All Off-Campus Locations
Policies for Preparing the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics
Education of Members of the University
Responsibilities of University Community Members
Alcohol and Drug Policies
Response to Sexual Assault
Sex Offense Definitions
Male Victims
Prevention and Education Programs
Guidelines for Assistance
Medical Treatment
The Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation (SACC) Team
Counseling and Emotional Support
Reporting to the Local Police Department
Anonymous Reporting
Academic Assistance
Criminal Investigation and Charges
The material that follows is designed to introduce you to issues of safety and security at the off campus sites of The George Washington University. We have included a significant amount of information because it is our belief that the information will assist members of the expanded GW community in keeping themselves safe.
We invite you to read this information and consider the advice it provides. Please feel free to contact Dolores A. Stafford, the Chief of Police at The George Washington University, if you have any questions or comments about the material.
Policies for Preparing the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics
The local police department for each off campus site is contacted to request the required crime statistics. The staff at each facility is also required to provide GWPD with statistics for any reports that have been made directly to them. If reports are made to GWPD by the victim, those statistics are also included in the total number of crimes reported (even though GWPD is not an official crime reporting entity for these off campus sites). The statistics gathered from those three sources are then reported for each site.
The off campus sites do not have GW security or police officers working on site. Students and employees are encouraged to report all crimes to the local police department in the jurisdiction where the program is located. The local police department is responsible for conducting any required investigation with regard to crimes reported at the off campus sites. If there is a GW program office on site, please notify the personnel in that office if you are the victim of a crime. This notification will allow GW personnel the opportunity to review whether or not a crime alert should be posted at the site and will assist GW in maintaining accurate crime statistics for each site.
The “Code of Student Conduct” is applicable to all GW students on all campuses. Therefore, the campus discipline system, located on Foggy Bottom, handles all non-academic disciplinary matters for all campuses for The George Washington University community. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Judicial Services at 202-994-6757 or via email at SJS@gwu.edu.
The physical location of each off campus site is maintained in such a way to minimize security hazards at each site. There are no officially recognized student organizations or residential facilities affiliated with any of the off-campus sites.
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Education of Members of the University Community
There are no GW sponsored crime prevention or security-related education programs available at the off campus sites associated with the George Washington University. Students are encouraged to participate in crime prevention programs on the main campus at Foggy Bottom. Students who would like information about the availability of such programs should contact The George Washington University Police Department Crime Prevention Office at (202) 994-6994.
Crime alert fliers will be posted throughout an off campus site if there is a crime that occurs at that location that poses a serious threat to other GW community members at that particular location.
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Responsibilities of University Community Members
Members of the off campus sites must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal property. The following precautions provide guidance:
1. Report all suspicious activity to proper authorities immediately.
2. Never take personal safety for granted.
3. Try to avoid walking alone at night.
4. Limit your alcohol consumption, and leave social functions that get too loud, too crowded, or that have too many people drinking excessively. Remember to call police for help at the first sign of trouble.
5. Carry only small amounts of cash.
6. Never leave valuables, wallets, purses, books, calculators, and the like unattended.
7. Carry your keys at all times, and do not lend them to anyone.
8. Lock up bicycles and motorcycles. Lock car doors and close windows when leaving your car.
9. Do not leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be easily noticed.
10. Engrave serial numbers of owner's recognized numbers, such as a driver's license number, on items of value.
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Alcohol and Drug Policies
The possession, use and/or sale of alcoholic beverages at the off campus sites is strictly prohibited unless an event is approved by the Director of that site and is in compliance with state and federal laws regarding alcohol.
The University complies with federal, state and local laws, including those laws which regulate the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances.
The following represents the drug and alcohol policies of GW:
The George Washington University is committed to promoting the health and safety of the campus community through a program of alcohol education and the implementation of relevant policies. The University is further obligated under the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 to enforce compliance with local alcoholic beverage laws on campus and at University-sponsored activities. The University therefore affirms its adherence to the following principles:
The misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages, and related behavior such as disorderly conduct, illness due to excessive consumption of alcohol, and destruction of property, pose a danger to individual members of the community and to the community at large.
