Interpersonal Violence Prevention
Binghamton University
University Health and Counseling
607-777-3062
C4-120
In its simplest definition, sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault includes the act of rape (oral, anal or vaginal intercourse without consent) or forced penetration by a foreign object (including a finger). It also includes non-penetrating acts such as touching an unwilling person’s sexual parts (for example, breast, buttocks, genitalia), naked or through clothing, or forcing an unwilling person to touch another person’s sexual parts. Force includes the use of physical aggression, threats of physical aggression or sexual contact with a person who is unable to consent (for example, unconscious, intoxicated, asleep, etc.). Non-forceful coercion can also be used. Examples of this may be threatening to reveal secrets, to tell others the victim and perpetrator had sexual intercourse, to fire an employee or fail a student (these cases also fit the definition of sexual harassment) or threatening the victim’s friends or family members.
Sexual assaults are committed by strangers AND people the victim knows. In fact, most rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows: friends, acquaintances, dates, romantic partners, spouses or domestic partners.
Although people often think of rape as something that only happens to women, this isn’t true. Both men and women are raped or sexually assaulted, as are people of every ethnicity, age, culture, religion, economic background and sexual orientation.
Yes. Rape and sexual assault occur between people of the same sex. As with opposite-sex sexual assault, the majority of same-sex sexual assault occurs between people who know each other or who are intimately involved.
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, or if think you have been but aren’t sure, it’s important to talk to someone. You may choose to:
*Note: If the assault happened off campus and you report it to the University Police, officers will assist you and take your report. However, they must refer you to the police department that has jurisdiction where the assault occurred. That police department will perform the investigation.
The time frame for evidence collection in New York is 96 hours. If this time has passed, it’s still important to report the incident because your safety or another student’s safety may be in jeopardy and you may need medical treatment. In addition, seeking professional help will assist in your recovery process.
Those who have been sexually assaulted may exhibit a wide range of emotional responses: calm, apathetic, confused, shocked, angry, guilty or ashamed. Each person reacts differently and how the community responds to an individual’s crisis can significantly impact the individual’s ability to recover from the event.
Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions; a pattern of behavior repeated over time; and an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take on various forms and may fit into more than one type.
Types include:
Some forms of bullying are considered crimes: harassment, aggravated harassment, larceny, criminal mischief and assault are some examples. Report bullying crimes to the University Police.
Links to several sites offering additional information on bullying can be found on our Resources webpage.
Stalking refers to repeated harassing or threatening behavior by an individual. It may take the form of following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages or objects or vandalizing a person’s property. Any unwanted contact between two people that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or causes the victim to feel fear can be considered stalking; however, the legal definition of stalking varies from state to state.
Examples of stalking include:
Some forms of stalking are considered crimes: harassment, aggravated harassment, larceny, criminal mischief and assault are some examples. You can report stalking crimes to the University Police.
Links to several sites offering additional information on stalking can be found on our Resources webpage.
New York State University Police
607-777-2393
Decker Student Health Services Center
607-777-2221
University Counseling Center
607-777-2772
Harpur's Ferry
607-777-3579
