I.  Introduction The Catholic University of America promotes respect for persons' bodily integrity, the virtues of chastity and the sacredness of human sexuality. The university affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife.  Sexual acts of any kind outside the confines of marriage are inconsistent with the teachings and moral values of the Catholic Church and are prohibited [see Code of Student Conduct ("Code"), section II.R.].  At the same time, the university understands that the threat of sexual assault is a reality on college campuses and throughout society.  CUA recognizes the moral, legal, physical and psychological seriousness of all sexual assaults, including that commonly designated as acquaintance rape between persons who already know one another, however casually.  Sexual assault is unacceptable behavior, will not be tolerated and will be adjudicated to the fullest extent afforded to the university.   II. Definition A. Sexual Assault:  As stated in the Code, available in the Student Handbook and online, sexual assault is defined as sexual contact without meaningful, explicit, ongoing consent.  This includes forcing, threatening or coercing an individual into sexual contact under duress and/or against his or her free will.    B. Consent:  Although The Catholic University of America does not condone any sexual relationship except within the context of marriage, at the Catholic University of America, "consent" is defined as an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions that indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.  Consent must be informed, actively sought prior to and during sexual activity, and freely and actively given.  When consent is requested verbally or physically, absence of any explicit verbal or physical response constitutes lack of consent.  It is expected that after consent has been established, a person who changes his/her mind during the sexual activity will communicate through words or actions his/her decision to no longer proceed.    III. Statement on Sexual Assault Sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated. Sexual assault by any student member of the campus community is a violation of accepted student behavior that, in addition to other consequences, can lead to campus disciplinary action.   Students have the right to have any and all reported sexual assaults treated with seriousness and to be treated justly and with dignity throughout the process. Students will not be pressured to suppress a sexual assault report. Students will not be made to think that they are somehow responsible for the commission of the crime against them; or that the victim was contributory negligent by assuming the risk of being assaulted by reason of circumstances, dress or behavior; or that the victim or the university would incur unwanted publicity if the sexual assault was reported.   IV. What To Do In The Event Of A Sexual Assault Any student who has been a victim of a sexual assault should, as soon as possible:   1. Report the incident to the Department of Public Safety at 202-319-5111. The Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, victims/survivors of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report a sexual assault to the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. Students may receive assistance with this reporting from the Department of Public Safety.   2. Seek medical attention and do not interfere with the preservation of evidence (e.g., do not bathe or change clothing).   3. Meet with a professional staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students. Upon request by either party, the university will help to prevent any unwanted contact between the complainant and the accused by, for example, making reasonably available changes to academic schedules and/or housing situations.   V. Confidentiality and Support The university will make every reasonable effort to preserve an individual’s privacy and protect the confidentiality of information.  The degree to which confidentiality can be protected, however, depends upon the professional role of the person being consulted. The professional being consulted should make these limits clear before any disclosure of facts. The university has the responsibility to protect the community at large. In light of this responsibility, certain cases may warrant investigation and resolution beyond the solution desired by the individual reporting the incident.   An individual can speak confidentially with certain persons in legally protected roles. These roles include (professional) counselors in the CUA Counseling Center and off-campus, medical clinicians, clergy, and (professional) sexual assault counselors. However, professional and pastoral counselors are encouraged to inform students being counseled of voluntary disclosure procedures. Students are encouraged to seek counseling in order to speak confidentially with a professional and begin the recovery period. In addition to campus counseling, students may contact local community resources, including the DC Rape Crisis Center [Hotline: (202) 333-7273; Business: (202) 232-0789]. A list of community resources and area hospitals is also available in the Office of the Dean of Students.   VI. Prevention Education CUA’s Sexual Assault prevention education is coordinated throught the Office of the Dean of Students.  Throught collaborative efforts with other university departments and the use of a peer education program, CUA works to prevent sexual violence and harassment through education, awareness and skill building.  Programs include self-defense workshops, educational seminars, peer theater, resource information and referral and Sexual Assault Awareness Week.  In addition, Student Health Services is a comprehensive resource center that contains journals, books and videos on a wide range of contemporary college health issues including sexual assault. VII. Campus Disciplinary Action Allegations of sexual assault may be adjudicated under the disciplinary procedures outlined in the Code. In addition, students may be accountable both to civil/criminal authorities for acts that constitute violations of law. Disciplinary action at the university may proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings, and will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced or that no criminal charges have been brought. Penalties shall not be increased in severity because civil or criminal action may be pending. Sanctions for a finding of sexual assault ordinarily range, depending on the nature and severity, from disciplinary probation to suspension from the university. Both the complainant and the respondent shall have the same opportunities to have an adviser present during a disciplinary proceeding and shall be informed of the final determination and any sanctions imposed against the respondent as a result of the sexual assault charge.