Sexual Violence - Handbook

Sexual violence is an umbrella term used to cover a broad spectrum of abusive behaviors. At MTSU, sexual violence is not tolerated. MTSU has developed policies and procedures to prohibit sexual violence, specifically the following disciplinary offenses (the numbers refer to the disciplinary offense numbers listed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook):

• 1. Conduct Dangerous to Others-any conduct that constitutes a danger to any person's health, safety, or personal well-being.
• 19. Sexual Battery or Rape-committing an act of sexual battery or rape as defined by state law.
• 31. Sexual Misconduct-may include any sexual act or penetration accompanied by threat, coercion, use of restraint or force, or any act where the respondent knows or should have known that the victim was unable or incapable of giving consent.

Students should be aware that ANY sexual intercourse without mutual consent is rape. Mutual consent cannot be established with a partner who is unconscious or unable to give consent due to mental impairment. Examples of mental impairment include impairment due to alcohol or drug intoxication, sleep deprivation, and mental disorders or disabilities.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, you are strongly encouraged to seek medical treatment and to report the assault. A victim can report sexual violence to the Department of Public Safety, the Murfreesboro Police Department, MTSU Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services, or any of the offices in the Department of Student Life. Students may request assistance in reporting sexual violence by contacting the Department of Student Life or the Department of Housing and Residential Life. On-campus students are encouraged to contact their resident assistants, hall director, or area coordinator for immediate assistance.

The Office of the Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services will investigate all reported instances of sexual violence. When appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken against a student who is believed to have committed sexual violence. The Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook details the disciplinary process including victim rights and University sanctions. A student found responsible for committing sexual violence will face a wide range of sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the institution.

Victims of sexual violence have a variety of resources available to them at MTSU. Victims are encouraged to use University and community resources to aid in recovering from this type of incident. Existing resources include:

MTSU Counseling Services, KUC 329, 898-2670
MTSU June Anderson Center for Women & Nontraditional Students , KUC 320, 898-5989
MTSU Office of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services , KUC 128, 898-2750
MTSU Public Safety , 898-2424
Rape and Sexual Assault Center (Nashville)
Rape Recovery and Prevention Center (Murfreesboro), 494-9881
The Guidance Center, 893-0770
Domestic Violence, 896-7377
Middle Tennessee Medical Center, 396-4100

Victims desiring a change in their academic or living situations should contact the Office of the Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services. Accommodations will be made when reasonably available alternatives exist. MTSU strives to educate the campus community about sexual violence in a variety of ways including educational programming during CUSTOMS and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Educational programs and opportunities are available in the residence halls as well as to student organizations.

For more information:

• Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services , KUC 128, 898-2750
• June Anderson Center for Women & Nontraditional Students , KUC 320, 898-5989
• Public Safety , 898-2424