The promotion of alcoholic beverage consumption as the primary focus of on- and off-campus activities invites members of the campus community to violate University regulations and local laws. Consumption of alcoholic beverages should only be by persons of legal age and through personal choice. Those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages should do so with responsibility and in moderation. Consumption of alcoholic beverages should not be the main focus of an event or the only means of refreshment at an event. The responsibility for proper consumption of alcoholic beverages and for compliance with state and local laws rests with each individual member of the campus community.
The entire text of the Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Distribution Policy and Procedures, as well as the University's penalties for possession or distribution of controlled substances by students on University premises or at institutionally-sponsored activities off campus, are contained in the Student Handbook. The Code of Student Conduct also specifies the prohibitions and is part of the Guide to Students Rights and Responsibilities, which is published under separate cover. In addition, the University is in compliance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and, each year renews its commitment to the letter and spirit of that law with an informational letter to students and employees.
The University does not condone violations of those laws proscribing possession, use, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs.
There are no drug or alcohol-abuse education programs available at the off campus sites. Students are encouraged to participate in the programs offered at the Foggy Bottom campus. Students who would like more information about the availability of such programs should contact The George Washington University Police Department Crime Prevention office at (202) 994-6994 or the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education (202) 994-2599.
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Response to Sexual Assault
There are no professional staff members located at the off campus sites trained to deal with sexual assault. These types of incidents are handled through the local police department. Students are free to participate in the sexual assault and date rape prevention programs offered at the main campus in Foggy Bottom. Information about these programs can be obtained from the Crime Prevention office of The George Washington University Police Department at (202) 994-6994. Sexual assault offenses should be reported to the local police department as soon as possible. Counseling, mental health and victim services are available at the main campus in Foggy Bottom. Assistance in obtaining such services is available from the Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation Team located at Foggy Bottom at (202) 994-6948.
Sex Offense Definitions
The NIBRS definitions are posted on this website with the crime statistics charts for all of the GW locations.
NIBRS Definitions
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Male Victims
While most victims of sexual assault are women, some men are also victims. Male victims at The George Washington University receive the same services as women. Emotional support, options counseling, legal advocacy, and medical treatment are available to assist all those recovering from sexual assault.
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Prevention and Education Programs
The George Washington University main campus has a peer education program in which male and female students are trained to present programs on date rape and sexual assault. Free programs are available to all-male and all-female groups, as well as mixed groups, and can be arranged by calling (202) 994-2599. The program is sponsored by the Campus Living and Learning Center (Fulbright Hall).
Programs and information are also available at the Foggy Bottom campus through the Crime Prevention Division of the University Police Department 2033 G Street, the University Counseling Center 2033 K Street, the Student Health Service Ambulatory Care Center G-402, the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education (CADE) Thurston 114, and the Dean of Students Office Rice Hall 401.
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Guidelines for Assistance
If you are raped or sexually assaulted:
1. Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
2. Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash, use the toilet, or change clothing if you can avoid it. If you do change clothes, put all clothing you were wearing at the time of the attack in a paper, not plastic, bag.
3. Get medical attention as soon as possible to make sure you are physically well and to collect important evidence in the event you may later wish to take legal action.
4. Contact the local police department to file a report (the local police inofrmation is contained in the "Reporting Procedures" section of the website/document for each off campus location).
5. Talk with a counselor who will maintain confidentiality, help
explain your options, give you information, and provide emotional support.
6. Contact someone you trust to be with you and support you.
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Past Abuse
Many individuals experience sexual assault and never tell anyone about it at the time of the incident. If you were victimized weeks or years ago, assistance is still available to you. Talking with someone now may help you cope better with abuse from the past, whether it was rape, child sexual abuse, incest, or sexual harassment.
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Medical Treatment
It is important to seek immediate and follow-up medical attention for several reasons. First: to assess and treat any physical injuries you may have sustained; second to determine the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy and take preventive measures; third, to gather evidence that could aid criminal prosecution. Physical evidence should be collected immediately, ideally within the first 24 hours. It may be collected later than this, but the quality and quantity of the evidence may be diminished.
Immediate Emergency Services
A special exam should be conducted as soon as possible following an assault to make sure of your physical well being and to collect evidence that may be useful in criminal proceedings. Even if you have not been physically hurt, this special exam is strongly recommended to maintain all your legal options. After the evidence is collected, it can be stored in case you wish to press criminal charges. An emergency department physician or gynecologist performs the exam. A nurse is present throughout the procedure, and a support person of your choice can also be present.
