Sexual Assault Prevention
Owens Community College does not tolerate sexual assault, coercion, exploitation or other forms of sexual misconduct that offends the dignity of any member of the college community.
Sexual assault, whether occurring on campus or at college-sponsored activities, is both a violation of the standards of the college and a criminal act within federal and state laws. Individuals who believe they have been the victims of a sexual assault may pursue resolution on campus and/or criminal action against an alleged perpetrator.
The college strongly encourages any person who has been sexually assaulted either on or off-campus to contact the Department of Public Safety or the police department where the incident occurred. It is important to realize that on a national level, at least one third of all reported sexual assault victims know their attacker—this person may have been a date, steady boyfriend or girlfriend or casual friend. This is called “acquaintance rape” and it can happen to anyone at any time.
Victim Treatment
Victims of any violent crime can expect:
- To be treated with respect
- To have confidentiality maintained (within the bounds of law and college policy)
- To have college or criminal proceedings fully explained
- To receive referral information for support services
Information on sexual assault prevention can be found at the Department of Public Safety.
Sex Offenses
If you are the victim of a sexual assault:
- Go to a safe place.
- Try to remain calm and alert.
- Call x7575 (Toledo) or x7575 (Findlay) if the incident took place on campus; call the local police at 9-1-1 if it occurred off campus.
- Contact a trusted friend or family member.
- Do not bathe or douche. Do not urinate, if possible.
- Do not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took place.
- Keep the clothes worn during the offense. If clothes are changed, place clothes in a paper bag (evidence deteriorates in plastic).
- Get prompt medical attention at a local hospital.
- Do not destroy the physical evidence that may be found in the vicinity of the crime. If the crime occurred in the victim’s home, the victim should not clean until the police have had an opportunity to collect evidence.
- Tell someone all the details remembered about the assault. Write down all details remembered as soon as possible.
Remember: The preservation of physical evidence may be critical for successful prosecution of the offender.
If You Are a Sex Offender
- You are subject to arrest, incarceration and prosecution through the state courts.
- As a student, you are subject to College judicial proceedings that may result in permanent expulsion from Owens Community College.
On-Campus Resources
Toledo-area Campus: Department of Public Safety call (567) 661-7575
Findlay-area Campus: Department of Public Safety call (567) 661-7575
Off-Campus Resources
Lucas and Wood County: YWCA Rape Crisis Center call (419) 241-7273