person’s will) or when a person cannot give consent (under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled, mentally/physically unable to consent, etc.).
3. How do I know if I’ve been sexually harassed?
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition or employment, student status or participation in university activities.
- Such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it substantially interferes with an individual’s education, employment or participation in university activities; or
- Such conduct is intentionally directed toward a specific individual and unreasonably interferes with that individual’s education, employment or participation in university activities.
Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Displays of sexually suggestive materials or content
- Sexual jokes or innuendos
- Sexual touching
- Unwelcome flirting or advances
- Pressuring an individual for sex
- Repeated requests for dates
- Persistent email or social network communications
- Requiring sexual favors in exchange for a grade
- A favor or some other benefit, sexual contact or sexual assault
4. What is the University of Alaska Anchorage policy regarding sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination and is prohibited by the University of Alaska Board of Regents policy. You can read the University of Alaska Board of Regents policy here.
5. What should I do if I think I’ve been sexually harassed or victimized?
Contact the Title IX Coordinators office at (907) 786-4680, by email, or come by our office located at:
University Lake Building
Suite 108
3890 University Lake Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
6. Are women the only victims of sexual harassment or sexual violence?
No. Both females and males can be victims of sexual harassment and/or sexual violence. For more information regarding sexual assaults on males, please visit the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) information page regarding male sexual assault.
7. Is it possible to be sexually harassed/assaulted by someone of the same gender?
Yes. If you have been subjected to unwanted sexual contact or sexual harassment, your gender and the gender of the alleged perpetrator are irrelevant. Such conduct is prohibited by Title IX and UAA policy.
8. If I think I’ve been victimized and I don’t feel safe, what can I do?
Find a safe place away from the assailant and call the police.
The Title IX Coordinator/Team can also coordinate other assistance including no-contact orders, escort services, relocation of the individuals involved and reassignment of schedules if the victim and the accused have similar schedules.
9. The definition of sexual assault says it can occur either forcibly (against a person’s will) or when a person cannot give consent. What does “when a person cannot give consent” mean?
In certain situations, a person does not have the capacity to agree to participate in consensual sex. Examples include individuals who are under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled or mentally/physically unable to consent, etc.
Anyone engaging in sexual contact with someone who is unable to give consent may be committing sexual assault.
10. If an incident of sexual violence occurs off campus, can the university investigate?
Yes. If the incident has sufficient ties to UAA, then the university can investigate and provide resolution.
- If the incident occurs at a UAA event
- If the incident involves a UAA student, staff or faculty member
11. If an incident occurred at a party and I was drinking, will I get in trouble?
UAA’s priority is to prevent sexual harassment or violence. While the specifics of the situation will be considered, UAA’s primary focus will be to address the sexual harassment or violence.
UAA does not want the involvement of alcohol or drugs to prevent the reporting of such serious misconduct. Also, the use of alcohol or drugs will not excuse sexual violence or harassment.
12. Someone has filed a complaint against me, what do I do?
Do not contact the alleged victim through any means—in person, by phone, mail, email, social media, some other form of electronic communication or through someone else.
- Familiarize yourself with UAA’s policy/process for investigating complaints of sexual harassment so you know what to expect.
- If you have questions about the investigative process, contact the Title IX coordinator.
- If you need support, contact UAA Student Counseling Services.
No comments:
Post a Comment