Sexual Misconduct: Unwanted Sexual Behavior

Prevention Introduction

La Salle University is committed to the development of a safe community free from sexual violence, intimidation, and exploitation. Any sexual behavior imposed on another person without effective consent will not be tolerated.

This section provides information about:

• Facts concerning sexual misconduct
  
• How you can reduce your risk of being assaulted
  
• Strategies for preventing assaults on others
  
• Resources related to sexual assault
• Definition of Misconduct
• Definition of Harassment
• Student's Rights

Sexual misconduct is never the victim’s fault! No one has the right to violate another person. Rape, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Exploitation are all considered sexual misconduct as they are expressions and abuses of power; they are not sex.

Sexual Misconduct involves any sexual contact or act imposed on another person without that person’s effective consent. It can be by a person you know or by a stranger. Sexual misconduct includes situations in which a person is not able to consent to a sexual act, for example when drinking and drugs are involved or when force, threats, intimidation, or coercion are utilized.

While the University policy is quite detailed and specific, the expectations of this community can be summarized in this simple paragraph.

If individuals engage in sexual activity of any type without clear consent, University policy is violated. Consent is shared sexual permission. Consent can be given by word or action, but non-verbal consent is less clear than talking about what you want and what you don’t. Consent to some form of sexual activity cannot be automatically taken as consent to any other sexual activity. Silence—without actions demonstrating clear permission—cannot be assumed to show consent. There is a difference between seduction and coercion. Coercing someone into sexual activity violates this policy just as much as physically forcing someone into sex. Coercion happens when someone unreasonably pressures someone else for sex. When alcohol or other drugs are being used, someone will be considered unable to give valid consent if they cannot appreciate the who, what, when, where, why, or how of a sexual interaction. Individuals who consent to sex must be able to understand what they are doing. You will do well to keep in mind that because of this, “No” always means “No,” and “Yes” may not always mean “Yes.”