Otis prohibits rape, acquaintance rape, and sexual assault. Sexual assault is a violation of the College's Code of Conduct, as well as a violation of the law. In an effort to reduce the risk of sexual assault occurring among its students, the College provides awareness and prevention programming. These outreach efforts are coordinated by Counseling and Psychological Services. For information, call 310-846-5738.
In the event that a sexual assault does occur, the College takes the matter very seriously. A student who is found to have committed sexual assault on or off campus is subject to immediate suspension, or dismissal from Otis. If a student is accused of sexual assault s/he is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the stated Code of Conduct in the Otis Student Handbook.
A student wishing to officially report such an incident may do so by contacting any of the following individuals or submitting an Title IX Report Form:
- Campus Safety at 310-665-6965 or campussafety@otis.edu
- Any of the Title IX contacts listed on this page.
Anyone with knowledge about a sexual assault is encouraged to report it immediately.
If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Go to a safe place and speak with someone you trust. Tell this person what happened. If there is any immediate danger, let a campus safety officer know if you are on campus or call 911 if you are off campus. Consider securing immediate professional support to assist you in the crisis. If you are on campus, go to Student Health Center located in the Ahmanson Hall, first floor. For your safety and well being, immediate medical attention is encouraged. Further, being examined as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours, is important. The Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center will arrange for a specific medical examination at no charge. To preserve evidence, it is best that you do not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes before that exam. If you have already bathed, you are still encouraged to have prompt medical care. Additionally, you are encouraged to gather bedding, linens, or unlaundered clothing and any other pertinent articles which may be used for evidence. After the immediate crisis has passed, consider seeking support from Counseling and Psychological Services or the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center. Contact the Dean of Student Affairs at 310.665.6961 if you need assistance with College-related concerns. Counseling services are also available by contacting Jamie Turner, Therapist at 310.665.6968
Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center
1250 Sixteenth Street
Santa Monica, California 90404 (310)319-4000
Legal Definitions
Rape is generally defined as forced sexual intercourse. It may also include situations where the victim is incapable of giving consent due to a disability or intoxication. Many rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, such as a date or friend.
Under California law, rape is sexual intercourse against the will of the victim that can occur under a variety of circumstances, including:
- Where the victim is prevented from resisting due to alcohol or drugs.
- Where the assailant uses physical force or the threat of force to overpower and control the victim.
- Where the victim fears that she or he or another will be injured if the victim does not submit.
- Where the victim is at the time unconscious of the nature of the act, and this is known to the assailant.
- Where the victim is incapable of giving legal consent due to a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability, and this is known or reasonably should be known to the assailant.
- Where the act is accomplished by threatening to use the authority of a public official to incarcerate, arrest, or deport the victim or another person.
- Where the assailant uses duress, such as a direct or implied threat of hardship or retribution, to coerce the victim.
- Where the assailant uses force, fear, or threats to accomplish sexual intercourse against the will of the spouse. This provision of the law is known as the "spousal rape law."
The complete California rape law is contained in Section 261 of the Penal Code. The spousal rape law is set forth in Section 262.
Other Sexual Assaults
Aside from rape, other sexual assault crimes include the following: sodomy (forced anal intercourse); oral copulation (forced oral-genital contact); rape by a foreign object (forced penetration by a foreign object, including a finger); and sexual battery (the unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal).
Emergency Numbers
- Otis College Campus Safety Desk: (310) 665-6965
- Police and Medical: 911
- Counseling and Psychological Services: (310) 665-6968
- Student Affairs: (310) 665-6960