How do I know if I’ve been a victim of sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing any sexual behavior that was committed without effective consent, or an affirmative agreement – through clear actions or words – to engage in sexual activity. The person giving consent must act freely, voluntarily, and with an understanding of his or her actions when giving the consent.
Actions prohibited without effective consent include sexual penetration; sexual touching; sexual harassment; sexual exploitation; stalking; relationship dating and domestic violence; attempted act/accomplice to sexual misconduct; use of alcohol and/or drugs to induce incapacity; and retaliation.
How do I file a report; what do I do?
For all students and employees, reports can be made by:
I want to make a report but I am afraid for my safety. What will the university do to protect me?
Augusta University is committed to a safe, hostile free environment for all students, and will work with you on additional safety measures to include housing, counseling services, work/class schedule modifications, campus escort services, and letters of “no contact,”.
The revised policy indicates anyone who has made a report or complaint, provided information, assisted, participated or refused to participate in any manner in the Sexual Misconduct Process, shall not be subjected to retaliation. Anyone who believes that they have been subjected to retaliation should immediately contact the Coordinator or their designee. Any person found to have engaged in retaliation in violation of this Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Can I file a report without having my identity disclosed?
If a reporter requests confidentiality, the Title IX coordinator will take all reasonable requests to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request.
What happens after I file a report?
The Title IX Coordinator meets with the reporter, complainant, and the respondent to gather information, offer support services, options for reporting, review interim measures (as appropriate) and a determination is made whether a Title IX investigation will occur.
If a report was also filed with a law enforcement agency, a separate criminal investigation will likely occur alongside the university process.
How is the university investigation different from a criminal investigation?
Criminal investigations are done to determine if an individual has broken the law, whereas a university investigation determines whether a student or employee has violated the university’s sexual misconduct policy.
Students and employees found in violation of the university’s code of conduct can face sanctions that limit their participation in academics, athletics and other campus activities, or if the conduct violation warrants, dismissal from the university.
Those found in violation of the law are subject to criminal prosecution, apart from the sanction imposed by the university.
My roommate was sexually assaulted. What can I do?
Be supportive - listen to what they have to say, then encourage your friend to report the incident to the police or to the Title IX Coordinator. You could also consider reporting the incident yourself. You may also suggest that they contact Student Counseling Services.
Why do Universities handle sexual violence reports?
Title IX requires schools to combat sex discrimination in education. One of the most common objections we hear to campus adjudications is "but isn't rape a crime?" It absolutely is, and students who report to their schools can also report to the police. However, rape and other forms of gender-based violence manifest and perpetuate inequality, and federal anti-discrimination law recognizes that. To make sure that all students, regardless of their gender identity and expression, have equal access to education, schools are required to prevent and respond to reports of sexual violence. This isn't a replacement for reporting to the police; it's a parallel option for survivors based in civil rights - rather than criminal - law.
What are supportive measures?
Supportive Measures means non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Complaint or where no Formal Complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the Education Programs or Activities without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties. Supportive measures may include, but are not limited to, counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures.
Are women the only victims of sexual violence?
No, all genders and gender identities can be victims of sexual violence. Same gender and gender identity violence can and does occur.
What are Augusta University’s obligations when it has notice of a Title IX-related incident?
If the University knows about sexual harassment, Title IX requires the University to take immediate and appropriate steps to end the conduct, prevent its recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy its effects on the victim and University community.
