Florida Career College does not tolerate any person who intimidates, harasses or exploits a fellow student or faculty member on any of its campuses. In maintaining a safe campus for its students and colleagues, FCC takes any form or threat of sexual assault or harassment very seriously. In complying with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”), FCC takes steps to prevent sexual violence including sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence from happening on its campuses.
Florida Career College prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Prevention of Sexual Assault or Harassment
- If something makes you uncomfortable, say “NO” in an authoritative tone and leave the situation immediately.
- Know your limits- don’t drink excessively and use good judgment in social situations.
- Avoid walking around alone at night and try to use the buddy system whenever possible.
- Park your car and walk in areas that are well-lit.
- Always lock your doors, when you’re home alone and when you’re away.
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’re coming back.
See Something Wrong? Report it Right Away!
If a student or campus employee notices any type of sexual offense happening on an FCC campus, including the campus parking lot and adjoining property, notify the Executive Director who is the Campus Security Authority, campus management personnel, or call 911 immediately.
Reducing the Risk of Sexual Assault
While it’s impossible to know when or where a person is targeted or to detect a stranger’s behavior or intention, there are some extra precautions FCC students and staff can do to keep themselves safe. Keep these tips in mind when traveling to, from, and around campus:
- Walk confidently and with a purpose.
- Avoid dark and remote areas.
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
- Only carry what you need to and from class; don’t overburden yourself with textbooks and personal belongings.
- Follow your intuition. If something makes you uncomfortable then leave the situation.
- Keep your cell phone charged up and accessible all the time.
- Never have both earbuds in, headphones, or devices that could impair your hearing while walking alone.
- Never leave an open drink unattended.
- If you suspect that one of your fellow students has been drugged, call 911.
- Watch out for each other and your fellow classmates.
Warning Signs of Abusive Behavior
Sometimes people find themselves in abusive relationships with someone they thought that they could trust, but it’s hard to continue your education or begin your dream career when a person is in an abusive relationship. Here are some signs that you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship:
- There’s a history of past abuse.
- The abuser uses force during a heated argument.
- The abuser shows signs of jealousy.
- The abuser is controlling.
- The abuser tries to isolate their partner from other people.
- The abuser blames other people for their behavior.
Bystander Intervention
If a student or campus employee finds themselves witnessing a situation where someone is being victimized, they as bystanders have the power to intervene before the situation escalates. Here are some tips for intervening and diffusing a situation:
- Be calm and unbiased when approaching the arguing parties.
- Try to break up a physical fight.
- Don’t take sides.
- Don’t get caught up in the fight.
- Try to redirect the focus of one of the people to bring the anger level down.
- Be honest and clear in your communication.
- Find help.
- Keep yourself out of harm’s way.
Helpful Resources
- Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network: centers.rainn.org
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Resources: notalone.gov
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: ncadv.org
- Bystander intervention and other prevention strategies: StepUpProgram.org/topics/sexual-assault
- Bystander intervention program: TheRedFlagCampaign.org/welcome and http://www.CleryCenter.org
- Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Assault
