NSCC - Campus Police - Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a criminal offense. Sexual assault in any form, including acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated.

Sexual assault as defined in the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting System includes rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non-forcible offenses. A listing and definition for which an individual may be disciplined under this policy and procedure is available at the Campus Police Department.

When an allegation of sexual assault is made, the College will encourage the alleged victim to pursue criminal prosecution under the Massachusetts criminal statutes. In addition, the appropriate campus disciplinary action may be pursued. Sanctions for sexual assault violations include, in addition to criminal charges, suspensions, dismissal or expulsion from the College.

All allegations of sexual assault will be investigated. Students accused of sexual assault are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the provisions of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, whether or not formal criminal charges are filed by the victim. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during college disciplinary proceedings, and both are informed of the outcome. A student found to have committed a sexual assault in violation of the college policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.

North Shore Community College offers a variety of on-campus programs to promote personal awareness in an effort to educate and prevent the occurrence of sexual assaults on campus. These programs are provided throughout the semester by the Health Care Centers, the Student Support Center, the Women's Center, and by other College organizations. The Student Support Center and the Health Care Centers are available to provide counseling and answer any questions you might have. Counseling is also available in the community through the North Shore Rape Crisis Center at 1-800-922-8772. They are available 24 hours a day.

In the event you are the victim of a sexual assault on the campus, first and most importantly, get yourself to a safe location where you can contact the Campus Police at extension 6222 or (781) 593-7032, and/or one of the following:

The local police

A friend or family member

North Shore Rape Crisis at 1-800-922-8772.

For the purposes of ensuring your own physical health as well as the successful apprehension and prosecution of your attacker if desired/warranted, it is very important that you promptly go to/be sent to a local emergency room to be examined. As awkward or as uncomfortable as it may be, you should not change your clothing or bathe prior to this examination. You will want at this time to be treated for any injuries you may have sustained and also be tested for the presence of any sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition counselors in the Student Support Center, Administrators, Faculty, and Staff can assist a sexual assault survivor in notifying the police authorities.

Be aware it is your right to have a trained rape counselor accompany you throughout all or any part of this medical examination. The counselor is there to provide support and answer any questions you may have. The information you share privately with the counselor is confidential. Seeing the doctor and having an evidentiary "rape kit" completed does not mean you must prosecute your attacker, but it does significantly increase the potential for success if you choose to do so.

Information regarding registered sex offenders may be obtained from the local municipal police department or from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board on their web site: http://www.state.ma.us/sorb/.

North Shore Community College will not tolerate abuse in any form. The College Police Department stands ready to fully investigate a report of sexual assault. We work closely with the local police, and the Student Support Services Department shall assist the victim in making alternative academic arrangements as well as provide counseling and support.

For more information, please contact us at (781) 593-7032 or campus-police@northshore.edu.