Responding to Rape on Campus

Universities generally have internal systems set up to deal with sexual assault by and of their students. The below list of resources for students is not intended to be an endorsement of the efficacy of any of those systems; for an in-depth look at the University of Texas' efforts, see "Fighting Sexual Assault," May 16, 2014.

University of Texas-Austin

On the books, UT has a no-tolerance policy for "sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or physical abuse, threats of violence, physical assault, or any form of sexual violence, including but not limited to sexual assault, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking."

According to a study released Sept. 21 by the Assoc­i­ation of American Uni­versities, 18.5% of female undergraduates at UT-Austin reported being a vic­tim of "sexual assault by force or incapacitation" during their enrollment. The university strongly encourages survivors to report the assault to a "respon­sible employee." That includes administrators, coaches, resident assistants, faculty, and more. UT will respond by conducting an impartial investigation and, "where appropriate, issue remedial measures and/or sanctions."

Students are invited to visit the Title IX Coordinator, as well as the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Emergency Services (SES) for additional information. In fact, SES will help survivors with their options for reporting, as well as accessing, support services. The Title IX Coordinator is also available to accompany a student while they report the assault.

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students/Student Emergency Services/Office of the Dean of Students: 512/471-5017

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty/Staff: 512/471-1849

Huston-Tillotson

Huston-Tillotson encourages any students who've experienced sexual violence to contact either a Residence Life staff member, Campus Safety, or other H-T official. Additionally, the school clearly states in their policy that "the use of alcohol or other drugs will not be accepted as an explanation for the actions of any student charged [with assault]." Furthermore, intoxication is listed as a form of "non-consent, nonverbal acts of resistance or rejection."

Campus Safety, the university nurse, and Residence Life are on-call 24/7 to help students with medical assistance, reporting, alternative options, and general support. Huston-Tillotson is prepared to keep all reports confidential, and has even set up the Campus Conduct Hotline for staff who wish to remain anonymous while reporting a witnessed assault.

Consequences for lying or refusing to cooperate with a sexual misconduct investigation include expulsion, suspension, termination, "or any other means necessary to address the behavior."

Campus Safety: 512/505-3010

Counseling and Consultation Center: 512/505-3046

Dean of Student Affairs: 512/505-3054

St. Edward's University

Students who've been assaulted at St. Edward's University have the right to decide whether or not they wish to file a police report. Like all rape and assault victims in Austin, students are qualified to receive crime victims' compensation to aid with medical expenses, time off of work, etc.

St. Ed's also features a 12-hour defense course called the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System for the cost of $25. RAD teaches female students and community members (over the age of 12) "realistic self-defense tactics and techniques." According to the description, the class helps raise awareness, and teaches avoidance as well as risk reduction and basic defense training. "This system provides women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance."

Any and all Title IX cases at St. Ed's (sexual assault, rape, etc.) are handled by the Student Affairs division within the Dean of Students Office, as well as supportive campus partners.

To file a complaint against a St. Ed's student, contact Jen Wichman: 512/448-8408

To file a complaint against faculty or staff, contact Mary Dellinger: 512/448-8542

To file a complaint against a third party associated with St. Edward's, or if you are unsure where to file a complaint, contact Lisa Kirkpatrick: 512/448-8408