Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault
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Sexual Assault Information – House Bill 699

Anonymous Reporting

Texas Southmost College is committed to the prevention of all forms of sexual assault and abuse. Coercive sexual contact and unwanted comments of a sexual nature are offensive and undermine the safety, security, and dignity of all members of the college community. Reporting an incident of sexual misconduct is a difficult, yet important, decision. TSC encourages survivors and members of the community to report sexual misconduct. Making a report may help with recovery, provide support and services, and prevent the offender from committing further violence.

Who should report?

Any faculty, staff, or student having knowledge or reasonable suspicion that an incident of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment has taken place should report it.

Can I remain Anonymous?

Reporters and survivors may remain anonymous. The report form does not need to include the survivor’s or the accused’s name unless the survivor or reporter chooses to include them. Filing an anonymous report will ensure that information is recorded if the survivor would like to file a complaint later. Survivors are encouraged to include their initials in the event they would like to file a formal complaint later, although this is not required. Filing an anonymous report will not result in a police investigation.

Why should I report?

The information will be used so that TSC may strengthen education and prevention efforts related to sexual assault, dating violence, and domestic violence. Statistical data also will be collected from the information provided. Survivors may also use the form to request support.

What happens to the information provided?

TSC has a federal obligation to investigate complaints regarding sexual assault and take immediate action, including procedural steps, to reasonably end the behavior and to prevent the behavior from reoccurring.

TSC has adopted STOPit, a technology platform that will help mitigate, deter, and control harmful and inappropriate behavior and help create a positive and safe learning environment for the campus community. STOPit is an integral part of the effort to deter and mitigate risks associated with sexual harassment and assault, Title IX, the Clery Act, hazing, violence, and other threats to student and employee safety.

STOPit works by providing students and employees with a mobile app that allows for:

  • real-time, anonymous incident reporting from employees
  • photo and video evidence uploads
  • access to university resources and two-way anonymous communication

STOPit is available for download to all students and employees for free

OUR ACCESS CODE IS: TSCSCORPIONS

Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play

TSC Board Policy Manual

TSC Board Policy FFE (Local): Student Welfare – Freedom from Bullying and Dating Violence

  • Procedures to be followed in the event of sexual assault

    Procedures to be followed in the event of sexual assault

    • Go to a safe place immediately.
    • Call 911 or 956-295-3700 (Campus Security) to report the crime.
    • Take steps to preserve the evidence of a sexual assault.
      • Do not change your clothes, shower, bathe, or wash your hands.
      • Do not brush your teeth or eat/drink anything.
      • If possible, do not use the toilet.
      • Do not clean up the scene of the incident or remove any items.
      • Save all clothing, linens, or other items that the assailant may have touched (do not wash) for the Police Officers who will be responsible for collecting evidence. If you remove clothing worn at the time of the assault, it should be placed in a paper bag (use of a plastic bag may destroy vital physical evidence). All physical evidence, including seminal fluids, hair, blood, and scrapings of flesh from the victim’s fingernails, may be used in court.
    • You may request that the police investigation be conducted by a police officer of your gender, if available. As a survivor of sexual assault, your name will not be released to the news media.
    • Seek immediate medical attention. Victims should undergo a sexual assault exam as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not they choose to report the assault to the police. This will provide you with medical and nursing assistance for any injuries you may have received and will preserve evidence if you decide later to file a report of sexual assault with the police.
      • Regardless of the amount of time that has occurred following a sexual assault, medical attention is very important. Sooner is better.
      • Transportation to the hospital can be provided by a city police officer.
      • Although it is highly likely that medical personnel will contact law enforcement officials, it does not mean you are required to file a police report or charges.
      • In the event that you do file a police report, as a survivor of sexual assault, your name WILL NOT be given to the media.
      • You should take a fresh set of clothes so that the hospital can save the clothes you were wearing during the assault as evidence in case you decide to report the assault to the police.
      • A hospital examination may also be necessary for insurance claims and for partial reimbursement of survivor’s expenses by civic agencies.
      • If you suspect you have been given any drug against your will (whether or not a sexual assault occurred), request that medical personnel test your blood and urine for drugs. Some drugs may stay in your system for days, while others will only remain detectable for a few hours.
    • If you become a victim of sexual assault, be sure to utilize all resources available to you when making decisions. You may want to contact someone you trust to assist you during your recovery process. The following are resources that can provide additional information and support for both men and women who become victims of sexual assault:

    Remember that this is not your fault! Recovery from sexual assault can go on long after the event. Reach out for support, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from those around you.

    Go to a safe location immediately. Find a friend to accompany you, if possible.

  • Preventing sexual assault

    Preventing sexual assault

    1. Listen carefully
      Take time to hear what your partner is saying. If you feel they are not being direct or are giving you mixed signals, ask for clarification. Be aware of your partner’s body language and demeanor at all times. Keep the lines of communication open.
    2. Do not fall for the No means Yes stereotype
      When a person says No, they mean NO.
    3. Date rape is a crime
      It is never acceptable to use force in sexual situations.
    4. Do not make assumptions about an individual’s behavior
      Do not automatically assume that they want to have sex just because they are intoxicated, dressed provocatively, coming on to you, or if they agree to go to home with you or to your room. Also, do not assume that because a person consents to kissing or other sexual intimacies, they are willing to have sexual intercourse.
    5. Having sexual contact with a person who is physically or mentally unable to give consent is a crime
      If you have sexual contact with a person who is drugged, unconscious, incapable of saying no, or unaware of what is happening around them, you are guilty of sexual assault.
    6. Take action if you believe someone is at risk
      If you see a person in trouble or an individual using force or pressuring another person, do not be afraid to intervene as long as you can do so safely.
  • Personal safety

    Personal safety

    1. You have the right to say no to any unwanted sexual contact. If you are uncertain about your situation, ask your partner to respect your feelings.
    2. Communicate your limits firmly and directly. Do not assume that your partner will understand without you telling them.
    3. Listen to your gut feelings. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation or ask your partner to leave immediately. Don’t hesitate to state your feelings.
    4. Date rape is the most common form of sexual assault. Be aware of your situation at all times!
  • Protection against stranger rape

    Protection Against Stranger Rape

    1. Stay alert to your surroundings. Your senses are your best early warning system. Avoid using distracting technology (i.e., using your phone while walking using headphones with high volume.)
    2. Walk with confidence. Hold your head up and shoulders straight.
    3. Avoid walking alone or in isolated areas. Avoid unfamiliar areas. At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and walk with another person.
    4. Call Campus Security for an escort if you need one.
    5. Take special precautions in parking lots, stairwells, elevators, bathrooms, and dark areas.
    6. If you suspect that you are being followed, go to a place where there are other people as soon as possible. If you choose to run, run as fast as you are able and scream to attract attention or summon help.
    7. Follow your gut instincts. If you sense that you may be at risk or in danger, try to get out of the situation. Report your suspicions to the authorities.
    8. If you choose to attend a party, protect yourself against date rape drugs by never leaving your beverage unattended or uncovered, and avoid group beverages, such as punch. Many drugs used in the commission of sexual assaults are tasteless and odorless, and very little needs to be ingested to take effect. Possible symptoms may include but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and memory loss.
    9. If you suspect you or a friend has been drugged, get to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
    10. Avoid giving out personal information. If someone asks for your number, ask for theirs instead.

    If you believe that you are a victim of sexual assault while on campus, immediately call 911 or contact Campus Security by dialing 956-295-3700.

     

    TSC Board Policy Manual

    TSC Board Policy FFE (Local): Student Welfare – Freedom from Bullying and Dating Violence