Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Pina and ECRC Interim Director and Title IX Coordinator Kerri Griffin shared the following message with the campus community regarding OHIO’s continued commitment to seek opportunities to increase our safety, support survivors and ensure Ohio University leads in our effort to eradicate rape culture.

Fellow Bobcats,

One of the attributes that draws people to Ohio University is the sense of caring that permeates our campus community. Whether it is a dance marathon to raise funds in support of children with serious illnesses and their families, partnering with Athens High School to combat childhood cancer, or banding together on College Green in solidarity with victims of tragedy, members of the Bobcat community unite in times of need and work together to build a better place.

While we make every effort to keep our community as safe and secure as possible, in reality, we cannot always control everything that happens on our campus. Sexual misconduct still occurs here and in our society. In a message to the community last night, OUPD Chief of Police Andrew Powers and Athens City Chief of Police Tom Pyle shared information about three sexual assaults that have been reported since classes began this semester.

Our commitment is to continue to seek opportunities to increase our safety, support survivors, and ensure Ohio University leads in our effort to eradicate rape culture. We want to share ways that you can join us in combating and preventing this type of crime. Sexual assault and rape culture are everyone’s problem, and we encourage every member of our community to be a part of the solution.

One important step is for everyone to know these prevention strategies.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT CONSENT MEANS

Understanding consent involves communication and respect. Having sex with someone who has not consented, either by using or threatening force, coercing their participation, or taking advantage of their inability to consent, is a crime. Regardless of whether you know the person, or are/have been in a relationship with them, sexual intimacy requires consent every time—and that consent can be withdrawn. Consent is not just the absence of “no,” it is the presence of voluntary, continuing, and willing engagement.

YOU CAN HELP COMBAT SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Everyone can help prevent sexual assault by creating a culture of intolerance for that kind of behavior. Don’t joke about sexual crimes or trivialize them, and challenge those who do. Emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries and support those who assert their personal limits. Remember the role alcohol can play in sexual assault and look after one another if you and your friends have been drinking. Also keep in mind that alcohol is not an excuse for committing a crime.

No matter how hard we try, sexual assaults still occur. In fact, national statistics suggest that as many as one in four women will become victims of sexual assault while at college, and one in six men will become victims in their lifetime. Although we are seeing an increasing number of sexual assault reports, the broader view suggests the increase is in the number of reports to police, not incidents occurring. In that sense, we are encouraged to see people coming forward to report crimes that may previously have gone unreported. Not only does this increase offender accountability and reduce the chances of others becoming victims, it also shines a light on those affected by sexual violence. For those who are ready to take that step, Ohio University stands ready to support you.

Talk about these issues with your friends, join in campus conversations on this topic,  become part of organizations that promote efforts to end sexual violence, and actively intervene in situations that normalize violence or could lead to harm by utilizing the three D’s of bystander intervention: Direct, Delegate, & Distract.

Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. While nothing is fail-safe, here are some suggestions everyone may want to consider:

• Make sure you have consent. Consent is a clear and freely given yes, not the absence of a no.
• If you feel threatened or uncomfortable in regards to your safety, please call 911.
• Use resources like the CATS Late Night free shuttle service by calling or texting 740-593-4040.
• Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist.

REPORTING

We rely on every member of our community to work together protect themselves and each other. To report an incidence of sexual misconduct to the University, contact Equity and Civil Rights Compliance at 740-593-9140 or equity@ohio.edu.

You may also contact the Survivor Advocacy Program at 740-597-SAFE (7233) if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or is experiencing dating/domestic violence or stalking.

If you wish to make a criminal report regarding sexual violence, for incidents occurring on campus, contact: Ohio University Police Department, 911 (emergency) or 740-593-1911, Scott Quad 135 or police@ohio.edu.

For incidents occurring off campus, contact the Athens Police Department, 911 (emergency) or 740-592-3313, 11 N. College St.

Ohio University is committed to centering survivor voices throughout the year. In addition to the assaults that we hear about in crime alerts, there are a number of survivors that will never be read about in emails. Sexual assault is an epidemic globally, and we are not immune from it at Ohio University. Sometimes the stories that we hear make us feel like there is nothing that we can do.

On August 30th, we opened the What Were You Wearing? Exhibit at Ohio University to challenge one of the most enduring rape myths: that what one wears is an excuse for violence. This evening, September 5, at 5:30PM in Baker Ballroom, there is a scheduled panel to coincide with the exhibit. We encourage you to attend. In addition to responding to questions that were submitted at the exhibit about what we as a community and culture can do to decrease sexual violence, we will also take questions from the floor from those of you that want to talk about the recent reports of sexual violence on campus and in our community.

Remember, one of your most important responsibilities as Bobcats is to look out for one another. In addition to a caring community, there are variety of resources easily accessible on campus. If you see something, say something, and if you need support, don’t be afraid to reach out. We are here for you.  

Confidential campus resources are available to support survivors:

Survivor Advocacy Program
Lindley Hall 038
Ph: 24 hour hotline: 740-597-SAFE (7233)

Counseling and Psychological Services
Ph: 24 hour hotline: 740-593-1616

Campus Care
Ph: 740-592-7100

Sexual misconduct policies at OHIO

To learn more about Ohio University’s policies addressing sexual misconduct, please visit University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC). Reports of sexual misconduct may also be submitted to the University by clicking the “Report Sexual Misconduct” tab on ECRC’s website.

Sincerely,

Kerri Griffin
ECRC Interim Director and
Title IX Coordinator