Palomar College is committed to providing a campus environment that is free of sexual violence. Acts of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, hereafter known as “Prohibited Acts of Conduct” are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Palomar College (Board Policy 3540).
If you become the victim of a sexual assault on or off campus:
- Get to a safe place.
- Contact the Palomar College Police Department or your local police agency, if off campus, by dialing 911.
- Do not shower, bathe, douche, change or destroy clothing.
- Do not straighten or clean-up the area.
- Seek medical attention.
- Seek emotional support from local Rape Crisis Centers:
- Center for Community Solutions – (888) 385-4657
- Women’s Resource Center – (760) 757-3500
How to Report a Sexual Assault on Campus
If you are the victim of a rape or sexual assault, contact PCPD by calling 760-891-7273, or 2289 from a district phone. PCPD will coordinate with local law enforcement and/or assist you with seeking medical treatment.
All forms of sexual violence are violations of the Palomar College Student Code of Conduct. The Palomar College Police Department treats all victims with respect and dignity. If a sexual assault should occur on campus, staff on scene, including PCPD will offer the victim a wide range of services. College personnel will assist the victim in notifying appropriate law enforcement authorities, student affairs, and/or the Title IX Coordinator, if the victim requests the assistance of these offices. If you or someone you know has been victimized on campus, you are strongly encouraged to report the incident to PCPD. Filing a report does not commit you to pursue an investigation or prosecution and PCPD will respect your decision.
Sexual Assault and Prohibited Acts of Conduct
The District shall maintain the identity of any alleged victim or witness of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking on District property confidential, unless the victim or witness specifically waives that right to confidentiality. All inquiries from reporters or other media representatives about alleged sexual assaults on District property shall be referred to the PIO who shall work with the PCPD to assure that all confidentiality rights are maintained.
The reasons for reporting the crime to PCPD:
- To take action which may prevent further crimes being committed including issuing a Timely Warning to the Campus Community
- Coordinate the investigation to apprehend the suspect.
- To have the crime recorded for reporting as part of the Clery Act.
NOTE: Reporting a crime is separate from choosing to prosecute.
Victims’ Rights
The California Constitution confers certain rights to victims of crime (Marsy’s Law). For a full list of these rights refer to Marsy’s Law . Examples of these rights include, but are not limited to:
Fairness and Respect – to be treated with fairness and respect for his or her privacy and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse throughout the criminal or juvenile justice process.
Protection from the Defendant – To be reasonably protected from the defendant and persons acting on behalf of the defendant.
Prevention of Disclosure of Confidential Information – To prevent the disclosure of confidential information or records to the defendant, the defendant’s attorney, or any other person acting on behalf of the defendant, which could be used to locate or harass the victim or the victim’s family or which disclose confidential communications made in the course of medical or counseling treatment, or which are otherwise privileged or confidential by law.
Affirmative Consent “Yes means Yes”
Affirmative Consent means: Affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, should never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent. (67386 CA Ed Code).
Behavioral Health Intervention Team
Sexual misconduct can be confusing and difficult. You may want to talk with someone on a confidential, anonymous basis. Palomar College has these resources available to you:
The District’s Behavioral Intervention Team is comprised of faculty and professional staff members who meet regularly to review best practices and current trends and to consult about matters of immediate concern. The Behavioral Intervention Team is committed to maintaining an environment where people feel safe to carry out the District’s mission. Education, communication, collaboration, coordination of resources, and early intervention are the cornerstones of Palomar’s prevention efforts.
The District will not tolerate violence or threats of violence anywhere on campus or in connection with College sponsored events. Persons who become aware of situations which pose an imminent threat to the safety of the community or one of its members, including self-harm, should call PCPD at 760-891-7273 or Extension 2289 immediately. You are also encouraged to consult with a member of the College Behavioral Intervention Team or other appropriate College official in a timely manner.
Team members include representatives from: Counseling, Health Services, Disabled Resource Center, Police Department, Behavioral Health Counselor, Student Affairs, and other departments, depending on the situation.
| Palomar College Police Department | 760-891-7273 |
|---|---|
| Women's Resource Center Hotline | 888-385-4655 |
| Spanish | 619-546-0774 |
| San Diego Domestic Violence Hotline & Shelter | 888-385-4657 |
| Rape Crisis Center | 760-352-7273 |
| Rape and Domestic Violence Hotline | 858-272-1767 |
| Narcotics Anonymous | 619-584-1007 |
| MITE North Inland Women's Recovery Center San Marcos | 760-761-0515 |
| MITE North Coastal Regional Recovery Center Oceanside | 760-721-2781 |
| MHS North Inland Regional Recovery Center Escondido | 760-741-7708 |
| MHS Family Recovery Center (Women & Children) | 760-439-6702 |
| Hidden Valley House (English & Spanish) | 460-747-6282 |
| Domestic Violence Hotline & Shelter | 760-633-1111 |
| Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Shawna Cohen SCohen@palomar.edu www.palomar.edu/her/equitydiversity | 760-744-1150 Ext. 2608 |
| Center for Community Solutions | 888-385-4655 |
| Battered Women's Shelter & Hotline | 619-234-3164 |
| Alcoholics Anonymous | 760-758-2514 |