Counseling Center

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault means any type of sexual activity you have not agreed to. We often think of this term as synonymous with rape, or unwanted sexual intercourse, but sexual assault is a term which covers many other offenses, including things which do not involve touching, such as being forced to view sexually explicit materials. Sexual assault also refers to any sexual interaction which occurs if someone is coerced, forced, threatened, drugged, or otherwise incapacitated. All forms of sexual assault are criminal offenses. In Illinois, different forms of sexual assault are legally defined as criminal sexual assault or criminal sexual abuse.

Date or acquaintance rape is a very common form of sexual assault on college campuses. In 85% of cases, sexual assault is committed by someone known to the victim. Very often, victims are psychologically coerced or temporarily incapacitated by use of drugs or alcohol. People can't legally consent to sexual activity under these conditions.

Victims of sexual assault often blame themselves, but sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. The aftereffects of sexual assault may be severe and long lasting.

At SIU, sexual assault is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code. Violators may face penalties in the Illinois courts as well as disciplinary action within the university system.

Resources at SIU

SIU Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Room 253. 453-5371. Crisis intervention and counseling services for SIU students.

SIU Wellness Center, Student Health Center, first floor. 536-4441

Student Judicial Affairs, B145 Woody Hall. 536-2338. Administers the Student Conduct Code which prohibits rape, physical abuse, threat of violence, and harassment.

Resources in the Carbondale Community

Rape Crisis Services. Women's Center, 610 S. Thompson. 529-2324. Offers immediate free and confidential crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy services, and counseling to female and male sexual assault survivors and significant others.

24 hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline. 1-800-334-2094

Victim Advocacy. Carbondale Police Department, 457-3200, ext. 337. Offers crisis intervention and referrals, as well as legal, social service and medical advocacy, and support through the investigative process.

Southern Illinois Regional Social Services, 604 E. College. 457-6703. Offers counseling to community residents on a sliding fee scale.

Links to additional Resources

US Department of Justice: sexual assault

Women's Health Information: Sexual Assault -a variety of information, including suggestions for self-protection

Virtual Pamphlet Collection:Sexual Assault- links to a number of information sources from Counseling Centers around the country

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.

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