Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking

Information and Resources

Sexual Assault is any undesired physical contact that is sexual in nature. Whether the involved parties are dating, casual acquaintances, or complete strangers, if one person uses force, or the threat of force, to coerce another into sexual intercourse, that act is defined as rape. The most prevalent form of rape on college campuses is acquaintance rape. If the assult involves the use of date rape drugs then long-term enhanced prison sentences will apply. If you are a survivor of a sexual assault, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University Police strongly encourages you to ask for help and/or report what has happened. Dial 911 or contact our department directly at 562.985.4101 for assistance. If you are seeking confidential resources without filing a police report please contact our campus sexual assault advocate at 562.985.2668.

The University Police Department participates in a program called Sexual Assault Response Team, or SART. SART is comprised of a sexual assault investigator, a rape crisis counselor, and a forensic nurse. This team concept aims to eliminate repetitive questioning while providing for a confidential and sensitive examination process. The SART exam and counseling are free of charge. University Police will transport the survivor and a friend, if desired, to have the exam. A survivor can still have a SART exam even if they do not wish to file a police report.

The SART facility is located at Long Beach Community Hospital at 1720 Termino Avenue and can be contacted directly at 562.498.1000. We will also assist the survivor by calling the appropriate law enforcement agency if the assault did not occur on our campus.

What Do I Do?

If you are a survivor of a sexual assault, please remember that you are the victim, and have done nothing wrong. As best you can, try to remember not to shower, do not change your clothes, and do not use the restroom. You may be washing away crucial evidence that needs to be preserved for your own protection and for the successful prosecution of the perpetrator. If necessary, preserve evidence in a paper bag until law enforcement officers arrive.

You will not be judged nor blamed for something you did not ask for nor deserve.

Survivor's Rights:

  1. The survivor's academic and/or living situations will be changed upon request if reasonably available.
  2. The accuser and the accused have the same right to have others present during any disciplinary hearing(s).
  3. The accuser and the accused shall be notified of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding(s).
  4. Survivors shall be notified of any available counseling services.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Domestic Violence is a serious offense in the state of California. It refers to abuse committed against another person who is involved in any of the following categories with the offender:

  • Spouse or former spouse
  • Cohabitant or former cohabitant
  • Fiance', Fiancee, or someone with whom the offender has, or previously had, an engagement or a dating relationship
  • The mother or father of the offender's child

The University Police Department can assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining an Emergency Protective Order as well as provide resources on how to obtain a Domestic Violence Restraining Order against the offender. The University also has many resources available to assist victims of domestic violence.

STALKING:

  • It is unwanted pursuing.
  • It is actions not wanted or welcome by the victim and they threaten or cause fear to the victim.
  • Stalking can include: following, inappropriate approaches and confrontations, appearing at a place of work or residence, unwanted telephone calls, threats, threats to family or friends, unwanted letters, unwanted or threatening gifts, or physical or sexual assault.

If any of these actions are occuring to you, please contact the University Police and report this crime. University Police can assist you with information on obtaining a restraining order and begin the process of filing reports should the actions meet the requirements of the crime of stalking.

Tips on Reporting Stalking Related Crimes:

  1. Many stalking complaints involve inappropriate texting and calling at all hours of the day and night. Save all text messages, voicemails, and call logs. Often times these types of inappropriate pursuits can be a violation of PC 653m; annoying and harassing communications.
  2. Keep a log of every time the offender contacts you, shows up where you are, or harasses you on social media.
  3. Take photographs or video of the offender during the harassment if it safe to do so. Never jeopardize your own safety for evidence.

For additional information and resources on stalking, please visit the or call the LA County Domestic Violence Safety Plan Hotline at 800.978.3600.