Non-confidential
Campus Resources
Non-confidential resources include the
supports listed below, as well as RAs, RDs,
faculty, and staff not listed above. These
individuals are required to report any known
instances of sexual violence to University
administrators.
Office of the Dean of Students
(202) 885-3300 / dos@american.edu
A survivor can seek assistance with housing
relocation, academic schedule changes, obtaining
a no contact order against the alleged perpetrator,
and filing a complaint with the University.
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
(202) 885-3328 / conduct@american.edu
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Services
resolves alleged violations of the Student Conduct
Code.
Public Safety
Emergencies: (202) 885-3636
Non-emergencies: (202) 885-2527
Public Safety responds to immediate threats to
health and safety on campus and investigates
crimes that occur on campus. Public Safety can
also provide walking escorts on campus property
and can assist a survivor with court processes to
include filing charges in the Superior Court and
with Student Conduct.
What is Advocacy?
As part of the Wellness Center, OASIS employs
confidential victim advocates. An advocate is a
confidential support and resource who can help a
survivor in the aftermath of an incident.
Advocates receive ongoing training on the topics
of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
Advocacy is a supportive service intended to
help survivors navigate their options and make
informed decisions about their security, health,
academic well-being, and the adjudication
process.
Confiding in an advocate does not mean you
must report an incident to University
administrators or the police. If you have any
questions or concerns about confidentiality, an
advocate can provide clarifying examples.
Email us at OASIS@american.edu.
Helping a Friend
or Loved One
It’s important to know how to help someone in
need. If you are trying to help a friend:
Believe them. Statements such as “I believe
you” and “It wasn’t your fault” can be extremely
helpful.
Make sure they feel safe in their current location.
Listen and be available.
Don’t judge or blame your friend for what
happened.
Encourage action, but allow your friend to
decide what actions to take. For example,
encourage your friend to seek medical attention,
but do not force them to do so. Making choices
can help survivors regain a sense of control.
Be patient. Healing takes time. Continue to offer
your support to your friend throughout the
coming weeks and months, or even longer.
Remember that every healing process is unique.
Get support for yourself. Supporting a friend can
produce stress in your own life. You can also use
the resources in this brochure.
The most important point to remember is
that the assault is not your friend’s fault.
Off-Campus Resources
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or other
local jurisdiction police departments: 9-1-1
MPD Sexual Assault Unit
(202) 727-3700
Sexual Assault
Resources
PHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT
DC Rape Crisis Center
(202) 333-7273 / www.dcrcc.org
DCRCC provides a 24/7 crisis hotline and free
counseling services for survivors. All services are
provided free of charge.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
(RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) / www.rainn.org
Call or chat anonymously online. RAINN’s services
include crisis intervention, resource referrals,
what to expect if you report the crime to the police,
and information for family and friends of
survivors.
LEGAL HELP
Network for Victim Recovery of DC
(202) 742-1727 / www.nvrdc.org
NVRDC provides lawyers and advocates for
survivors, free of charge.
MEDICAL HELP
Washington Hospital Center (SANE)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
1-800-641-4028 / www.dcfne.org
The SANE Program provides free medical
examinations to collect and preserve evidence.
Additionally, SANE provides free STI/HIV testing
and preventative treatment for STI/HIV and
pregnancy. To arrange free transportation, call the
number above. Law Enforcement will not be
involved unless requested.
Please visit the AU Sexual
Violence Website:
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS
American University does not tolerate sexual
violence of any kind. We are committed to
empowering survivors to pursue options for
disciplinary, criminal, and civil action, if
they choose to do so. Complaints may be
filed through the University disciplinary
process, with law enforcement, or with the
civil system. These are each separate actions.
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS
Definitions
From AU’s Student Conduct Code
Sexual Assault: Any intentional sexual touching
with any object(s) or body part(s) that is against a
person’s will or without consent or that is perpetrated
through coercion or threat of bodily harm.
Rape: Any act of sexual intercourse or sexual
penetration of any orifice of the body with a body part or
other object that takes place against a person’s will or
without consent, or that is accompanied by coercion or
the threat of bodily harm.
Consent: Words or conduct indicating a freely given
agreement to have sexual intercourse or to participate
in sexual activities. Sexual contact will be considered
“without consent” if no clear consent, verbal or
nonverbal, is given; if inflicted through force, threat of
force, or coercion; or if inflicted upon a person who is
unconscious or who otherwise reasonably appears to be
without the mental or physical capacity to consent.
Coercion: To force one to act based on fear of harm to
self or others. Means of coercion may include, but are
not limited to, pressure, threats, emotional
intimidation, or the use of physical force. Coercion also
includes forcing a person to act by impairing the
faculties of that person through the administration of a
substance.
Consent
Consent is informed and clear. Parties must be
able to communicate effectively and agree on
the type of sexual activities that will be shared.
If a person has a sexually transmitted
infection, that should be disclosed to a partner
before engaging in sexual activity.
Consent is essential each time sexual activity
occurs and/or escalates. Each partner has the
right to withdraw consent at any time.
Consent is a free choice only if it has been
granted without the use of force (real or
perceived), threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Consent cannot be construed from silence.
Consent cannot be assumed based on a
previous or current sexual relationship.
Consent is not implicit in a person’s manner of
dress or physical appearance.
