Violence may be intentional or unintentional and can be directed towards a person or group of individuals. Various types of violence that can occur on campus can include the following:
- Physical violence
- Psychological violence (Harassment)
- Sexual violence
- Racism
- Homophobia
Physical violence can include but is not limited to physical assault, damage to property, or a shooter on campus etc. Monmouth College does not tolerate physical violence or damage to property. For more information on Monmouth College policies regarding physical violence and damage to property please visit:The Scots Guide. For information about how to handle a shooter on campus please visit: Emergency Procedures.
Psychological violence can induce fear, cause emotional anguish and can be used as a tool to control. Monmouth College’s policy on harassment clearly states that this is not tolerated on the Monmouth College campus. For more information on the college’s harassment policy visit:Scots Guide Harassment Policy.
Sexual violence is date rape, rape by individuals and group rape. Monmouth College’s policy on sexual assault is available here.
Violence based on racism shows disregard for human life and can cause emotional anguish. Violence based on racism can also result in injury, bodily harm, or even death. Monmouth College deplores violence based on race and considers such violence as hate crime. Any member of the college community can file a complaint according to guidelines in the Scots Guide Harassment Policy.
Violence based on homophobia also shows disregard for human life and can also cause emotional anguish and may also result in violence in injury, bodily harm, or even death. As a learning community, Monmouth College deplores such violence considers it a hate crime. Any member of the college community can file a complaint according to Scots Guide Harassment Policy.
Violence Prevention Measures at Monmouth College:
Threat Assessment Team
A team of professionals representing the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs is in place to assess possible threats to the Monmouth College community. The team meets on a regular basis also meets on an emergency basis if needed. Members of the community are advised to contact one of the following personnel immediately in the event of a real or perceived threat:
Dean on Call 309-337-5713
Monmouth College Security 309-337-5708
Emergency Public Broadcast System
A campus-wide public broadcasting system to alert the college community to possible emergency situations has been installed.
Emergency Contact System
Monmouth College, in collaboration with an outside emergency contact provider, has developed an Emergency SCOTS ALERT system whereby students, faculty and staff are alerted via their cell phones and computer E-mail accounts to the emergency.
Emergency Response Plan
Monmouth College has developed a Campus-Wide Emergency Response Plan. The Plan is available here.
All members of the Monmouth College community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Plan.
24 Hour Security Presence
Monmouth College has round-the-clock security coverage. Security officers are now available 24 hours a day seven days a week when school is in session.
Residence Halls Locked 24 Hours
All residence halls, the fraternity complex and theme houses are locked 24 hours a day at Monmouth College. Students use their key cards to enter buildings.
Residence Hall Prevention Programs
Residence hall staff conducts regular fire safety drills in collaboration with the local fire department. In addition the residence hall programs also sponsor a number of safety programs for their residence which include the following the following topics: 1) Alcohol Use and Abuse, 2) Drug Use and Abuse,3) Date Rape, 4) Aids Awareness, 5) Safe Sex, 6), Safety on Campus.
Security Vehicle
Monmouth College security officers use a designated security vehicle to respond to emergency situations. The vehicle has appropriate security equipment including a first-aid kit.
Security Escort
Monmouth College security provides escorts for students round the clock to and from campus locations including college owned parking lots. To request an escort, students can do the following:
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Call security directly at 309-337-5708
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Call Stockdale Center at ext. 2345
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Contact the RA/House Manager on duty to call the security radio
Radio System
A repeater system for security radios and residence hall staff radios provides enhanced radio efficiency and range.
Important Safety and Violence Prevention Information
These safety tips are just a few that should be practiced each and every day. Please familiarize yourself with the information for your own protection as well as that of other members of the Monmouth College community.
Report all suspicious activity immediately to the following phone numbers:
1. Monmouth College 24 hour Security at: 309-337-5708
2. Office of Residence Life: 309-457-2113
3. Monmouth College Emergency Phone: 309-337-5713
Getting from Place to Place Safely
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Never take personal safety for granted.
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Be aware of your surroundings; avoid shortcuts through dark, secluded areas. Stay where other people are visible.
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Walk in a group, and walk with confidence. If you have to walk alone, contact Monmouth College Security at 309-337-5708 for an escort.
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Avoid hats or other items that restrict your vision and earphones that impair your hearing.
Carry only the cash, credit cards and ID that you expect to need.
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Lock all doors when driving your vehicle. When parking your vehicle, park in a well-lit area and secure your vehicle.
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Do not attach your ID to your keys or mark your keys with your name or address.
Sexual Assault and Date Rape
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Sexual assault is sexual contact without your consent. It includes rape, attempted rape, incest and unwanted sexual contact.
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It is never acceptable to use force in sexual situations. Acquaintance assault or date rape is a crime.
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You have the right to say "no" to any undesired sexual contact. State your limits clearly and firmly. Don't assume that your date or acquaintance automatically knows how you feel.
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If you feel unsafe or think you may be at risk, leave the situation immediately.
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If you attend group gatherings or go with friends you trust and keep tabs on them .
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Be particularly aware that alcohol and drugs interfere with a person's ability to make clear decisions and communicate effectively.
If you are Sexually Assaulted:
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Try to remain calm.
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Call one of the “Friends” volunteers (see phone numbers in the section on Important Phone Numbers).
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It is best not to bathe, douche, change clothes, apply medication, or otherwise modify your appearance. Try not to urinate or defecate. Any of these actions could destroy evidence needed for later prosecution.
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Seek medical attention. At the hospital emergency room you will receive necessary attention to your health and safety, including attention to physical injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. The medical attention you receive will also gather evidence in case you choose to pursue legal prosecution—either immediately or at a later time. The hospital is required by law to report sexual assault to the police. Evidence collected however, is given to you so that you decide whether to cooperate with legal prosecution.
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You may choose to report the crime to the police. The police will in turn, report the crime to the State’s Attorney who will assist you with legal prosecution regardless of whether you file legal charges on campus with the Office of Student Affairs.
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Seek emotional support in dealing with the emotions and stress that may follow a sexual assault. Your stressful symptoms may continue for an extended period of time. Help is available on campus and in the surrounding area. See the list of resources in the brochure.
Residence Halls
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Keep your residence hall room door locked whenever the room is unoccupied, if you are in the room alone, or if you are sleeping.
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Do not open your residence hall room door unless you can identify the person seeking entrance.
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Report suspicious persons or activities in your residence hall to the RA on duty, the hall director or to Campus Security.
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Never prop open exterior doors to residence halls or allow unescorted visitors into the hall.
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If your residence hall room key is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the residence hall staff. Never leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in the room.
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Do not keep large amounts of cash in your room.
Bicycles
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Keep your bicycle securely chained and locked when not in use. Campus Safety can advise you on types of locks and chains that are considered most secure.
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Do not park or store your bike in dimly lit areas.
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Engrave or permanently mark your bicycle with an identifying number and record that number with Campus Security.
Automobiles
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Keep your automobile locked at all times. Keep doors locked when traveling alone.
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Don't park your automobile in secluded or dimly lit areas.
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Do not keep valuables or electronics in plain sight in your automobile.
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When walking to your automobile at night, have your keys readily in hand.
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Always check the back seat before getting into your automobile.
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Never offer rides to strangers or hitch hikers.
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Check your automobile daily.
Personal Property
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Protect the safety of your personal property and valuables. Don't allow your property or valuables to be unattended at any time.
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Make a list of your valuables including make, model, and serial number.
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Permanently mark your personal property and valuables with electric engravers.
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Help protect your property and the property of others by reporting suspicious activity to Campus Security.