E.C.S.U. Sexual Assault
Policy andProcedures Policy
Eastern Connecticut State
University
A primary concern of the University is
the health and well- being of each student; therefore, Eastern is
committed to creating a community that is free from acts of sexual
violence. Sexual violence includes any unwanted, unwelcome, forceful or
coercive sexual contact. Sexual assault, as defined for purposes of
this policy and procedures, is a crime. Degrees of sexual assault range
from unwanted or coercive sexual contact to forced or coerced sexual
penetration (Conn. General Statutes, sec. 53a-70 to sec. 53 a. -74). Acts
of sexual assault are not tolerated at Eastern Connecticut State
University. A victim/survivor of a sexual assault has the right to
pursue legal proceedings against any alleged offender through the criminal
or civil proceedings of the Connecticut courts. A victim/survivor of a
sexual assault has the right to pursue disciplinary action against an
accused student assailant through the judicial procedures of the
University Student Conduct Code, or against an alleged offender who is a
University employee through University disciplinary procedures.
University Procedures The University
supports a student's right to exercise an informed choice about actions
taken in cases of sexual assault; however, it urges any victim/survivor to
immediately contact the University police if a sexual assault occurs. The
Eastern Connecticut State University Police work collaboratively with the
Office of the Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs to provide an
immediate response to a victim/survivor of sexual assault. Any University
faculty, staff member, administrator, or student who is made aware of a
sexual assault involving a member of the Eastern Connecticut University
community has the responsibility to report the sexual assault to the
University Police.Where to Get Help A victim/survivor of
sexual assault can get immediate help by contacting the University Police.
The University maintains a twenty-four -hour -per- day University Police
service. If a sexual assault victim/survivor contacts a faculty,
administrator, staff member, student employee, or student, the first
assistance and response is to get help for the victim/survivor by
notifying the University Police of the incident. The University Police
response to the incident requires confidentiality, as permitted by law,
for both the victim/survivor and alleged offender. At the time of
initial contact, the University Police give first priority to the
emotional and physical condition of the victim/survivor. This includes
transporting the victim/survivor to the hospital, if desired or required.
The victim/survivor is also notified of options for legal, medical, and
counseling support, available through on-campus or community- related
services. An emergency sexual assault notification card is given to the
victim/survivor by the University police that describes the available
services. Copies of the notification card are also available at the
following campus offices: o University Police Department: # 465-5310
(Emergency Hotline- 888 or 911) o Office of Housing
and Residential Life: 465-5297 o
Counseling and Health Services Center: 465-5263 o Women's Center:
465-4313 o Office of Student Affairs: 465-5288 o Office of Equity
and Diversity: 465-5792Confidentiality/ Rights The University
maintains confidentiality, as permitted by law, in matters pertaining to a
victim/survivor of sexual assault or an alleged offender. No personal
identifying information is included in any statistical reports and
informational reports concerning sexual assaults that are provided by the
University, as required by the Campus Security Act of 1990.The
victim/survivor has a right to choose among available services, and the
right to choose to take judicial action (criminal/civil action, or action
in accordance with the University Student Code or disciplinary procedures)
against the alleged offender. The victim/survivor has the right to have
the sexual assault treated seriously and with dignity by the
University.Sexual Assault Team Any questions
concerning the University sexual assault policies and procedures should be
referred to the Sexual Assault Team. The members of the Sexual Assault
Team are the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee, the University
Chief of Police or designee, and a representative of Counseling and Health
Services. The Sexual Assault Team is to provide an ongoing assessment and
review of the University's sexual assault policies and procedures,
evaluate these policies and procedures, and advise the University on
educational programs for sexual assault awareness, prevention, and
community safety. The Sexual Assault Team review is to include input from
faculty, staff, and students.Sexual Assault Awareness During each
fall orientation, and at planned sessions throughout the academic year,
students are presented information designed to create student awareness of
circumstances leading to sexual assault, including acquaintance rape.
Sessions are also planned for faculty, staff members, and administrators.
Each entering student is also given an emergency sexual assault
notification card that explains available services for victims/survivors
of sexual assault, as well as the immediate response role of the
University Police.
