What is Sexual Assault (Rape) according to GW?

According to the Code of Student Conduct, sexual assault is "inflicting any sexual invasion (including but not limited to sexual intercourse) upon any person without the person's consent."

"Consent" requires actual words or conduct indicating a freely-given agreement to have sexual intercourse, or to participate in sexual activities. The University community should be aware that, depending on the particular circumstances, previous sexual relationships, or a current relationship between the persons involved, or silence or lack of protest do not necessarily constitute consent. Further, the degree of impairment of a person's ability to give or withhold consent (including but not limited to incapacity or helplessness caused by alcohol or other drugs) may be introduced as pertinent information at any University disciplinary hearing. (The George Washington University - Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities)

Stranger Rape

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, stranger rape is unwanted sex forced on a victim by an assailant whom the victim has never met.

Acquaintance Rape / Date Rape

Acquaintance rape is forced, manipulated, or coerced sexual contact by someone a victim knows, or in the case of date rape - someone a victim is currently dating or has dated in the past. Acquaintance rape is the most prevalent form of rape on college campuses across the country. It is estimated that 80 percent of sexual assaults are acquaintance rapes (Department of Justice, 1997).