JSU is committed to preventing and educating its students, faculty, and guests about sexual assault. Under Title IX and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, sexual assault is defined as “any form of attempted or actual non-consensual sexual contact by a member of the community known or unknown … any person shall be deemed not to have knowingly and/or voluntarily consented within the meaning of this policy if the person is incapable of giving consent because of mental incapacitation, physical impairment, alcohol or drug consumption, under the age of consent or loss of consciousness. It should also go without saying that you have the right and can expect your report to be taken seriously. According to the most updated annual report by campus police, in 2012 there were four rape incidents at JSU and in 2014 there was one. Information on those specific assaults was very difficult to find and I came up empty handed – those things are difficult to read anyways. However, there was one story on a former JSU SGA President (and recent alum), where she opened up in an interview on her personal rape experience. Having read the article, I know how intimate and difficult it was for her to open up that way and I would not do her justice in a retelling but if you would like to read the full article by WLJS you can find it here. With the support of her family, friends and sisters, she has come out on the other side a much stronger and successful woman in spite of her horrific experience. A quote from her article reads:

I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason. I really hope the only reason this happened to me is so I can help other women who this has happened to know that it is okay. It is not your fault. You will survive. You already did. I am not saying my case is worse than anyone else’s rape case, but it did happen to me. It can happen to anyone. It shouldn’t happen, but it does. Everyone needs to be careful. If you are drinking then please be smart about it. The buddy system does work. Even if you are around people you have known for a long time, you never know what can happen.

UPD encourages that all crimes including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assaults be reported to the appropriate authorities (AFTER you go to the hospital) all of which can be reached through 911. Other important numbers are:

1. The Student Health Center (256) 782-5310
2. JSU Counseling Services (256) 782-5475
3. 2nd Chance Domestic and Sexual Violence Assistance Hotline (256) 236-7233 or toll free (1-800) 650-6522