Sexual assault is a general term used to describe many forms of sexual offenses. Any unwanted sexual contact or sexual attention committed by force, fear, duress, menace, trick or violence is sexual assault. It includes rape, attempted rape, spousal rape, oral copulation, sodomy, sexual battery, and insertion of a foreign object (finger(s) are considered a foreign object).

What Is Rape?

The California Penal Code defines rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force or threat of force or when a person is unable to consent due to mental disorder, disability, drugs or alcohol. Rape is not an intimate relationship. Rape is a crime of violence, anger, and power. Rape is a crime that controls, humiliates, and hurts the victim. A rapist can be anyone: acquaintance, boyfriend, ex-partner, classmate, family member, or co-worker. Any unwanted sexual act that is committed or attempted against a person's will is against the law and university policy.

Medical Treatment Is Important!

Seeking medical attention is important! Whether you choose to report the assault or not, your well being is the number one priority. A medical examination will treat physical problems, and may diminish fears about injury, sexually transmitted diseases, or possible pregnancy. If you decide to report the assault to the police, a medical examination must take place within 72 hours of the assault (depending on circumstances) to document and collect physical evidence. You will be instructed not to destroy evidence by bathing, douching, changing clothes, or cleaning up in anyway. The State of California pays for any medical testing that is necessary for evidence collection.

If You Are Sexually Assaulted

Here is what you need to know…

Both men and women (usually women) can be victims of sexual assault. Regardless of age, race, income level, or education the experience for the victim is always a violation of their person. It is not uncommon for a sexual assault victim to have feelings of guilt, fear, betrayal, shame, anger, confusion, or thoughts of suicide. These are all normal reactions after a violent crime.

If you, or someone you know, experienced a recent or past incident of sexual assault you can expect confidentiality and support from the Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office. You will be treated with courtesy, taken seriously, and your choice of action respected. We encourage you, or your friend, to visit our office for information, advisement, and referrals.

Options For Reporting

You have the right not to report the crime that was committed against you. However, survivors who report their crime tend to feel emotionally stronger by taking action to help campus officials and law enforcement in University disciplinary procedures, or the possible arrest and criminal prosecution of their attacker. Reporting the crime may prevent another attack on you or someone else. The decision to tell someone about the crime maybe difficult, but the decision is yours.

Reporting options to consider:

Contact the University Police Department for immediate protection and assistance. The police department will send an officer in uniform to take your report, and assist in getting the other services you need.

If you decide to file a formal complaint with the University, you may obtain a copy of the Campus Policy from the Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office or the Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students, from the Office of Student Judicial Affairs (if you are a student). When submitting your formal complaint include the following information:

1.) description of the incident in chronological order, and
2.) identify all persons involved including any witnesses.

After submitting a formal complaint, you will be notified of an interview within five working days.

If you need assistance in reporting (formally or informally) you may contact the Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office. The Title IX Coordinator will help you explore your options, and provide the necessary support to get you through the process of reporting.

Note: While safeguarding your right to confidentiality, if you choose to disclose the name of the perpetrator to any University employee who is not a medical or counseling professional, she/he is obligated to follow-up on your report. If there are factors in the report that pose a threat to the campus community, a warning notice will be released immediately through the UCR Police Department and Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office.

Campus Resources

University of California, Riverside Police Department
(951) 787-5222
Emergency 9-1-1

Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office
(951) 827-7070

Women’s Resource Center
(951) 787-3337, or
(951) 787-5000

Office of Student Judicial Affairs
(951) 787-2428

Campus Health Center
(951) 787-3031

Community Resources

Riverside Police Department
(951) 826-5314, or
Emergency 9-1-1

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Hotline 1-800-656-4673

Riverside Rape Crisis Center
(951) 686-7273 (24 Hour Crisis Line)

Alternatives to Domestic Violence
(951) 683-0829 (24 Hour Crisis Line)

Victim Witness Program
(951) 955-5450