Note: Hospital personnel will ordinarily contact the police whenever they provide treatment for injuries resulting from a crime. If you seek treatment at a local hospital and the police are contacted, this does not mean that you have to proceed with criminal charges.
Non-Emergency Medical Procedures
Even if you do not have evidence collected at the hospital, it is still important to get medical attention. An exam in this case should include treatment of any physical problems and various lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. This non-emergency treatment can be arranged with your family doctor.
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The Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation Team
The Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation (SACC) team members at Foggy Bottom are trained and prepared to assist the survivor of sexual assault or rape. The team members do not act as counselors, but provide the survivor with information and resources in order to make informed decisions regarding the incident. This information would include assisting the survivor in identifying his or her medical, legal, counseling and academic assistance needs; identifying the appropriate campus and/or community services to provide necessary assistance; providing follow-up with the survivor to determine if the services have been obtained and have met the survivor's needs; and explaining options, such as filing a report with the local police department, filing a civil suit, reviewing the availability of mediation through the University; and acting as an educator about rape, and sexual assault. The coordinator of the SACC team can be contacted at (202) 994-6948 for assistance.
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Counseling and Emotional Support
Main Campus
The University Counseling Center for the main campus is located at 2033 K Street, NW (202) 994-5300. Counselors can provide confidential support for you during this difficult period. They can inform you of common emotional reactions to this crisis and discuss coping methods that may assist you immediately following the assault and later. Talking about your choices with a counselor in a safe, supportive environment may help you sort through your feelings and decide what to do. You do not need to disclose your name if you call the counseling center for information. Counselors will not reveal your identity to anyone without your permission. Students may be seen on an emergency walk-in basis or by appointment. Assistance and support for dealing with personal and academic issues is also available from the Dean of Students Rice Hall 401, (202) 994-6710.
The counselors typically notify students about their reporting options, including the ability to file a confidential report with GW UPD or the Program Director at the off campus site, for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics for that program site.
Non-GW Resources
The D.C. Rape Crisis Center, (202) 232-0789, provides a confidential hotline, by appointment only (202) 333-RAPE and advocacy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as free short-term individual and group counseling.
Note: this information is provided for informational purposes only. To report a sexual assault, contact the appropriate police department (see Section 5-Reporting Procedures)
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Reporting to the Local Police Department
The reasons for reporting to the local police department are: 1) to take action which may prevent further victimization, 2) to apprehend the assailant; and 3) to seek justice for the wrong that has been done to you, 4) to have the incident recorded for purposes of reporting statistics about an incident that occurred at a specific location.
If you choose to report the incident, an officer will take a statement from you regarding what happened. The officer will ask you to describe the assailant(s) and may ask questions about the scene of the crime, any witnesses, and what happened before and after the incident. You may have a support person with you during the interview. NOTE: Reporting an incident is a separate step from choosing to prosecute. When you file a report, you are not obligated to continue with legal proceedings. Remember, you can choose whether or not to participate in proceedings at any point.
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Anonymous Reporting
If you are assaulted and do not want to pursue action through the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making an anonymous report. With your permission, the Chief or a designee of UPD can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of an anonymous report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to insure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record about the number of incidents involving students, determine when there is a pattern of assaults with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.
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Academic Assistance
Students who allege sexual assault by another student may request to change their academic situations after the alleged incident takes place if such changes are reasonably available.
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Criminal Investigation and Charges
If you want to press criminal charges, call the local police department. We recommend that you contact a SACC team member before you notify the local police, so they can assist you with the legal processes. Be advised that questioning can be difficult. Remember, you may request that a support person be with you during police interview the SACC team members are available upon request. If the assailant is to be apprehended, the suspect will be taken by police before the local judge and charged with the appropriate offense(s) at a preliminary arraignment. You do not need to be present for this proceeding. The assailant may be jailed or released on bail depending on the circumstances of the crime. One of the conditions of bail is usually that the suspect not try to contact you. If you are contacted by the suspect or feel threatened in any way, you should immediately call the local police. Bail can be revoked and additional charges can be filed if necessary. The prosecutor or deputy prosecutor will represent you without cost throughout the criminal proceedings. You may also speak with an attorney of your choice.
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