Official Reporting | Counseling | Medical Attention
The Stanford University Department of Public Safety exists to provide a safe and secure atmosphere, which is conducive to freedom of expression and movement, for people and their property at Stanford University, within constraints of Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances. We are a multi-service agency providing law enforcement, security, safety, crime prevention and emergency services on the Stanford University campus 24 hours a day. The law enforcement division works closely with Federal, State and local agencies on problems of mutual concern. Criminal cases occurring at Stanford are submitted to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The Stanford Police work actively to prevent and prosecute crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault and to protect those who have been victimized by such crimes. To find out more information about our services or to report an incident of domestic violence, sexual assault or other crime, please contact us at (650)723-9633.
* In an emergency please dial 9-1-1 or 9-911 from a campus phone.
The Stanford University Department of Public Safety is located at:
| 711 Serra Street
Stanford, CA 94305 Map |
Tel: (650)723-9633
Fax: (650)725-8485 http://police.stanford.edu |
|---|
Domestic Violence
| Domestic violence is an escalating pattern of abuse where one partner in a current or previous intimate relationship controls the other through force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. |
No one deserves abuse; it is a crime if someone physically hurts or threatens you. The criminal justice system can be intimidating and confusing but do not be afraid to call the police if you have been abused. The goal of the police and the legal system is to provide some measure of safety for victims of violence in relationships along with accountability and counseling for their abusers.
If you have just been threatened or beaten, call 9-1-1 or 9-911 from a campus phone. Tell the dispatcher that you are in danger and you need help immediately. The police are required to write an incident report for all domestic violence calls, even if the batterer has already left the scene when they arrive. Although it is best to make the report as soon as possible, you can also call the police hours after you have been abused, or even the next day, to have a report taken.
Domestic Violence Resources
The YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford (650) 725-9955Offers immediate individual counseling and referral to students who are affected by violence in relationships. The YWCA also has prevention programs related to dating violence, domestic abuse and stalking.
The Domestic Violence Project of Silicon Valley http://www.growing.com/nonviolent
This website has a link to a victim's handbook that contains information on violence in
relationships, a detailed explanation of your options and the criminal justice system as well as
additional resources available in Santa Clara County.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and able to provide services in over 150
languages. Hotline advocates are available to answer questions, provide safety planning and
information as well as directly connect callers to domestic violence resources available in their
local calling area. All calls to the Hotline are anonymous.
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Sexual Assault
| Sexual Assault is the commission of an unwanted sexual act, whether by an acquaintance or by a stranger, that occurs without indication of consent of both individuals, or that occurs under threat or coercion. Sexual assault can occur either forcibly and / or against a person’s will, or when a person is incapable of giving consent. A person is legally incapable of giving consent if under 18 years of age; if intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol; if developmentally disabled; or if temporarily or permanently mentally or physically unable to do so. |
- Anyone can be the target of sexual assault, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual history, or social class. There is no stereotypical victim or rapist.
- Acquaintances (people who know each other in some way) are involved in 85% of campus rapes in America.
- Studies indicate that 15 to 25% of college women (and some college men) have experienced sexual assault or attempted assault at some time in their lives.
Evaluate and Communicate Your Intentions
Sexual assault is an issue for both women and men. 85% of all campus rapes are committed by acquaintances. It is important that you decide for yourself what you want to happen in intimate situations. Both women and men should consider the following:- Pay close attention to what is happening around you. Clearly communicate your desires, limits, and intentions to your date, partner, or friend.
- Intercourse constitutes rape when a person is under the influence of any intoxicating or controlled substance and is thereby prevented from giving informed consent. Be aware that alcohol and other drugs can impair your judgment, and make you slow or unable to react to unwanted sexual contact or escape from a dangerous situation.
- California law defines consent as "positive cooperation in an act or attitude pursuant to an exercise of free will."
- Previous sexual contact, regardless of frequency, does not constitute consent for sexual activity in the present or future. A current or previous dating relationship does not constitute the basis for implied consent either.
- Do not assume that sexual intercourse is permissible if a person is dressed in a certain way.
- Being turned down for sexual activity is not necessarily a personal rejection.
- “No” means “No.”
Prevention Education
- Stanford Sexual Assault Prevention Programs (725-4211) works to prevent sexual violence and harassment through education, awareness, and skill building. Programs include educational seminars, resource information and referral, and the new student orientation theatrical production, Real World: Stanford.
- The Health Library at the Vaden Health Center (725-3190) is a comprehensive resource center that contains journals, books, and videos on a wide range of contemporary college health issues including sexual assault. The library is located on the 2nd floor of Vaden at the Health Promotion Services reception area. They are open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.
- Self-Defense Workshops (725-4211) – Student instructors teach co-ed self-defense workshops on campus. Classes are two hours long and cover physical and verbal tactics for preventing sexual assault.
- Stanford Health Improvement Program (HIP, 723-9649) – At various times throughout the calendar year, HIP offers classes and seminars for university employees in personal safety and self-defense.
- Stanford United for Rape Elimination (SURE) (725-SURE)
This group provides a free nighttime escort service by cart for anyone who requests it. Call for current hours of operation. For more information about SURE, see their home page at:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/SURE. - University Ombudsperson (723-3682)
Stanford’s Ombudsperson can assist students, staff, and faculty with information and assessment of options regarding employment, housing, and other University needs following an incident. - Judicial Affairs Office (Dean of Students) (723-9610)
This office can help you explore potential university judicial disciplinary actions that could follow a sexual assault incident in compliance with the Stanford Judicial Charter, which governs internal disciplinary sanctions and procedures.
