Sex and Relationships
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Title IX Protocol
Miami University is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe learning, living, and working environment and to creating an environment that promotes responsibility, dignity, and respect in matters of sexual conduct. Sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (Title IX violations) are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Any person, regardless of gender, can be a victim/survivor. This protocol applies to both on-campus and off-campus conduct, academic, educational, co-curricular, athletic, study abroad, and other university programs.
This protocol describes how the university typically responds to reports of Title IX violations involving students. It also:
- Provides guidance for students who have been victims/survivors of a Title IX violation.
- Outlines the University's student disciplinary response to alleged conduct violations.
- Identifies the relevant places within the university responsible for the protocol and programs associated with it.
Read the entire Title IX Protocol - Students.
Resources and Support
Resources and support services related to Title IX offenses are available on the Dean of Students website.
Relationships
The foundation for a healthy relationship includes honesty, respect, trust, and positive communication.
You must actively want these components and recognize it takes time and effort from both partners to create a healthy relationship. You deserve to be in relationships built on honesty, respect, trust, and positive communication. Relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners are significant parts of our lives and it is important to seek help when relationships are no longer healthy.
How do I know if my relationships are healthy?
Student Counseling Service provides resources on assessing your relationships.
Sexuality
Each person has a right to make their own decision about their sexuality.
Abstinence is a free choice available to all and is effective at preventing both pregnancy and STIs. People may choose abstinence for moral or ethical reasons, commitment to one person, decreased emotional attachment, less pressure in a relationship, to distinguish between sex and love, or to keep independence. Choosing not to participate in certain sexual activities may encourage partners to build relationships in other ways.
Regardless of your decision, your sexuality is always your choice.
Students may normalize sexual behaviors that are potentially damaging to their body, mind, and spirit by terming these experiences as “casual” sex, “friends with benefits,” “OK because I was drunk,” or “everything goes in college.” These normalizations accept unhealthy and potentially violent behavior. It is your right to be safe and have the choices you make about yourself respected by friend, family, and loved ones.
For More Information
Visit SmarterSex.org
Sexually Transmitted Infections or Diseases (STIs or STDs)
STIs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and skin to skin contact. Herpes and HPV (Human Papillomavirus), two of the most prevalent STIs in the US, are transmitted through skin contact (even when using birth control).
Viral STIs include Genital Warts (HPV), Hepatitis-B, Herpes, and HIV. Modern medicine can reduce/help relieve symptoms of viral STIs, but there is no cure for viral STIs.
Bacterial STIs include Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Public Lice, and can usually be treated with antibiotics, although damage or complications caused by the STI may not be undone. While antibiotics may rid bacterial STIs from a person’s body, they do not prevent someone from getting a future STI.
Prevention
Some STIs show no symptoms for months or even years. Therefore, it is important to be tested and ask your partner about their past sexual partners and drug use. While abstinence is the only 100% way to protect yourself from STIs. If you decide to be sexually active, be sure to use latex condoms with a water-based lubricant and check the condom package for its expiration date and any possible damage.
For More Information
Choosing Birth Control
With numerous methods of birth control options available, you should be informed before deciding which method is best for you. Be sure to use birth control consistently and correctly in order for it to be effective.
Unfortunately, someone’s birth control can be changed, altered, or the method coerced. According to the 2005 National Crime Victimization Survey, approximately 1 in 5 women said they experienced pregnancy coercion and 1 in 7 said they experienced active interference with contraception.
Substance Use and Sex
Alcohol is the most common date rape drug.
Many substances (including alcohol) inhibit clear thinking, impair decision making and judgment, and prevent one’s ability to consent.
A person cannot give consent to sex when they are under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. Intoxication is not a defense against sexual assault. You and your partner must clearly communicate before sex. Alcohol numbs nerve endings and dulls sensation making sex less physically enjoyable. Alcohol also decreases a female’s ability to self-lubricate, making sex potentially painful.
Sexual Assault and Alcohol
Half of all sexual assault perpetrators are under the influence of alcohol at the time of the assault, with estimates ranging from 30%-75%.
~Antonia Abbey, Alcohol and Sexual Violence Perpetration www.vawnet.orgCoffee and Conversations
Coffee and Conversations is a survivor support series through the Office of Student Wellness and Women Helping Women. It is open to all survivors of sexual assault or interpersonal violence.
Sex-Based Offenses
Sexual Assault: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will when the victim is incapable of giving consent.
Domestic Violence: Felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed either by a current or former spouse of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; the existence of the relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: length of the relationship, type of relationship, and frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Stalking: 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 suffer substantial emotional distress.
Reporting Sex-Based Offenses
- Miami University Police, 513-529-2222
- Hamilton Police Department, 513-868-5811
- Middletown Police Department, 513-425-7766
- OEEO, 513-529-7157
Title IX Coordinators
- Kenya Ash, Title IX Coordinator: ashkd@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-7157
- Jennie Gilbert, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Student Activities: gilberj2@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-7285
- Sexual and interpersonal violence response coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students: sarc@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-1870
Related Student Organizations
- PAVES (People Against Violence & Sexual Assault): paves@MiamiOH.edu
- MARS (Men Against Rape & Sexual Assault): mars@MiamiOH.edu
Miami Resources
Message for survivors:
- I believe you.
- It's not your fault.
- Resources are available.
Student Wellness
Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness Facility
421 South Campus Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-7893
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
HAWKS Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.