Skip to Main Site Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Back To Top

Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking

Eastern Connecticut State University Commitment

Eastern Connecticut State University is committed to maintaining a campus environment free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of sex-based misconduct. The University takes all reports seriously and is committed to responding promptly, fairly, and impartially while respecting the rights of all parties involved.

Title IX is a federal law that protects students and employees from sex-based discrimination and ensures equal access to educational programs, activities, and resources. Sex-based harassment includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and harassment based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Definitions

Sexual Assault: Any sexual act, including rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, fondling, or unlawful sexual intercourse, that occurs without the consent of the victim or when a person is capable of giving consent.

Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with another person. The nature of the relationship is evaluated based on its length, type, and frequency of interaction. 

Stalking: A course of conduct directed at a person based on sex that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety, the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. 

Sexual Exploitation: Taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another person for one's own benefit or the benefit of others. 

Hostile Environment Harassment: Unwelcome sex-based conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to limit or deny a person's ability to participate in or benefit from the University's educational programs or activities. 

Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When an employee or authorized individual conditions an educational, employment, or other institutional benefit on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

If an Incident Happens

Go to Safety

Move to a safe location such as a friend's room, a residence hall office, or another secure space. 

Emergency Assistance

  • University Police: 860-465-5310
  • Emergency: 911

Reach Out for Support

Talk with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, counselor, advocate, or other support person.

24-Hour Support

  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut: 860-456-2789
  • United Services Domestic Violence Program: 860-456-2261

Preserve Evidence

If possible:

  • Avoid showering, bathing, or changing clothes.
  • Save text messages, emails, photos, social media posts, or other evidence.
  • Preserve any items related to the incident. 

Seek Medical Care

Medical care is available regardless of whether you choose to report. Medical providers can offer treatment, pregnancy prevention services, STI testing, and referrals for additional support. 

Consider a Forensic Medical Exam

Evidence can be collected even if you are unsure whether you want to report to law enforcement or the University. You have the right to take time to decide what is best for you.

Rights of Individuals Who Report

Individuals who report sexual misconduct have the right to:

  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity.
  • Receive information about available resources and support services.
  • Access confidential counseling and medical services.
  • Request supportive measures regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.
  • Pursue criminal and/or civil legal remedies.
  • Participate in a University Title IX process that is prompt fair, and impartial.
  • Have a support person present during meetings and proceedings.
  • Be protected from retaliation for reporting or participating in a process.
  • Seek assistance regardless of alcohol or drug use at the time of the incident. 

Reporting Options

Reporting is a personal choice. Individuals may pursue one or more of the options below. 

File a Formal Complaint Individuals may contact the Office of Equity and Diversity/Title IX to report potential violations of University policy.

The Title IX Process:

  • Is prompt, fair, and impartial.
  • Addresses violations of University policy, not criminal law.
  • Allows parties to have a support person present throughout the process.
  • May proceed even when a complainant chooses not to participate, when necessary to address campus safety concerns.
  • Director of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator: 860-465-5012
Third-Party or Anonymous Reporting Reports may also be submitted through the University's Title IX Reporting Form. Anonymous reports are accepted.  Please note that University employees generally have reporting obligations when they become aware of incidents involving students.
Contact University Police Individuals may report an incident to University Police regardless of whether they pursue a Title IX complaint.

Reporting to University Police:

  • Does not require pursuing criminal charges.
  • Allows law enforcement to preserve evidence and investigate potential crimes.
  • May provide access to victim advocacy services.
  • May support requests for protective or restraining orders.
  • University Police: 860-465-5310

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are individualized, non-disciplinary, and non-punitive services designed to help maintain equal access to educational programs and activities. They are available whether or not a formal complaint is filed. Examples include:

  • Changes to housing assignments
  • Academic schedule modifications
  • Work schedule adjustments
  • Campus escort services
  • No-contact orders
  • Leaves of absence
  • Increased security or monitoring of specific areas on campus

Request for supportive measure should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity/Title IX.

Confidential and Non-Confidential Resources

Confidential Resources

Confidential resources may provide support, counseling, medical services, and information about options without reporting information to the University, except in limited circumstances required by law.

  • University Victim Advocate: 860-465-4314
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 860-465-0181
  • Student Health Services: 860-423-0856
  • Campus Ministry: 860-423-0856
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut: 860-456-2789
  • United Services Domestic Violence Program: 860-456-2261
  • Connecticut Office of Victim Services: 1-800-822-8428

Non-Confidential Resources

These employees are considered mandated reporters and are required to notify the University when they receive a report of sexual misconduct. They can also provide information about resources, supportive measures, and reporting options.

  • Vice President of Equity and Diversity: 860-465-0072
  • Director of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator: 860-465-5012
  • University Police: 860-465-5247
  • Director of Student Conduct: 860-465-0063
  • Director of AccessAbility Services: 860-465-0189
  • Director of Housing and Residential Life: 860-465-0012

Additional Resources