Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment and refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person who has not consented or who is incapable of giving consent. Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity and is determined by all the relevant facts and circumstances. Consent cannot be given by someone who is incapacitated for any reason (i.e., because of the victim’s age, disability, unconsciousness, or use of drugs or alcohol).
Additionally, consent cannot be implied by silence, the absence of resistance, or past consent with the same or another person. Even if a person has given his or her consent to engage in sexual activity, consent to engage in further sexual activity can be withdrawn at any time. Consent is invalid where it is given under coercion, force, or threats.
Examples of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual abuse. Such acts of sexual violence, in addition to being criminal offenses prohibited under the Utah Criminal Code, also constitute Sexual Misconduct prohibited under this policy. A single act of sexual violence (e.g., rape) may be sufficiently severe to create a hostile environment.
Domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are likewise criminal offenses under the Utah Criminal Code and are also considered Sexual Misconduct prohibited under this policy, even when the criminal behavior is not specifically sexual in nature.
Domestic violence is a violent crime committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner (or someone similarly situated) or any other person against a victim who is protected from that person’s acts under state domestic or family violence laws. Dating violence is violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or to suffer substantial emotional distress.