Kansas State University

The Annual Security Report: More than federal compliance

Submitted by K-State Clery Compliance

This Friday, Sept. 21, as part of our recognition of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, we are looking at resources and support services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as a condition under the Clery Act.

More than 50 percent of campus sexual assaults occur between August and November, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, or RAINN, so being aware of campus and community resources and reporting options is crucial.

Sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are significant experiences and can be traumatizing. Each person's experience is unique and numerous options are available for support and reporting at the Manhattan, Olathe and Polytechnic campuses. It is important to note there is no one correct response — simply different options to access support and different reporting options.

Students and employees have many options, including the following:

• You have the option to preserve physical evidence of a sexual or physical assault through a forensic exam, free of charge and with or without reporting to law enforcement, to be obtained at your local hospital or medical facility.
• You have the option to request reasonable changes to academic, living, transportation and working situations when available, regardless of whether a report is made to campus police or local law enforcement.
• You have the option to make a report to local law enforcement and you have the option to abstain from making a report to local law enforcement.
• You have the option to seek counseling and support.
• Employees: Kansas law requires employers to provide survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence with at least eight days of leave each calendar year for various reasons including the following: Obtaining or trying to obtain a restraining order or similar injunctive relief for yourself or your children; appearing in court proceedings related to sexual assault or domestic violence.

Sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are significant and can be traumatizing. Though each person's experience is unique, there are a wide range of emotions that may be felt over the days, weeks, months and even years following a traumatic experience. These reactions may change over time and it may be helpful to address them with the assistance of a counselor or therapist.

Possible physical effects

• Pain and soreness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headaches.
• Sleep pattern disturbances, insomnia or sleeping more than usual.
• Loss of appetite or change in eating habits (overeating or under-eating).

Possible psychological and emotional effects

• Impaired memory or even flashbacks.
• Shock and denial.
• Irritability and anger, sadness and grief, social withdrawal, numbing.
• Apathy (detachment, loss of caring).
• Hypervigilance (always on guard) and Being Easily startled (jumpiness).
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Guilt, shame or embarrassment.
• Diminished interest in activities or sex or an increased interest in sexual activity.

Sexual battery, rape, other sex crimes, domestic violence and stalking are against the law in Kansas. You can report these crimes and others to campus police or to local police. Additionally, you may want to:

• Consider reporting to the Office of Institutional Equity.
• Consider talking to a CARE advocate.
• Consider talking to a counselor or therapist.

The Here to Help Guide, found on the Report It webpage, contains additional information including steps to take following a sexual assault, medical support, and reasonable changes.

Additional information regarding resources, university policies, and educational programs may be found in for each campus in their respective report.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (Clery Reports)

• Manhattan campus (PDF)
• Polytechnic campus (PDF)
• Olathe campus (PDF)

Any questions regarding the Report It webpage or Clery Act compliance in general may be directed to Sarah F. Barrett, coordinator of Clery Act federal compliance, at ksuclery@k-state.edu.