Sex Offense Information
The Washington State Criminal Code defines rape as:
- engaging in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion;
- or when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated;
- or when a victim does not consent to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator and such lack of consent is clearly expressed by the victim's words or conduct.
Such infractions can result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including suspension or permanent dismissal from the college.
If you or someone you know is the victim of a sex offense, report it immediately to the police.
Resources are available to help you on and off-campus. It is important that you preserve any evidence of this assault to prove that a criminal offense has occurred. Trained staff members assist victims in coping with the aftermath of assaults and in exploring available options confidentially.
You may request the institution change your academic situation after an alleged sex offense. You are encouraged to tell someone and to seek help from the following resources:
- Pierce College Women's Center: (253) 964-6297
- Sexual Assault Crisis Center: 1-800-756-7273
- Pierce County Crisis Line: (253) 272-9882 or 1-800-576-7764
- Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025
- Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-764-2420
For information on the procedures for campus disciplinary action in cases of an alleged sex offense that takes place on campus, and of the sanctions the institution may impose following a final determination of a disciplinary proceeding regarding sex offenses, please see the Student Rights and Responsibilities/Code of Conduct.
