Sexual assault , including rape, occurs when a person is forced or coerced, physically or verbally, into any type of sexual activity with another person, whether the assailant is a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. Rape , in the State of Ohio, is legally defined as forced or coerced vaginal, oral, or anal penetration with an object, penis or other body part. Force and coercion signify a lack of consent to sexual activity. Sexual assault, including rape, is motivated by a need for power and control, or by anger.
Assailants use sex as a weapon in order to degrade, humiliate, injure, and control their victims.
The Office of Student Life Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program offers crisis intervention, advocacy and referrals, educational materials and programming. Public Safety offers law enforcement support services and assistance with prosecution through state and federal laws and notification to the campus community that an assault occurred. Residence Life offers initial crisis intervention, referrals, housing relocation assistance, and educational materials. The Center for Psychological Services offers 24 hour crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, psychological assessment and educational programming. The Women's Center offers a supportive environment and educational materials.