Rape
If you have been raped, or think you have been raped, the first thing you may want to do is to call one of three places on campus for a confidential conversation. They are:
- Safe Space. Safe Space informs survivors of their options after an assault and offers them an opportunity to share their experiences in a confidential and supportive atmosphere. We offer extended support through the healing process. Safe Space 24-hour beeper: 518-860-7899.
- The Counseling Center. Silliman Hall. The Counseling Center offers confidential professional counseling services to Union College students. 518-388-6161
- Religious programs. Silliman Hall. Reverend Victoria Brooks-McDonald, the Campus Protestant Minister and Interfaith Chaplain can provide students confidential counseling regardless of religious background. 518-388-6618
Additionally, there are off-campus confidential resources.
- Sexual Assault Support Services confidential hotline (518 346-2266)
- Rape Crisis Services (Planned Parenthood) of Schenectady County (518 374-5353)
(confidentiality does not apply in cases of incest or when suicidal or homicidal tendencies are expressed)
If you think you have been raped, you are encouraged to seek medical care and supportive counseling as soon as possible. Evidence may be collected during a medical examination at Ellis Hospital, McClellan campus, formerly St Clare's Hospital (Emergency Dept., 518-382-2222) after an assault has occurred.
It is important to do the following if you have not done so already:
- Preserve Evidence: Do not brush your teeth, eat, shower and/or smoke. If you do change, be sure to place clothes in a paper bag.
- Write down any details of the attack.
- If you choose, go to the hospital and get a rape kit done to collect any evidence.
- If you think you have been drugged, tell someone so you can give a urine sample.
Even if you do not want to press charges, you are encouraged to seek medical attention. You may have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections, may have suffered internal injuries, or may be at risk of pregnancy.
Ellis Hospital, McClellan campus, formerly St Clare's Hospital offers the services of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, sometimes known as a SANE Nurse. This specially trained SANE Nurse has particular expertise in these matters. If you want more information on the process, call the Safe Space beeper to speak with a trained member of Safe Space 518-349-6669. You are encouraged to seek the services at St Clare’s with this specially trained Nurse.
You may wish to consider emergency contraception, sometimes known as “Plan B,” which St. Clare’s can provide up to 72 hours after the incident.
Address of Ellis Hospital, McClellan campus, formerly St Clare's Hospital 600 McClellan St, Schenectady, NY 12304. (Google Maps link)
Ellis Hospital (1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, NY 12308) (Google Maps link) also provides emergency services and can provide emergency contraception, but they do not have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner on duty.
What is Rape?
New York State Penal Law, Article 130, et., seq., defines sexual offenses. It lists the sections and degree of sex crimes. Sexual assault is a criminal act carrying a penalty of varying degrees. Some sexual offenses (e.g., rape) are defined as felonies, which may carry sentences of up to 25 years in prison. A copy of Article 130, et., seq., is available in the Dean of Students Office and in Campus Safety. The following is a brief synopsis of the offenses listed therein.
Rape: If a person engages in nonconsensual sexual intercourse due to physical force, coercion or threat-actual or implied-the act is considered rape. Sexual intercourse is defined as vaginal penetration. A person who is mentally incapacitated, asleep, physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption or unconscious is considered unable to consent. If intercourse takes place without consent, it is considered rape. If a woman says 'no,' regardless of the circumstances, it is not a matter for interpretation. 'No' means NO. Sexual intercourse following a spoken 'no,' or any other expression of refusal or demurral, even without further resistance of any kind by the woman, is rape.
Sodomy: If a person engages in nonconsensual deviate intercourse due to physical force, coercion or threat-actual or implied-the act is considered sodomy.
Sexual Abuse: If a person is forced to engage in any form of sexual contact without consenting, it is considered sexual abuse.
Rape can occur between members of the same sex, or opposite sex, and members of either sex could be victims or perpetrators. Each instance of sexual assault is unique.
If any of the above is what happened to you, you will most certainly want to get help and support.