Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention

Santa Fe College (SF) strives to create the best possible environment for students, teachers, and staff. We want to keep students safe and comfortable so that they can learn and advance in both college and the greater community. Students deserve to be treated fairly while pursuing their education. Being treated differently than other students based on what we call a “protected class” like sex, gender, or race is a violation of your civil rights.Therefore, SF does not allow any discrimination or harassment. In this module, we are going to define sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence. An explanation of the school’s policy and procedure for reporting concerns will also be covered. Sexual harassment is a violation of Santa Fe College policies. It includes any unwanted comments, suggestions, or any physical contact of a sexual nature that makes an individual feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment also occurs when a person makes unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Remember, sexual harassment can include forcing a student to do something of a sexual nature in order to receive a good grade, or anything else related to academic performance. For example, if a teacher threatens to fail a student unless the student agrees to date the teacher, that is a form of sexual harassment. If a student or class ever feels that a teacher’s or other student’s comments or other conduct creates a hostile, offensive environment that doesn’t let the student fully participate in his or her education, this may also be sexual harassment. A teacher, another student, or even a visitor to the campus may all create a hostile environment that harms students and their ability to learn. Sexual harassment can occur in class but also in clubs or other programs at Santa Fe.Students are also expected to respect and to follow the rules of the college and act responsibly and ethically at all times. Remember, these rules apply to things that happen on the college campus, and at any college events. But it can also include anything that happens off campus that hurts the college community, including inappropriate online behavior. To be clear, SF expects that no students engage in any kind of sexual harassment. Students must avoid any verbal, physical, or written abuse to intimidate or threaten any other person, or engage in stalking behavior. Sexual violence is a severe form of sexual harassment and may include sexual assault, rape, or other sexual misconduct as well as domestic or dating violence. These behaviors are strictly prohibited and absolutely not tolerated. They may result in violations of college policies and criminal law. All people that work at SF must share with the Title IX Coordinator if there are any issues with sexual misconduct. This ensures that students receive appropriate supports and allows the college to work towards safety for all on campus. However, confidential resources like the counselors at the Counseling and Wellness Center will keep everything confidential if you wish. Together, we can keep Santa Fe safe for everybody! Thank you!

What does Santa Fe College do if a complaint is made or if a student breaks the student code regarding sexual harassment or other forms of sexual violence?  If this violation occurs in a college related activity, our campus equal opportunity coordinator and or Santa Fe College police officer will make sure that an investigation is conducted and will complete an incident report of the matter. You may choose to continue with an intervention by the college or not as well as pursue any criminal investigations or not. If there is a situation wherein a student is protected by an order from a civil or criminal court, the college will make sure to follow the law and be responsible in upholding what the orders say. Remember even if there's no formal student hearing or further investigation, the college will take steps to make sure you feel comfortable at school.  In addition, Santa Fe College will work compassionately with students as well as protect their rights and respect their confidentiality.  We also treat those accused of a crime fairly as they are entitled to their own rights. Those who are found guilty of a violation will be disciplined with a wide range of penalties.  Remember, Santa Fe College enforcement authorities will handle all complaints that come up, but this is a separate process than any criminal or civil procedure. These processes may occur at the same time at different times, or if the student chooses, he or she may not want to start a criminal investigation at all. The person who makes an accusation and those accused in a complaint involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking both have the right to have an advisor with them at a hearing discussing what happened. Remember, any penalties are used to keep the campus safe and while the investigation occurs Santa fe College might have to make accommodations to keep the students safe. A student may choose not to have a formal hearing but even reporting a crime can help deter future crimes and demonstrate the penalty for such crime. Santa Fe College does not tolerate any of this behavior. Some behavior is so harmful or disruptive to the college community that it may require removing an offender from a specific course or activity or even result in suspension.   You are encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate law enforcement authorities which may be campus or local police. College personnel can help you in notifying the authorities if you prefer while you may choose not to notify authorities. If you are a survivor of sexual assault domestic or dating violence, please let us know and even though the process may seem scary it's not. We will help you and those accused seek the help needed.

