The University of Akron (UA) desires to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment for its students and employees.

The University will not tolerate sexual assault of any kind. Sexual misconduct is socially irresponsible and violates the rights of other individuals. Nothing you do, say, or wear gives anyone the right to assault you. Sexual assault, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body and your trust. It's wrong and it is a crime. This is just a portion of the sexual assault policy. For more specifics, contact any of the following departments: Health Services, Student Judicial Affairs, The University of Akron Police Department, Counseling, Testing & Career Center, Residence Life and Housing, or the Vice President for Student Affairs. Numbers for all of these departments, as well as many other resources, are provided below.

Post-Assault Assistance

The single most important action a sexual assault victim can take is to tell someone - the YWCA Rape Crisis Program, the Victim Assistance Program, the police, or a friend. Seek medical attention and counseling. Do not isolate yourself, do not feel guilty, and do not try to ignore what happened. Remember: It's not your fault.

After contacting one of these agencies, they can provide the proper procedure to preserve the evidence as may be necessary. The University Police will assist the victim in contacting the other law enforcement authorities if so requested. The University will assist in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested by the victim and if such changes are reasonably available.

YWCA Rape Crisis Line (24 hr) 330-434-7273 or 330-906-7273 or 330-433-7273
Victim Assistance Program (24 hr) 3330-376-0040
UA Police Department (24 hr on campus) 911 or 330-972-7123 (off campus, TDD, voice)
University Health Services (8am to 5pm) 330-972-7808
UA Director of Residence Life and Housing (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7800
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7067
City of Akron Police Department (24 hour off campus) 911 or (24 hour non-emergency) 330-375-2552
Akron City Hospital (24 hr) 330-375-3000 or 330-375-3361 (Emergency Medical Department)
Akron General Medical Center 330-344-6611 (Emergency Medical Department)
UA Counseling, Testing, and Career Center (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7082
Women's Studies (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7008

Sexual Assault Defined

The University of Akron prohibits any form of actual or attempted nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature, including acts using force, threat, intimidation, or advantage gained by the offended person's mental or physical incapacity or impairment of which the offending person was aware or should have been aware. Sexual assault includes rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, and felonious sexual penetration. These are classified as criminal offenses by the Ohio Revised Code Sections 2907.02, 2907.05, and 2907.06 and are subject to criminal charges in the state of Ohio. Anyone who uses a controlled substance to aid in committing a sexual assault may also be subject to federal criminal charges. In addition, anyone in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action by UA. This may include suspension, dismissal, and/or permanent notation in their record.

What Occurs When a Report is Made Inside the University

An investigation will begin immediately when a report is filed with the University of Akron Police Department. If the investigation shows probable cause that a rape occurred and if the victim desires, a meeting will be held with the local prosecutor's office to decide if charges can be filed. If the decision is made that charges are appropriate, it's up to the victim to decide whether to go forward.

When a victim files sexual assault charges against a University of Akron student and an arrest is made, Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.22 is exercised (see section on House Bill 1219 in student handbook). This bill requires the University to hold a hearing within five days to determine whether the alleged offender shall be allowed to remain in school or be suspended immediately. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the proceeding. All parties shall be notified about the outcome of the proceeding. The sexually assaulted person may seek recourse through the University's disciplinary board. Such complaints may be addressed to the following officials:

Office of the Director for Student Judicial Affairs (if the reported assailant is a student) 330-972-7011;
Director of Residence Life & Housing(if the reported assailant is a student who lives on campus) 330-972-7800;
Coordinator of Greek Life (if the reported assailant is a student who lives in fraternity or sorority housing) 330-972-7909;
Director of Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance (if the assailant is a UA employee) 330-972-7300.

The Crime Awareness and Campus Safety and Security Act of 1990 requires UA administrators to report incidents of rape to UA Police. The names of the sexually assaulted persons are confidential and not disclosed unless permitted by the sexually assaulted person. Once a complaint is filed, a preliminary investigation will take place. If a violation has occurred, the University will start disciplinary proceedings against the assailant. A hearing by the University's hearing board will follow, unless obviated by the above procedure. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to have others present during the proceedings. Both will be informed of the outcome. Punitive internal action for students found responsible could result in several penalties, including the most severe: dismissal with permanent record notation.

What Occurs When a Report is Made Outside the University

Although the University might determine responsibility against a UA student for sexual assault, the offense would not establish a criminal record. Criminal prosecution and/or a civil suit are options for the sexually assaulted person. A survivor may pursue University disciplinary options in conjunction with criminal prosecution or a civil suit.

For criminal prosecution, a sexually assaulted person must file formal charges with the City of Akron Police Department or through local authorities accountable for the district or locality where the sexual assault occurred. The formal complaint will initiate a separate investigation by the UA Police. A grand jury will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to take the case to trial. The process is public and often lengthy. The YWCA Rape Crisis Center can provide assistance throughout the process.

In a civil suit, the sexually assaulted person seeks restitution of damages and/or expenses. Whether the sexually assaulted person files criminal or civil charges, obtaining legal advice is important. The YWCA Rape Crisis Center has a list of attorneys who deal with sexual assault.