Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking
Lincoln University Police Department
BACKGROUND
On March 7th, 2013, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 ((VAWA), Public Law 113-4). Among other provisions, this law amended section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), otherwise known as the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)). All Institutions of Higher Education that receive Title IV funding must follow the requirement under the Clery Act as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program. The Clery Act requires Universities to compile statistics for certain crimes that are reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies including incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Additionally, institutions are required to include certain policies, procedures, and programs pertaining to these crimes in their Annual Security Reports (See 34 CFR 668.46 for more info).
Lincoln University prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As a result, Lincoln University issues this statement of policy to inform the community of our comprehensive plan addressing sexual misconduct, educational programs, and procedures that address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, whether the incident occurs on or off campus and when it is reported to a University official. A copy of this Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy shall be distributed annually to each university employee and to each university student who is taking one or more classes for academic credit and students enrolled in continuing education classes.
The Annual Security Report must contain the following information on the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy:
- Procedures Lincoln University will follow once an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking has been reported, including the standard of evidence that will be used during a conduct hearing;
- Description of the educational programs to promote awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking for all incoming students and new employees and ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees;
- Missouri definition of consent, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and the applicable federal definitions;
- Safe and positive options for bystander intervention and information on risk reduction to recognize the warning signs of abusive behavior and how to avoid potential attacks; and
- Explanation of Victims' rights in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence,and stalking.