Murray State University Department of Public Safety

Sexual Assault Policy Statement

Murray State University explicitly condemns sexual assault within its campus community of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.   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 assault on campus by means of preventive educational programs, victim’s advocacy, and strict enforcement of the sexual assault policy.

The following procedures are recommended for victims of sexual assault:

•  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 assault 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 Rape Crisis Center will be contacted for victim support.   A criminal investigation will also be initiated.

•  MSU Women’s Center:   (270) 809-3016.   Center staff and volunteers will provide crisis counseling information and advocacy for victims of sexual assault.   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.   The Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center will provide support to victims of sexual assault.   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 assault.

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

•  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 , Murray Police Department, Calloway County Sheriff’s Department, and the Murray-Calloway County Branch of the Western Kentucky Mental Health and Retardation Board.

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 according to the Affirmative Action Plan section XV and VI B in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

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 assault.   All of the preceding 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.