When we talk about consent and sex, this means that both people have to agree to any sexual activity. We will be talking about communicating about what is okay and what is NOT okay during any sexual activity. Both people have to agree to have sex, not just allowing it to happen but really knowing that they want to and desire to have sex with each other or do any other sexual behavior. Talking about having sex might seem “weird,” but it’s important to understand what the other person wants and desires and what they are thinking. It will make the experience even better! BOTH people have to agree and have a clear understanding of what is going to happen all throughout, and if you want to move onto the next level, talk about it first! It also means that both have agreed to the activity so it can’t be forced. Don’t assume that someone wants to have sex or do sexual things even if you’re in a relationship! Always talk about it before you start *any* sexual activity. It will get easier and easier to talk about it as you continue to have these conversations. Remember, it’s always okay to say no. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or change your mind, you can change your mind; it’s okay to stop. Recognize that your partner doesn’t want to continue and stop immediately! If there is ever a doubt, ask before continuing on. If you don’t talk about what is happening and you don’t ask for consent, you could be doing something that the other person doesn’t want, so stop and talk about it. If you don’t, you could be hurting the other person. You could also be breaking the law and you could get in trouble with SF and the police. If you are too drunk to talk about having sex or other sexual behavior, it’s NOT okay because a person can’t make that decision. Both people have to be able to discuss what they are about to do, and if they are too drunk, then they can’t legally consent to sex. Wait until another time when you are sober. You can’t just assume that someone wants to have sex or do other sexual activity. They have to tell you! Just because someone is silent does not mean, “yes” Remember, only a verbal “yes” means “yes.” Even if a person isn’t sure, this is not consent. If you are confused about what the other person wants or if you aren’t sure, just ask. Unclear communication is not a “yes” For example, if someone says, “let’s go back to my place” or “let’s have some fun together” this is NOT consent. Just because someone is acting sexy or wearing a sexy outfit does not mean that they want to have sex or do sexual activities nor does it mean that you are allowed to have sex with that person. A short skirt or sexy top is not an invitation for sex! You need to discuss what you are about to do. There should be no doubts! When we talk about having sexual intercourse or doing other sexual activity it makes it more fun for everybody. Don’t ever feel bad about wanting to talk about what is going to happen. You can talk about preventing pregnancy or preventing a sexually transmitted infection as well. A simple discussion can prevent an unwanted pregnancy or a possibly deadly disease. The bottom line: Yes means yes. Talk about all sexual activity before you start it and make sure to check in with the other person along the way. Communication is key! Need help with getting the conversation going? 

What is a bystander? A bystander is someone who witnesses an act of violence, discrimination or other offensive behavior - in this case of a sexual nature - and has the opportunity to intervene.   Bystander intervention can help to make our community and college a better place, and a place where we are all equal. If we take a moment to address negative situations, we are saying that what is happening is not acceptable and that we, as a community, won’t accept sexual violence or assault of any form. Bystander actions are actions taken by one or more individuals who aren’t directly involved in the incident in order to identify, to speak out, or to seek the help of others. These actions may be in response to specific violent behaviors, attitudes, or policies that contribute to sexual violence. When it is safe to do so, we can report an act of violence to the police or campus authorities. Teachers and staff here at Santa Fe know how to report any instances of violence or harassment, and we have very clear rules in place for responding to anything that happens. Although women are often the survivors of sexual assault and violence, it is not a “woman’s problem.” Everybody is affected by it. So we all need to work to stop it, including men. Here at Santa Fe College, we give you ways to report any incident of violence and fully support you when you do.  We will believe you and investigate what you report. Remember, intervening as a bystander does not always mean getting directly involved in what’s happening. Do not involve yourself if you are alone or if you do not feel safe in doing so. Alert the authorities and describe exactly what you saw. Here at Santa Fe College, if you see something, say something. Warning signs can manifest themselves in one-on-one settings or group interaction. They may appear in letters, emails, social networking sites, photos, phone calls, or text messages. Students should inform any college employee or use this online Report Form.  If you see behavior that involves sexual assault, harassment, or threatens anyone at or on Santa Fe College campus, please dial 911 or call the Santa Fe College Police Department immediately at 352-395-5555. Report the behavior with information including the location, date and time, persons involved, descriptions, and witnesses. If you see behavior that indicates a potential for violence that concerns you call the Santa Fe College Police Department 24/7 at 352-395-5519 or the Santa Fe College Counseling and Wellness Center Mon - Fri 8am - 4:30pm at 352-395-5508. If you would like to use the online reporting form, please do! We, as individuals, can say that we do not allow or accept any sexual assault, violence, or any other harmful behavior. We do not always have to get involved to help; and you should only do so if it is safe and does not place you in harm’s way. You can always contact those in charge or those who know what to do to help. We can also help support people after they have experienced sexual violence. Sexual assault and violence hurts everybody not just those involved. We all need to do our part to help makes our community as comfortable and safe as possible.