Sexual Assault

Texas Lutheran University Police Department is a member of Guadalupe County sexual assault response team, comprised of all surrounding agencies. Texas Lutheran University offers informational programs on the issue of sexual assault (including rape or acquaintance rape) through its Residence Life, Police, Student Life and Learning, and Center for Women’s Studies programs. All students should alert themselves to the dangers, preventative measures, and responses needed to sexual assault.

Definitions
Broadly defined, sexual offenses include any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or without that person’s consent; or where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

Consent
The burden of obtaining consent is on the party seeking to initiate a sexual encounter. Affirmative consent is required, either verbally, or by voluntary acts unmistakable in their meaning. This definition also covers incidents in which a victim was incapable of giving legal consent, which is not the same as factual consent as people may be able to give factual consent as a result of the use of alcohol, drugs or rape drugs, but not be legally capable of so doing.

Procedures to Follow if a Sexual Assault Occurs
The Director of the Counseling Center is the initial contact person for the TLU Campus.

Self Care and Safety: After an assault, the survivor may be in a state of shock. Although the first reaction will be to bathe or shower, DO NOT. Instead, the survivor is advised to wrap in something warm, such as a blanket or coat. Staying warm, instead of cleaning up right away, will accomplish two important things:


It is extremely important that survivors:
 

DO   get to a safe place call the police for help lock doors and windows keep warm get medical attention write down all they can remember take a change of clothing with them to the hospital or sexual assault center. If they must change their clothes, put them in a paper bag to give to the Police (plastic destroys evidence)

DO NOT   shower or bathe brush or comb hair douche urinate (if possible) change clothes eat or drink anything brush or rinse teeth or smoke touch things at the crime scene

 

• Call Someone: Survivors are advised to call someone for support immediately. Survivors react to sexual assault in different ways: some are upset, some are angry and some are very calm and controlled. Whatever the reaction, one may make better decisions by talking to a trusted friend or relative, or someone who is professionally trained to deal with sexual assault. In addition, this person can serve as a vital source of emotional support.
• Seek Medical Attention: It is very important that the survivor seek medical attention as soon as possible after a sexual assault. A medical exam is important for two reasons: (1) it ensures that the survivor receives the appropriate medical treatment, and (2) it is essential in the collection of physical evidence if the survivor decides to prosecute.
• Call Seguin Police, 911, or Texas Lutheran University Police: The Texas Lutheran University Police Department (TLUPD) is a full service legislated police agency that serves students, faculty, staff, and visitors within its jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to report any sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, to the University Police and/or Seguin Police, taking care to preserve all relevant evidence. The safety and well-being of sexual offense survivors is the primary concern of the Police. Normally, the Police will conduct a criminal investigation, and report the findings of that investigation to the State’s Attorney. University Police officials can also assist sexual assault survivors in notifying other law enforcement authorities, as appropriate.
• Under Texas Law the victim of a sexual assault may choose to use a pseudonym (a fictitious name).
• Under Texas Law the victim of a sexual assault is entitled to the Crime Victims Compensation Act.

The State of Texas registers convicted sex offenders. Information may be accessed at the following link: http://records.tx.dps.state.tx.us.

Information pertaining to any convicted sex offender attending Texas Lutheran University or employed at Texas Lutheran University may be accessed at the Texas Lutheran University Police Department.