What Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention programs and Counseling Services does UNLV provide?

The UNLV Jean Nidetch Women’s Center promotes awareness and prevention of rape, date or acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses through programs focusing on personal safety strategies and issues surrounding sexual assault. Programs include a sexual assault peer education program called S.A.F.E. Team, Take Back the Night activities held annually to heighten awareness and support the victims and survivors of violence, and an educational, interactive play depicting the complexities of rape and sexual violence. The center provides information and referrals to campus and community social service agencies. The Jean Nidetch Women’s Center is located in room 255 of the Student Services Complex, 895-4475.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, go to a safe place immediately. If the incident occurred on campus, contact the UNLV Department of Public Safety at 895-3668 or 9-1-1 from a campus phone. Seek immediate medical care at the UNLV Student Health Center at 895-3370 or contact the 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline at 385-2153. Do not bathe, as evidence collected is critical for future criminal prosecution. A university faculty or staff member will assist, if victim feels uncomfortable contacting the proper authorities. When a sexual assault occurs off campus, contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at 795-3111, the Rape Crisis Hotline, or 9-1-1. If you are a victim, seek medical attention, call Rape Crisis, and report the crime.

The circumstances surrounding sexual assaults on college campuses can be quite different from those that occur elsewhere. Many of the incidents occur under circumstances commonly referred to as date or acquaintance rape. Date rape is when someone you know forces you to have sexual intercourse against your will, whether you are passed out, unable to refuse or argue, or for some other reason do not give consent. Date rape is a form of sexual assault, a spectrum of unlawful, sexually violent behavior that victimizes women and men, whether straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Because the victim knows the perpetrator, they may fail to see the incident as a serious crime and place some of the blame for the incident upon her or himself. Date rape in college surroundings quite often follows the use of alcohol or drugs by the victim and the perpetrator. Very often, students find themselves in vulnerable circumstances by trying to make new acquaintances or fit in with a new crowd. All students should remember that date rape is a very serious crime. Self-awareness, communication, and good common sense are critical to helping prevent date rape. Every person has the right to assert his or her wishes in a relationship. Trust your instincts, and be firm in saying what you like and don’t like. A forceful "NO" may help dissuade a date rapist.

Coping with the after-effects of sexual assault can be difficult. Talking with a counselor can help you understand your feelings. Free and confidential counseling is available on-campus at Student Counseling and Psychological Services, located on the second floor of the Student Services Complex, (702) 895-3627. Off-campus counselor referrals are provided by Student Counseling and Psychological Services.

It is the policy of UNLV to bring disciplinary charges against students, faculty, or staff involved in sexual assault, acquaintance sexual assault, or other sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought about by an allegation of sexual assault. The Code of Student Conduct governs disciplinary proceedings involving students. Students found guilty of sexual assault may face sanctions including suspension and expulsion from the university. Moreover, students are reminded that they must adhere to local, state or federal laws concerning sexual assault. Violation of these laws could subject students, faculty or staff to arrest, and significant penalties including fines and/or incarceration. In addition, should reasonable changes in academic and on-campus living situations be necessary, the Provost office, telephone (702) 895-3301, or Campus Housing, telephone (702) 895-3489, will cooperate with victims to identify options.