Whether you are female or male, there is a risk of being sexually assaulted sometime during your life. You are only kidding yourself if you think it can not happen to you.

Fortunately, both men and women are learning, and some of the myths about sexual assault are beginning to fade. “She asked for it,” “she owed it to me,” “she enjoyed it.” “I couldn’t help it” and other excuses do not excuse illegal behavior.

Something else is changing. Women are becoming more assertive in charging and prosecuting those who sexually assault them. In such cases, increasingly, they have a powerful ally: their university.

1. Every report of sexual assault will be taken seriously and action will be taken as appropriate/possible. Students who are victims of sexual assault have the option of notifying proper law enforcement (both on-campus and local police). If requested, university officials will assist students in contacting law enforcement agencies.
2. Supporting the person who has been assaulted is a primary consideration, as are exploring options and protecting the individual’s rights. The individual has a right to confidentiality and to determine what options to pursue. If requested by the victim and if reasonably available, the option exists for changing the academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident.
3. We will make every effort to balance “privacy rights” and “the right to know” when making decisions about what information to release. We promise not to “cover up” incidents, even though our ability to discuss such incidents is limited.
4. A signed complaint is necessary to initiate on-campus disciplinary proceedings. UWS Chapter 17 Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures details the process used for on-campus disciplinary proceedings. The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome.
5. Educational programming and other awareness activities aimed at prevention are very important. As such, each residence hall wing, athletic team, and social fraternity/sorority at UW-Platteville is annually required to provide informational programs on sexual assault to individual members. Additionally, university offices such as Student Health Services, the Women’s Center, Counseling Center, Student Housing, and Student Activities offer numerous programs designed to educate students about sexual assault.
6. Written information on sexual assault/harassment will be distributed regularly to all students and university employees.
7. The university will do everything possible to provide a climate that is sensitive to, and respectful and supportive of, individual needs.