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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.
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 contact the University police immediately 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.
A victim/survivor of sexual assault can get immediate help by contacting the University Police. The University maintains a twenty-four-hour-a-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:
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 in 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.
Any questions concerning the University sexual assault policies and procedures should be referred to the Sexual Assault Team. The role of 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.
Here is a list of Resources to Assist Sexual Violence Victims:
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.