Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

The University educates the student community about sexual violence prevention through the Office of Student Services. The Office of Student Services provides educational materials and conducts prevention and awareness programs for students to promote awareness of, and to prevent sexual violence. Such materials and programs educate students regarding prohibited sexual violence (including relevant definitions), the definition of consent in the state of Florida, safe and positive options for bystander intervention, risk reduction to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior and how to avoid potential attacks, and the University’s response to sexual violence (including the complaint procedures and possible sanctions and protective measures).

If you are a victim of sexual violence, first seek safety and then immediate medical attention. The University strongly encourages any victim of sexual violence to report the incident in a timely manner. Time is a critical factor for collecting and preserving of evidence. (Ideally, a victim of sexual violence should not wash, douche, use the restroom, or change clothes prior to a medical examination at a hospital.)

The University encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence to the local police department by dialing 911 and to report the incident to the Campus Dean or Title IX Coordinators (who can also assist you with the reporting of an act of sexual violence to the police).

The University also strongly advises victims of sexual violence to seek counseling. Local organizations that specialize in crises counseling include: