Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire
Department of Campus Safety

SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY

Sexual Assault describes behavior that includes, but is not limited to, all actions, which constitute sexual abuse. Incidents of "date rape" or "acquaintance rape" are considered physical abuse under the Student Code of Conduct "Article III: Proscribed Conduct" and are treated as a serious offense. "Rape" is defined as sexual penetration without the consent of the victim. "Date Rape" is rape in a situation where the parties know one another. Any form of unwanted touching is also considered sexual abuse, and as defined in this Code, physical abuse. Non-forcible sex offenses include incest and statutory rape only.

Victims of sexual assault should contact Campus Safety, Student Affairs or Human Resources to report an incident. Sexual Assault is also a violation of state law and victims may choose to pursue criminal charges through the Rindge Police Department or Jaffrey District Court, although they are not required to do so. The University will assist the victim if s/he chooses to report the incident to the local police.

Sexual Offender Information

The Rindge, NH Police Department is responsible for maintaining a current list of Sexual Offenders, required to register in the town of Rindge. 

Any interested party may view the list at the Police Department located at: 

273 Main Street 
Rindge, New Hampshire
1-603-899-5009


PROCEDURE

The following guidelines are for the immediate care of a person who has been sexually assaulted, abused, or raped. The primary concern of the support person is the emotional well being of the assaulted person. Circumstances and survivor needs vary greatly. This format is a guide while keeping in mind the needs of the survivor as the primary focus.

1. The victim should notify Campus Safety, Student Affairs (Residence Life) or Human Resources of the alleged assault.

2. The sexual assault response team will be activated to assist the victim.

3. Immediate medical needs will be assessed. If emergency medical      assistance is required; the caregiver may do either of the following;

   • Notify Dispatch at 899-4210 to page the on-duty EMT, or

   • Request transportation to the emergency room.

4. The support person will notify his/her immediate supervisor of the incident.

5. The victim will be informed of his/her right to report the incident to the Rindge Police Department.

6. The support will provide the following options to the victim, while respecting his/her right to choose the type and extent of medical and psychological intervention;

   • Encourage the victim to seek treatment at an emergency room for presence of sexually transmitted disease and/or pregnancy; evaluate and treat injuries; and collect evidence.

   • The victim may choose to seek treatment at the Health Center in lieu of the emergency room, however they will not collect evidence;

   • Encourage the victim to contact either the Counseling Center at 899-4134 or the Women's Crisis Center at 352-3782.

   • The victim may wish to have no medical or psychological evaluation.

7. If the victim chooses to be treated at the emergency room, s/he;

   • Should be advised not to smoke, eat or drink anything,

   • Should not shower, douche, brush teeth, rinse mouth or wash any other part of the body,

   • Should bring a change of clothes.

8. The victim should be advised not to wash clothes or bedding that may contain physical evidence.

9. With the victim's consent, Campus Safety and/or the Rindge Police Department will proceed with an investigation of the incident. Information regarding the victim and the incident will be provided on an "as needed" basis only to those persons directly involved in the incident, investigation or judicial process.

10. If the victim and the accused live in the same residence hall or share classes, the victim will be given the option to relocate to another facility or class when such option is reasonably available, pending campus judicial action.

11. The victim and accused have the same rights during all phases of the campus judicial process.

12. Both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding involving sexual assault.

Sanctions for sexual assault (physical abuse) can include disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion.