Criminal sex offenses are classified in degree according to the
seriousness of the sexual activity, the degree of force used, the
age of the victim, and the physical and mental capacity of the
offender and victim. Criminal sex offenses range from Class A
Misdemeanors, which are punishable by imprisonment of up to 6
months, to Class B Felonies which are punishable by imprisonment of
up to 25 years. Monetary fines also may be imposed.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It occurs
in relationships of power and control (faculty/student,
staff/student, employer/employee) and arises in either of two
ways:
- In quid pro quo situations, the aggressor uses his/her position
as leverage to extort sexual contact from the victim in return for
a promotion, a good grade, or even job security.
- In hostile environment claims, the victim is subjected to
unwelcome sexual advances that are so severe or pervasive that they
create a hostile, offensive working or learning environment.
Sexual harassment also exists between peers (student/student,
faculty/faculty). Acts of harassment can range from verbal
suggestion or innuendo to offensive physical contact. This includes
sexual remarks, joking, sexual propositioning, pinching, grabbing,
or fondling. Where physical abuse is involved, victims may pursue
the aggressor in a criminal action. Victims of sexual harassment
can take civil actions against employers and/or educational
institutions, which may result in money damages.
Rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment are against the law
and against St. John's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Individuals found guilty of violating these policies will be
suspended or expelled from this institution.
Some Examples of Sexual Abuse
- During the course of a date, a couple is initially comfortable
with sexual conduct, but the woman changes her mind, and the man
continues to force the woman to have sex.
- A professor suggests to a student that a higher grade in a
course may be obtained in return for sex.
- A student takes sexual advantage of another who is incapable,
for one reason or another, of asserting unwillingness.
- A man forces an unwilling woman to have sex because the couple
had a previous sexual relationship.
- A man misinterprets actions of a woman who he thinks has been
flirting with him and forces her to have sex with him.
- Any inappropriate or non-consensual contact such as pinching a
person's buttocks.
Skits, which include examples of stalking, harassment, and
acquaintance rape, are performed by upperclassmen during the Summer
Freshman Orientation Program. A question and answer period follows
the performance of the skits.