LGBT individuals are just as likely to be sexually harassed or assaulted as heterosexuals, but are less likely to report such offenses, or receive the support necessary to adequately respond to the offense. UD is committed to eliminating such offenses, including those offenses perpetrated against LGBT individuals, and to providing ample support for victims.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic advancement,
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individual, or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

Violations of the Sexual Harassment policy may include but are not limited to:

• demand for sexual favors accompanied by threats or promises
• persistent, unwelcome flirtation, requests for dates, advances or propositions of a sexual nature
• unwanted touching such as patting, pinching, hugging or repeated brushing against an individual's body
• repeated degrading or insulting comments that demean an individual's sexuality or sex
• unwarranted displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures
• sexual assault

A victim's self-confidence and self-esteem may be undermined by sexual harassment. Common reactions include feeling uncomfortable, annoyed, embarrassed, degraded, disgusted, angry, or helpless. Many victims blame themselves and feel guilty instead of blaming the one responsible for the harassment. Victims -- especially LGBT victims of harassment -- often fear retaliation and loss of privacy if they report an incident. UD absolutely prohibits retaliation against anyone raising allegations of sexual harassment. Furthermore, such retaliation is against the law.

To begin informal or formal actions against someone who has sexually harassed an individual, contact Liane Sorenson in the Office of Women's Affairs in 305 Hullihen Hall at 831-8063 or by email at lianes@udel.edu. You may also contact the LGBT Community Office for more information.

People who are forced to have sexual contact against their will are victims/survivors of sexual assault. If the assault involves intercourse, it is rape. Rape by someone the victim/survivor knows is acquaintance rape. If it occurs in a dating situation, it is referred to as date rape. Rape by someone unknown to the victim/survivor is called stranger rape. You should also be aware that there are other forms of sexual violence and exploitation, which are not only offensive, but against the law. These include obscene phone calls, indecent exposure, and voyeurism.

If someone who has been sexually assaulted comes to you as an Ally,

• Listen, be supportive and non-judgmental.
• Make it clear that the sexual assault was not the victim/survivor's fault.
• Let the victim/survivor choose which details to relate.
• Let the victim/survivor decide what actions to take to help her/him regain control. If you are uncertain what the victim/survivor wants from you, ask.
• Offer options. Suggest calling the police; seeking medical attention; calling Sexual Offense Support (SOS; info below), rape crisis-CONTACT, and or the Center for Counseling and Student Development for emotional support; and telling others about the assault.
• Don't let your own emotions color your response. A sexual assault often has an impact on people close to the victim/survivor. Don't be afraid to call one of the organizations below to get support for yourself.

If the victim/survivor is willing, s/he should immediately report the assault to the police, by calling 911 (or 9 + 911 on campus). The victim/survivor should also seek medical attention as soon as possible if the assault involved sexual penetration or other physical injuries. (Evidence can be collected several hours after an attack, but its value may be diminished.) The victim/survivor should not wash, change clothing or otherwise "clean up," and should bring a full change of clothing because the clothes worn at the time of the attack may be kept as evidence.

Victims/survivors can choose to prosecute and report their case through the UD judicial system and/or the off-campus court system.