Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

If you are a victim of sexual misconduct or sexual assault at San Diego State University, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. You should then obtain necessary medical treatment. The University Police Department strongly advocates that a victim of sexual assault report the incident in a timely manner to the Department by calling 911 or 619-594-1991. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. An assault should also be reported to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities 619-594-3069. In addition, a report may also be made to the following officials, who will assist the victim in obtaining needed services and in notifying the police:

Filing a Police Report

Filing a police report will:

• ensure that a victim of sexual misconduct or sexual assault receives the necessary medical examination and tests, at no expense to the victim;
• provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam);
• assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

Student victims have the option to change their academic and/or on-campus living situations after an alleged sexual assault, if such changes are reasonably available.

When a sexual assault victim contacts the University Police Department, the police will conduct a criminal investigation and, with the victim’s consent, contact on and off campus resources who can provide support and guidance. Investigation of complaints of sexual assault may be pursued through the criminal justice system. If the alleged perpetrator is a student, the University’s Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities will also pursue an investigation through the student judicial process.

A representative from the University Police Department, the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities, and/or the Residential Education Office will guide the victim through the available options and support the victim. Various treatment options are available from the University through Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, and the Employee Assistance Program. SDSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services department can also assist students with information and referrals to off-campus agencies and community resources.

Disciplinary Proceedings

University disciplinary proceedings, as well as special guidelines for cases involving sexual misconduct, are detailed in the SDSU General Catalog and on the Discipline Process page of this site. The Student Conduct Procedures for the California State University provide that the accused and the victim are allowed to have a person accompany them throughout the hearing. Both the victim and accused will be informed of the outcome of the hearing.

A student found guilty of violating the Student Conduct Code for sexual misconduct may be suspended or expelled from the University for the first offense. For further information, refer to Executive Order 1097 (procedure for handling discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints) or contact the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities at 619-594-3069.