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Officially Reporting Sexual Assault (or Domestic Violence)
A person who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, whether rape or another unwanted sexual contact, is strongly urged to make an official report to the police by dialing 911 and/or contact the YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford at (650)725-9955. The Center assists students, staff, faculty and other Stanford campus affiliates who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.- For sexual assault that occurs on the Stanford campus, contact the Stanford Police at 723-9633 or 9-911.
- For an off-campus incident, call 911 or the local police jurisdiction:
Palo Alto: (650) 470-1258 East Palo Alto: (650) 321-1112 Los Altos: (650) 947-2779 Los Altos Hills: (408) 299-3233 Menlo Park: (650) 325-4424 Millbrae: (650) 697-1212 Mountain View: (650) 903-6922 Redwood City: (650) 369-3333 San Carlos: (650) 592-2222 - If you contact the police, you do not have to fill out a formal report or press charges against the offender - you can choose to make either an "informational (informal) report" or a formal report. A formal report initiates a criminal investigation. An informational report is not activated until you ask the police to do so.
- When you call the police, you may ask for a female or male officer if you have a preference.
- For the best chance of viable evidence being collected, it is recommended that you report a sexual assault within 72 hours. Still, you may always report a sexual assault after that period. Call (650)723-9633 and ask to speak with the Investigations Supervisor regarding a "personal matter." You do not have to give your name. The Investigation Supervisor will talk to you then or call you back.
- Whether or not a student elects to report a sexual assault to the police, he or she is urged to make an official report directly to the YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford (650)725-9955 or the Dean of Students (650)723-2733.
- The YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford is located on the first floor of the Vaden Health Center; it can be reached via a dedicated 24-hour telephone line (650)725-9955.
- When an incident is reported to any department providing sexual assault resources on campus, the person receiving the report will inform the student of his/her option to notify local law enforcement authorities, and will assist the student with notification if requested.
- You have the right to have someone present with you during a medical examination or police report.
- In order to obtain a rape exam at no expense to you, you must report the assault to the police. Contacting the police department does not mean you must press charges. Filing a police report provides a record of the incident if you later decide to file charges.
- Reporting a crime can help you regain a sense of personal power and control.
- Talk to someone you trust about the incident – a good friend, a family member, and/or a member of the campus community. Talking to someone can help you clarify your options.
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For Immediate Counseling
Whether or not one makes an official report, a person who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault is strongly encouraged to obtain professional counseling, support, and information. Counselors at a variety of agencies, both on and off campus, can help a person decide which steps to take, such as seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, obtaining counseling, or reporting to authorities.Confidentiality
Stanford University will make every effort reasonably possible to preserve an individual’s privacy and protect
the confidentiality of information. The degree to which confidentiality can be protected depends upon the
professional role of the person being consulted. An individual can speak confidentially with certain persons
in legally protected roles. Confidential resources are available through:
- The YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford - (650)725-9955
- Available 24 hours a day. Will help coordinate easy access to a wide range of campus services related to the aftermath of an assault, such as medical assistance, law enforcement, legal and judicial services, and emotional/spiritual support. - Medical clinicians at Vaden Health Center - (650)723-4841, or personal physicians
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) [students] - (650)723-3785
- The Help Center [staff/faculty] - (650)723-4577
- Office of Religious Life - (650)723-1762
- Speak with one of the Deans of the Chapel or other campus clergy, who can provide counseling and assistance.
State law permits law enforcement authorities to keep confidential the identity of a person officially reporting a sexual assault. The Stanford Department of Public Safety maintains such confidentiality.
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If You Need Medical Attention
For life threatening conditions, call 911 (or from a campus phone, call 9-911) - or -- Go to the Stanford Medical Center Emergency Department, or
- Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
- Vaden Health Center (723-4841), or
- Stanford Medical Center Emergency Department (723-5111).
- Both locations provide pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases testing. Planned Parenthood in Mountain View (948-0807) also provides STD and pregnancy testing.
Please Note: Medical Personnel are required by law to make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency when treating injuries resulting from any violent criminal act. Seeking medical treatment does not obligate the injured person to report sexual assault or file charges.
Rape Evidence Collection Examination
A person who has experienced a sexual assault (particularly rape, forcible oral copulation, or sodomy) is encouraged to request collection of medical-legal evidence. Collection of evidence will require interaction with the police and a police report will be taken. This can be an "informal" report, you do not need to identify the person who assaulted you unless you are ready. Prompt collection of physical evidence is essential should a person later decide to pursue criminal prosecution and / or civil action.- When you report a sexual assault by calling 911, a deputy will be dispatched and respond to wherever you are. You can request either a male or female deputy to take the report and this will be accommodated whenever possible.
- Do not wash, shower, douche, or change (destroy or clean) the clothes you wore during the assault. This is because important medical evidence can be preserved.
- With your consent, a police report will be taken by a deputy from the Department of Public Safety.
- The deputy will inform you that medical evidence can be collected at the same time that medical care is provided. A person who wishes to have the cost of a medical-legal examination covered as a victim of a violent crime must file a police report.
- The deputy will accompany you to the hospital and at your request, a friend, family member or
other designated person may be present.
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) Emergency Department (408-885-5000) is the facility in Santa Clara County with staff that are specially trained and prepared to collect such evidence in a sensitive manner. - A detective will be assigned to further investigate the criminal allegations and explain the legal process to you.
- Questions about evidence collection can be directed to The YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford (725-9955). You can also make direct contact with the SCVMC Sexual Assault Response Team Nurse (408-885-5000) or the Mid-Peninsula Rape Crisis Center (493-7273 or 493-RAPE).
Portions of this section were taken from Administrative Guide Memo 23.3 Sexual Assault.
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