Sexual Assault and Resources

Tarleton is committed to providing assistance to people harmed by sexual assault and/or relational violence and does so through a variety of services. Sexual assault is non-consensual sexual acts involving force, manipulation or coercion. It is an act of aggression, violence and power.

If a student is a victim of sexual assault, he or she may contact and/or seek the assistance of or file a student complaint with:

• The Title IX Coordinator:
  Semoine Pearson, Civil Rights / Title IX Coordinator, 254-968-9754.

University Police may also be contacted at 254-968-9002, as well as local police, if a student chooses to do so. Victims of sexual assault or rape may be eligible for reimbursement for any medical or psychological/counseling expenses incurred as a result of the sexual act from the Crime Victims Compensation Act.

Possible sanctions are listed under the Code of Student Conduct. Both the victim and the accused are allowed to have an advisor (who could be an attorney) present during campus disciplinary hearings. The victim and the accused shall be informed of the final outcome. In sexual assault hearings, the victim and the accused both have the right to appeal the final outcome based on the appealable sanctions in the Student Rules.

Counseling is available for both victim and accused involved in a sexual assault and this is available through the Student Counseling Services. Locally, referrals can be made to Cross Timbers Family Services at 254-965-4357, which is their free and confidential 24-hour hotline. Information concerning prevention of sexual assault is also available through the Student Counseling Services and the University Police Department. Taking sexual advantage of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent (for example, intoxication) is rape. Although rape is usually a crime committed against women, it can also happen to men.

For more information regarding Sexual Offenses view the Title IX website.

Adapted from Tarleton State University’s Campus Rules and Procedures website.

Confidentiality

For individuals wanting to report an incident confidentially, they should speak with on-campus mental health counselors in the Student Counseling Services, campus health services providers in the Student Health Center, Tarleton’s Employee Assistance Program provider, or off-campus rape crisis resources who can maintain confidentiality. Campus counselors are available to help you free of charge, and can be seen on an emergency basis in the Student Counseling Services.

All Tarleton employees, residential leaders, faculty members, student organization advisors, career services staff, admissions officers, and student activities personnel are required to share information reported to them. However, if confidentiality is requested Tarleton will make every effort to respect this request in the context of providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students.

If you are unsure of someone’s duties and ability to maintain your privacy, ask them before you talk to them. They will be able to tell you, and help make decisions about who can help you best.