Murray State University Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management

SEXUAL OFFENSES POLICY STATEMENT

Murray State University expressly condemns sexual offenses committed by or against any member of the campus community. It is the responsibility of the President working through the Vice Presidents, to ensure that the campus community is properly educated regarding matters which include programs available which promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non-forcible sexual offenses. Kentucky law also prohibits such conduct. Perpetrators of this behavior are subject to criminal, civil and university penalties.

The University is committed to the elimination of sexual offenses on campus by means of preventive educational programs, victim’s advocacy, and strict enforcement of the sexual assault policy. The Murray State Police Department offers a program on Rape and Sexual Assault Awareness, when requested.

The following procedures are recommended for victims of sexual offenses:

•  Contact the Murray State Police immediately. Also consider contacting a close friend, a Residential Advisor, MSU Women’s Center, or the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center for support.

•  Do not bathe, douche, or remove clothing.

•  Obtain an examination at the Hospital Emergency Room for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, unnoticed injuries, and evidence to be used if you decide to take legal action.

•  If you choose not to contact the Murray State Police, contact the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center or MSU Women’s Center to complete an anonymous sexual assault reporting form to assist in preventing future victims.

•  Seek counseling.

Services available to victims of sexual offenses include, but are not limited to:

•  Murray State Police Department: 911 or (270) 809-2222. The Murray State Police Department will assist victims by helping to immediately ensure a safe and secure environment. The MSU Women’s Center or Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center will be contacted for victim support. A criminal investigation will also be initiated. The Murray State Police Department will also assist victims in notifying other local and/or state law enforcement agencies as necessary and requested.

•  MSU Women’s Center: (270) 809-3016. Center staff and volunteers will provide crisis counseling information and advocacy for victims of sexual offenses. Staff will also accompany victims to hearings and meetings with police or other officials. The Center will also provide support to friends and family of victims as well as educational programs for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, it provides a variety of preventive programs throughout the academic year, such as self-defense workshops and presentations dealing with gender relations, acquaintance rape, and incest.

•  Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center : (270) 753-5777 or 1-800-928-7273. The Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center will provide support to victims of sexual offenses. Staff will also perform victim’s advocate functions as needed.

•  Counseling and Testing Center: (270) 809-6851. The Counseling and Testing Center will provide psychotherapy for victims of sexual offenses.

•  Psychological Center: (270) 809-2504. The Psychological Center will provide psychotherapy for victims of sexual offenses.

•  Health Services: (270) 809-3809. Health Services will provide follow-up gynecological exam, pregnancy tests, and referrals. In addition, they are available to treat general injuries resulting from the assault.

•  Housing: (270) 809-2310. Housing will provide Resident Advisors for immediate support to victims and referral. Housing is also available to assist victims in changing living situations on campus as requested.

•  Student Affairs: (270) 809-6831. Student Affairs will provide assistance in changing the victim’s academic situation, such as course selection, if changes are requested and available.

•  Other Resources: Other resources include the Murray-Calloway County Hospital (270-762-1100), Murray Police Department (270-753-1621), Calloway County Sheriff’s Department (270-753-3151), Merryman Domestic Violence Crisis Center (270-759-2373), and the Murray-Calloway County Branch of the Western Kentucky Mental Health and Retardation Board (270-753-6622).

The University has established procedures for addressing an alleged sex offense. Depending on the status of the perpetrator (employee, student, or visitor), there are several routes through which grievances may be filed. The following is a summary of these procedures:

•  If the alleged perpetrator is a student, the grievance should be filed with the Judicial Board through the Office of Student Affairs (refer to Student Life Handbook for procedures).

•  If the alleged perpetrator is an employee, the grievance should be filed with the Office of Equal Opportunity.

The alleged victim and perpetrator are entitled to have others present during disciplinary proceedings. Both will also be notified of the outcome of campus disciplinary proceedings regarding sexual offenses. All sexual offenses are also punishable by law and victims are encouraged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency in addition to pursuing the matter through the University system.

Due to the severity of the offense, individuals found to be in violation of this policy are subject to sanctions ranging from warning to expulsion or termination.