What Is Sexual Assault?
Under Wisconsin law sexual assault is sexual contact or sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person. Sexual intercourse includes cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, or any other intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or of any object into the genital or anal opening either by the accused or upon the accused's instruction; the emission of semen is not required.
Sexual contact means any intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, by the use of any body part or object, of the victim's "intimate parts" if that intentional touching is either for the purpose of sexually degrading or sexually humiliating the victim, or sexually arousing or gratifying the accused, or if the touching contains elements of actual or attempted battery.
Forced intercourse or other unwelcome or unwanted sexual contact, whether it involves a stranger or an acquaintance, is sexual assault. The use of alcohol or other drugs by either party is not an extenuating circumstance and will not mitigate the responsibility of a person found to have committed sexual assault.
In Wisconsin, first and second degree sexual assault are sexual contact or sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person which causes the victim to become pregnant, incur bodily harm, or suffer mental anguish requiring psychiatric care. Sexual intercourse or contact with a person who the accused knows suffers from a mental illness or deficiency which renders the victim temporarily or permanently incapable of appraising the accused's conduct, including a deficiency caused by consumption of alcohol and other drugs, or who the accused knows to be unconscious, is also considered first or second degree assault, as is sexual contact accomplished by use or threat of use of a dangerous weapon or with the aid of one or more other persons. Third degree sexual assault is sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person; fourth degree sexual assault is sexual contact without the consent of the other person.
Policy Statement
When sexual assault or sexual violence, including acquaintance or date rape, occurs at Lawrence University, the standards of the University community as well as the criminal laws of the state of Wisconsin are violated. The University prohibits sexual assault by any member of the Lawrence community against any other, or against any visitor on property owned or rented by Lawrence University or in the setting of any program sponsored by Lawrence University. Sexual assault committed elsewhere may also violate the policy.
The University urges individuals who believe they have been victims or survivors of sexual assault to pursue criminal charges against the person or persons they believe responsible. Victims are also urged to make a formal complaint to the University. A criminal charge and an internal complaint can be pursued at the same time, although if a case of sexual assault becomes subject to criminal proceedings it may be necessary, in order to conform to the judicial protection of the rights of the accused, to suspend internal proceedings pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. Retaliation against an individual who brings a complaint, participates in an investigation, or pursues a criminal charge is unequivocally prohibited.
What To Do If You Feel You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
The first thing you should do if you are sexually assaulted is to get to a safe place.
| Residence Hall | Phone Number | Residence Hall | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colman Hall | x7478 | Plantz Hall | x7383 | |
| Kohler Hall | x7590 | Sage Hall | x7883 | |
| Ormsby Hall | x7672 | Trever Hall | x7382 |
Or:
| Security | x6999 |
| The Counseling Center | x6574 |
| a member of the Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource Board |
You may contact these people with the understanding that your discussions with University personnel will be completely confidential. (The only exception is that, if you are seventeen or younger, you are considered a minor in Wisconsin, and University personnel are required by state law to report suspected or threatened sexual assault against minors to Outagamie County Child Protective Services. Resource Board Members and Hall Directors can explain the University policy and complaint procedures, help you contact appropriate resources, and arrange for someone to accompany you to the hospital or police department. They also can give you information about contacting the University's consultants, making informal and formal complaints, and obtaining safe housing, legal advice, academic assistance, and professional counseling. They will allow you to decide what actions to take.
You may also contact:
| Appleton Police Department | 832-5500 |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Center | 733-8119 |
It is strongly recommended that you seek medical attention to ascertain whether physical injuries, including sexually transmitted injuries or pregnancy, have occurred. In addition, an examination may provide evidence should you decide to pursue criminal charges at some point. If you have not bathed since the assault, you should not do so. If you have the clothing you were wearing at the time, take it with you to the hospital. It is important to get medical attention even if you have bathed or the assault happened several days ago.
What To Do If A Friend Has Been Sexually Assaulted
Be supportive and listen. Allow the person to talk and do not ask questions or make statements that imply that she or he was to blame for the rape or that the experience was not upsetting or important.
Help her or him contact appropriate resources at Lawrence or in the local community. Make suggestions about possible actions, but do not be offended if your friend does not choose to follow your suggestions at that time. It is important for those who have been assaulted to feel they have control over decisions affecting them.
Speak to a Residence Hall Director, Sexual Assault Resource Board member, member of the Counseling Center Staff or the Sexual Assault Crisis Center yourself. They can give you advice on how to help your friend and help you deal with your own reactions to the assault.
Respect the privacy of your friend by not discussing the situation with other people without her or his permission.