Harvard Definitions

If you have questions about the Harvard definitions or feel that what happened to you was wrong, talk to someone and get help. You have a right to get help, regardless of how you define what happened to you. Call the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 24 hour support line (617-495-9100).

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Student Handbook outlines rules and procedures of Harvard College. Below are the FAS definitions of Sexual Assault and Other Misconduct.

Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is to be understood as encompassing the following behaviors:

Rape includes any act of sexual intercourse that takes place against a person's will or that is accompanied by physical coercion or the threat of bodily injury. Unwillingness may be expressed verbally or physically. Rape may also include intercourse with a person who is incapable of expressing unwillingness or is prevented from resisting, as a result of conditions including, but not limited to, those caused by the intake of alcohol or drugs. Rape includes not only unwilling or forced vaginal intercourse, but also the sexual penetration of any bodily orifice with a body part or other object.

Sexual assault includes any unwanted touching or fondling of a sexual nature that is accompanied by physical force or threat of bodily injury.

Sexual misconduct may also include other serious or persistent unwanted sexual contact or conduct, such as harassment, threats, intimidations, or unwanted touching or fondling.

Being intoxicated does not diminish a student's responsibility in perpetrating rape, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct.

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