Peer Educator Hot Topic
Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault
Connecticut College Sexual Misconduct Policy
Connecticut College defines "sexual misconduct" as any sexual contact or activity that occurs without the informed consent of any individual involved. According to Connecticut College policy, “consent” implies words and/or actions that demonstrate a voluntary agreement to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity.
For consent:
Both partners must clearly communicate their willingness and permission. Consent is not the absence of the word “no.” Failure to resist sexual advances, silence, and/or prior relationship does not constitute consent.
Both partners need to be fully conscious and aware of their actions. A person is unable to give consent if they are asleep, drugged, intoxicated, unconscious, a minor, mentally impaired or incapacitated. Signs that a person is intoxicated, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to give consent include but are not limited to: slurred speech, loss of coordination, passing out for any period of time, vomiting, and a verbalized feeling of being nauseous.
Both partners must be equally free to act. The decision to be sexually intimate must be made without coercion and both partners have the right to revoke their consent at any time during sexual activity by actively (verbally or non-verbally) communicating their desire to stop the activity. A verbal “no” (no matter how indecisive) or resistance (no matter how passive) constitutes a lack of consent.
An individual accused of sexual misconduct does not avoid or mitigate responsibility because s/he was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
View the Student Handbook section "Student Code of Conduct: Student Rights & Responsibilities."
Important Phone Numbers
Student Counseling Services x4587
Campus Safety x111 Emergency; x2222
Student Health Services x2275
Dean and Associate Dean of Student Life x2825
Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life x2451
Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT – 24hr Hotline: 888-999-5545
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital 442-0711 (ask for the Emergency Room)
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at L&M and the Rape Crisis Counselors from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT are on call 24/7.
New London Police Department (non-emergency) 860-447-5269
You can also contact your Housefellow or Peer Educator for more information!
Getting Help
If you believe that you have been the victim, you have several options in terms of information, support, and recourse.We strongly encourage students to seek medical attention and talk to a professional!
Student Counseling Services x4587
Student Health Services x2275
Dean and Associate Dean of Student Life x2825
Dean of the College Community x2825
College Chaplain x2451
Housefellows
Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT: 888-999-5545
Physical evidence of a criminal sexual assault must be collected within 72 hours. It is important that you not wash yourself or your clothing before an examination. Health Services can provide support and arrange for transportation and an escort to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital (L&M).
Online Information and Resources
Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Service: http://www.connsacs.org/
Men Can Stop Rape: http://www.mencanstoprape.org/
Last Modified: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 13:00