Sexual Offenses

The university is committed to providing its faculty and staff with an environment conducive to the pursuit of knowledge. Conduct constituting a sexual offense, whether forcible or nonforcible, such as rape, assault, forcible fondling, or sexual harassment, is not tolerated.

When they occur in the workplace, rape and other forcible or nonforcible sex offenses may result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination from the university. In cases involving an alleged sexual offense, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding as a result of an alleged sexual assault.

The Washington State Criminal Code (Title 9A RCW) defines rape as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person
1) by forcible compulsion; or
2) when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated (e.g., when the victim has consumed alcohol and/or other drugs, either voluntarily or involuntarily); or
3) when the victim does not consent to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator and such lack of consent was clearly expressed by the victim's words or conduct.

In some instances, the victim may know the assailant, but often does not realize the incident meets the legal definition of rape. Acquaintance rape may fall into any of the following categories: first and second degree rape are Class A felonies punishable under the Washington State Criminal Code by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine; and third degree rape is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

If you are sexually assaulted, resources are available on- and off-campus to help you. The University of Washington Police Department has adopted the following letter when responding to sexual assault.

Sexual Assault Response Commitment

Sexual assault, including date/acquaintance rape, is a very serious concern of this police department. If you feel you are a victim of a sexual assault on campus, the Police Department will guarantee the following:

UWPD Commitment

1. We will meet with you privately, at a time and local place of your choice, to take your report.
2. We cannot and will not notify your parents without your consent.
3. We will treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding,and professionalism.
4. Our officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
5. We will assist you in arranging for any necessary hospital treatment or other medical needs. We will also assist in emergency housing if needed.
6. If you would feel more comfortable talking with a friend or advocate of your choice present, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
7. We will fully investigate your case, and will help you to achieve the best outcome. This may involve the arrest and full prosecution of the suspect responsible. You will be kept up-to-date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
8. We will assist you in privately contacting counseling and other available resources.
9. We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the system and process involved (prosecutor, courts, etc.), and to be a listening ear if you wish.
10. We will consider your case seriously regardless of your gender or the gender or status of the suspect.

If you feel you are a victim of sexual assault, call the University of Washington Police Department at
543-9331 (any time of day or night) to privately make a complaint.

Call a friend, or someone you trust, for support, and seek medical attention at once since all injuries are not readily apparent. Do not bathe, douche, change, or wash your clothes--it is important to preserve evidence in case you decide to press charges.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault off-campus, call the Seattle Police Department.

You are encouraged to seek help in coping with the aftermath of the assault and in exploring and arranging for counseling. There are also many off-campus resources that have physicians and counselors trained in sexual-assault trauma, and offer treatment, information, support, and referral.

Off-Campus Resources