Consent is not implicit in acceptance of an
invitation for a meal or date.
Consent is not achievable if a partner is or
appears to be under the influence of a
controlled or intoxicating substance.
If you have questions about whether
you’ve been sexually assaulted, or if you are
not sure what happened but you don’t like
how it made you feel, consider contacting
AU’s Office of Advocacy Services for
Interpersonal and Sexual Violence:
OASIS@american.edu or (202) 885-7070.
If you believe that you may be a victim
of sexual violence, consider taking the
following steps:
Find a place where you feel safe.
Contact someone you trust who can help you,
such as a friend or family member.
If you may want to pursue a criminal case in
the future, you can have evidence collected at
the SANE program located at the Washington
Hospital Center.
To preserve evidence, it is best not to shower,
bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your
teeth, comb your hair, or use a toilet if you can
avoid it.
Consider seeking medical attention as soon as
possible. Even if you are not pursuing evidence
collection, it is important to be tested for
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
examined for potential internal injury.
Consider contacting resources listed in this
brochure to access additional support or learn
more about options you may choose to pursue.
Visit the AU Sexual Violence Resource website:
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS
Common Reactions
to Trauma
Individuals who have experienced a recent
trauma may experience a range of cognitive,
physical, and emotional reactions:
fatigue
difficulty sleeping
changes in appetite
headaches or dizziness
digestion problems
difficulty making decisions
flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
memory disturbances
numbness
hypersensitivity
moodiness, crying, or depression
anger or guilt
isolation
hypo- or hyper-sexuality
an increase in risk-taking behavior
difficulty being alone
Confidential
Campus Resources
The following campus resources are
confidential. These individuals are not required
to report the incident to Public Safety or
University administrators.
OASIS: Office of Advocacy Services
for Interpersonal and Sexual Violence
at the Wellness Center
(202) 885-7070 / OASIS@american.edu
AU’s victim advocates can provide information
on University and local resources, help
survivors access these resources, and provide
support and guidance to survivors or to friends
and family members needing help supporting a
loved one.
Counseling Center
(202) 885-3500
The Counseling Center offers confidential
counseling, group therapy, support, and
referrals for survivors of sexual violence.
Ordained Clergy at Kay Spiritual
Life Center
(202) 885-3320
A faith community can provide support to
students affected by trauma. Ordained clergy
are confidential resources.
Student Health Center
(202) 885-3380
The Student Health Center provides free
screening for sexually transmitted infections
and other medical services. Medical staff
include physician assistants, general nurse
practitioners, a physician, and a psychiatric
nurse practitioner.
Victims’ Rights
Students who identify as victims of sexual
misconduct have the following rights:
You do not have to identify the alleged perpetrator.
You can choose whether or not to file a complaint
with the appropriate University department or with law
enforcement.
You can request information about University
policies and procedures for releasing personally
identifiable information.
Public Safety can assist you with the criminal
investigation to include coordinating with other
members of the Criminal Justice System.
You can access medical care without consenting to
a criminal investigation.
You can access confidential physical and mental
health care at the Student Health Center and the
Counseling Center, respectively.
You can request a No Contact Order, campus
housing reassignment, a change in your class
schedule, or a new email address through the
Office of the Dean of Students.
You will be informed of the outcome of any related
disciplinary proceeding.
As a complainant in a disciplinary hearing, the
Student Conduct Code guarantees you the
following rights:
To receive procedural information about disciplinary
proceedings prior to and after submitting a complaint;
To have a barrier placed between you and the respondent
during the hearing;
To have witnesses provide statements regarding the case;
To have an advisor of your choice present during the
disciplinary process;
To challenge the persons conducting the hearing with
regard to personal bias;
To appeal a decision;
To file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education's Office of Civil Rights if you believe the
University did not handle your complaint appropriately.
The sexual history or character of a party will not be
admissible in disciplinary proceedings unless such
information is deemed relevant by the hearing administrator.
For additional information, students should visit
the Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
Services website: www.american.edu/ocl/sccrs
Filing a Complaint
Prior to filing a complaint, consider contacting OASIS:
Office of Advocacy Services for Interpersonal and
Sexual Violence. A confidential advocate can provide
support, referrals, and explain the adjudication process to
you. Email OASIS@american.edu.
If the alleged perpetrator is a student, a complaint may
be filed with the Office of the Dean of Students at
(202) 885-3300 or dos@american.edu.
If the alleged perpetrator is staff or faculty, the student is
encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students
who can act as an advisor and liaison to either Human
Resources or Academic Affairs.
Filing a report does not obligate an individual to
participate in an investigation. However, if the University
deems that an investigation is necessary to provide for a
safe campus environment, a University representative may
investigate the case.
The survivor may then choose to participate in Conduct
proceedings as the complainant, as a witness, or not at all.
For details, students, staff, and faculty may refer to the
University’s Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy.
Criminal or
Civil Complaints
A survivor has legal recourse outside of the University.
Public Safety can assist the student in filing a criminal
complaint or temporary protection order and will
coordinate with other law enforcement agencies as needed.
Call (202) 885-2527.
The survivor may also contact the Network for Victim
Recovery Center of DC, an organization that provides
free legal support to survivors in the DC area.
Call (202) 742-1720.
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS