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Sexual Assault

About 

Sexual assault is when a person subjects another person to sexual touching, groping, assault or rape without the consent of the victim. Sexual assaults can occur as a result of force, coercion, or when the victim does not have the capacity to consent, such as in the case of intoxication. Being on a date with someone does not give him or her consent, and acts of forced sexual contact, even among friends, is a sexual assault.

One in four college females have experienced rape or attempted rape and one in 14 college men have been physically assaulted or sexually abused by an intimate partner during their four years in college. No people should ever be touched, fondled or be forced to engage in any sexual activity against their will EVER, regardless of what they are wearing, if they have been drinking or whom they are with.

Many times victims are ashamed, uncertain or scared and don’t know what to do when they find themselves as victims. If you ever feel that you were the victim of a sexual assault, the staff at Health Services is trained to help you. We can guide you through the recovery process in a professional, confidential and nonjudgmental way. We will explain to you your options about treatment and offer you screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

Acquaintance Rape 

Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know forces you to have sexual intercourse or participate in any sexual activity without your consent. Stated refusals, such as saying "NO", "STOP" or "RAPE," powerfully communicate non-consent. Other circumstances, such as blackouts, intoxication, fearfulness or any other reason you do not give consent, are still considered against your will. Acquaintance rape can happen to both women and men: straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. Acquaintance rape violates the law and University policy.

Protection Strategies 

Every person has the right and ability to change their mind or just say “No” to sexual advances at any time. Here are a few tips you can follow to help protect yourself from unwanted sexual conduct:

  • Communicate your sexual limits clearly and assertively in potentially intimate situations.
  • Establish a “Circle of 6" app on your phone. With Circle of 6, you can connect with your friends to stay close, stay safe and prevent violence before it happens. The Circle of 6 app for iPhone and Android makes it quick and easy to reach the six friends you choose. Need help getting home? Need an interruption? Two touches lets your circle know where you are and how they can help. Icons represent actions, so that no one can tell what you’re up to. Designed for college students, it’s fast, easy-to-use and private. It’s the mobile way to look out for your friends, on campus or when you’re out for the night.
  • Trust your intuition and if you might be in a threatening situation, tell yourself to stay calm, act quickly and try to get away. 
  • In critical situations, buy time, feign bizarre behavior and/or resist with full physical force.
  • Try to stay with at least one other person in potentially risky circumstances.

If You Are Assaulted 

Take care of your medical needs.

  • First, go to a safe place. Get medical help if needed.
  • Do not shower or brush your teeth until you are advised by a medical professional.
  • Health Services offers free, confidential medical exams, including treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and pregnancy concerns.
  • After hours, we encourage victims to go to the nearest emergency room where you can be assessed and treated as needed.

Take care of your emotional needs.

  • Do not blame yourself; no one deserves to be victimized.
  • Seek emotional support from someone you trust.
  • Student Support Advocate: Student Health Services provides confidential advocacy services to students who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, or other gender-based or sex-based harassment or violence. Kean University’s Student Support Advocate is exempt from the duty to report incidents of sexual misconduct to University administrators or to law enforcement, and will only facilitate the reporting of an incident of sexual misconduct with the student’s consent. The Student Support Advocate will provide support and facilitate services and resources, including counseling and academic and housing accommodations. The Advocate will explain administrative policies and procedures as well as the role of law enforcement. Students who wish to speak to an advocate should contact Student Health Services at (908) 737- 4882 or email studenthealthservices@kean.edu.
  • Call The Counseling Center at (908) 737-4850. A counselor can be reached Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 7 p.m.) to help you get informed about your options and to provide support.
  • After hours you can contact Trinitas Psychiatric Emergency Department at (908) 994-7131 or the Union County Sexual Assault Response Team 24 hours a day at (908) 233-7273.
  • Seriously consider informing a University official or University Police. Every reasonable effort will be made to protect your privacy and the confidentiality of information.

Helping a Friend Who Was Assaulted 

Assure your friend that he or she did not deserve to be assaulted, no matter what the circumstances.

  • Listen; don't ask a lot of questions or give advice.
  • Provide information about the resources available.
  • Suggest options, but respect the person's decisions as to how to proceed.

Sexual Assault Response Team 

Union County has a sexual assault response team, also known as SART, at (908) 233-7273, which has staff specially trained in helping victims of a sexual assault. Victims can choose which services that they would like to use in the event of a sexual assault.

SART nurses are registered nurses trained in forensics who are able to collect evidence from you in the event you choose to press charges. This evidence is best immediately following an assault, and victims who feel they may want to have evidence collected should not shower, change their clothes or brush their teeth. Evidence can be collected even if the victim chooses not to press charges. The initial period after an assault is a very emotional time; victims do have time to decide if they would like to press charges, however evidence should be collected immediately. Evidence that is not collected can never be retrieved should you ever decide to press charges in the future.

Rape Care advocates are another essential component to the SART. Rape Care advocates are trained to help you with the emotional aspects of an assault and to help guide you through the initial aftermath of an assault.

Student Health Services works closely with the Union County Sexual Assault Response Team and can activate their services if you choose to. Our office works closely with the Counseling Services at Kean University. Their number is (908) 737-4850; together we can get you any mental health counseling or services you may need.

Alternate Reporting Options 

If you or a friend have been assaulted, the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Affirmative Action Programs can serve as an alternate reporting option. Reports are accepted in person, over the phone or through the office’s online reporting form. The Office of Affirmative Action Programs will assist parties by implementing remedies that will end any discrimination or assault, prevent its reoccurrences and address any side effects. 

If you ever feel unsafe, please call University Police at (908) 737-4800. If you are uncertain if you were the victim of a sexual assault, please call Student Health Services at (908) 737-4882 or come in to see one of our healthcare providers.