Statement of Position on Sexual Abuse
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional.
Sexual Abuse
The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This includes any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or sexual assault by members acting together. Strippers, exotic dancers or similar persons, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event are prohibited.
A chapter will educate its members on the issue of sexual abuse.
Why We Should Be Concerned About Sexual Abuse
Legal liability is a reality in sexual abuse incidents not to mention the ethical and moral implications. It is possible that a victim of sexual abuse or rape may be able to sue the perpetrator, even though criminal charges are not filed or are dismissed. The chapter, chapter officers, and others may be sued if an incident of sexual abuse occurs at a chapter function. The PHI KAPPA TAU liability insurance coverage specifically excludes coverage for the perpetrator.
“What Is Sexual Abuse?”
In order to understand sexual abuse, we must define both sexual harassment and rape. Sexual harassment is defined as the unwelcome, unreciprocated imposition of sexual attention, usually in the context of a relationship of unequal power. Rape is defined as an act of sexual penetration with a person against her/his will. Both of these actions fall under the definition of sexual abuse.
There are many types of sexual abuse. Recognize that sexually abusive behavior occurs on a continuum ranging from harassment to rape. Sexual abuse usually falls into two categories, verbal and physical.
Verbal Abuse May Include:
Whistling
Humor and jokes about sex or male/female specific traits
Suggestive or insulting sounds
Sexual innuendoes about your or someone else’s personal appearance
Sexual innuendoes about your or someone else’s sexual activities
Demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats
Obscene gestures
Physical Abuse May Include:
Any inappropriate touching, pinching or patting
Coerced sexual intercourse
Assault
What You Can Do as an Individual to Minimize Sexual Abuse
Understand that you are responsible for your own actions as an individual and as a member of a group. Understand your own sexuality and be aware of social pressures.
Don’t assume that previous permission for sexual activity applies to the current situation.
Don’t assume that just because someone dresses in a “sexy” manner and flirts that she wants to engage in sexual activity. However, know these actions may be misinterpreted.
Don’t get into a vulnerable situation with someone you do not trust.
Verbal harassment of women, whistling, snide comments and stares may be assaults on a woman’s sense of well-being. The underlying intention is to intimidate the woman.
Take an equal role in your relationship with the opposite sex.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol and any use of drugs that will impair your judgment and interfere with effective communication.
Don’t rape. Sexual intimacy is a free exchange between free people. Intimidation, coercion and force have no place in intimate relationships.
Assume NO MEANS NO! Anything but “yes” means “no.”
What You Can Do as a Group to Prevent Sexual Abuse
Review chapter and system “traditions” and attitudes and eliminate sexist, degrading practices that signal to members that it is okay to demean and not respect others. This includes theme parties that are demeaning to women.
Host educational programs for your chapter. Hold another program on alcohol and other drugs. Aggressively address problems of substance abuse that lead to other problems.
Invite a campus counselor to conduct a program on male-female relationships and assertive communication.
Take a leadership role in the Greek System to condemn sexual harassment and abuse and to promote a safe environment for all.
What to Do if You or Someone You Know Has Been Sexually Harassed
Stand up to the harasser. If you are in a situation that doesn’t feel right, let your harasser know that you feel uncomfortable. Tell him/her that you do not like what they are doing.
Seek out support from friends with whom you can share your concerns.
Talk to your chapter Chapter Consultant about your concerns.
What to Do if You or Someone You Know Has Been Raped
Contact a close friend or relative with whom you would feel comfortable talking.
If a friend tells you that she has been raped, believe her. False alarms are rare. It is important to listen to her and then encourage her to call a crisis center, contact the police and receive medical treatment.
Call a rape-crisis hotline. Rape-crisis centers are staffed with professional counselors who will help you begin to sort through your feelings. Counselors are typically available 24 hours a day and all calls are confidential.
Contact the police. By contacting the police, the victim will have some flexibility in legal options. Victims may or may not decide to prosecute. But if one does, the necessary evidence will have been collected. Confidentiality is also observed by the police.
Get medical treatment! It is important that the victim receive medical treatment for several reasons. The victim may or may not decide to prosecute. But if they do, the necessary evidence will have been collected by medical personnel.
What to Do if Someone in Your Chapter Is Accused of Rape
The Chapter President should contact the Executive Offices immediately and inform the Chief Executive Officer or the Director of Chapter Services of the situation. They will be able to give you guidance regarding the next step.
The chapter President refers all media calls and inquiries to the Executive Offices staff.
The chapter President should contact the BOG chairman.
Advise the accused member of the chapter to seek legal advice. This is a serious charge and a member should not attempt to handle his own defense.
Cooperate with police if alleged rape occurred in the chapter house.