Sexual Assault

The goal of this website is to provide awareness and education for students, faculty and staff concerning sexual assault/violence — what it is, including the legal perspective; what to do if it happens; where to go for support; and campus and local resources. Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity (OIED) will develop and announce focused efforts and programs throughout the year. This will include joint efforts by OIED, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs, Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI), University Health, Campus Police and Human Resources.

Sexual assault is a term that is used to encompass the multitude of ways in which a person can be violated in a sexual nature against her/his will. It is defined as any sexual act directed against another person, that is forcible and/or against that person’s will; or, where that person is incapable of giving consent. Sexual assault is a crime in all of the U.S. states and territories.

Domestic and Sexual Assualt/Violence Resources

• View the Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity's report on What to do if you are a Victim of Sexual Assault or Misconduct.

Campus Contact Information

• UTHSC Campus Police: 901.448.4444
• UTHSC University Health Services: 901.448-5630; 901.541.5654 After Hours, 24/7
• Student Assistance Program: 1.800.327.2255 (Option 3) 24/7
• Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity: 901.448.2112
• Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI): 901.448.5056

Additional Information and Resources

• City, State and National Resources

The 2011 Title IX Dear Colleague Letter requires UTHSC to provide educational programs on sexual assault/violence. Moreover, reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which is federal legislation that is in place to improve responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States, in addition to the Campus SaVE Act (SEC. 304 of the VAWA reauthorization Act of 2013) has many implications for higher education institutions.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves to bring awareness around these issues. Following the initial observance of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, advocates of sexual assault survivors sought to create a similar awareness event more specific to sexual violence. What started out as an awareness week in April, grew into a month-long consciousness-raising event as advocates began to coordinate events throughout the month of April. 

In April of 2001, the U.S. began to nationally observe the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Throughout the month, organizations across the country host events and programs that aim to educate the public and reach out to survivors. Teal ribbons are worn by many to raise awareness in support of the cause.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2014 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities.

 – President Barack Obama, April 2014