Victims of Sexual Assault


When a victim of sexual assault enters our office they are given our immediate attention.

Guidelines

  • The victim does not need to schedule an appointment in advance!
  • Our Advisor takes time with the victim to review our procedures and victim's options, answers any questions and establishes a relationship with the student.
  • Immediate accommodations are made for the victim to feel comfortable remaining at James Madison University until the case is resolved.
  • The victim is encouraged to seek medical assistance at Rockingham Memorial Hospital and referred to a counselor in the University Health Center's Student Wellness & Outreach.
  • The victim is encouraged to write a Victim Impact Statement.
  • An initial meeting will occur between the accused student's Advisor and the accused student when the student will be notified of their rights. The accused student will be warned to have NO CONTACT with the victim.
  • The victim is allowed to be present at all hearings.
    1. The administrative option hearing
    2. The Judicial Council hearing
  • The victim can have a support person from the University community with them at the
    hearing(s).
  • The victim can have witnesses write statements and appear at the council hearing.

    • The following excerpt is from the James Madison University Student Handbook and details the Office of Judicial Affairs' policy and procedure regarding Sexual Assault:


    J34-100 Sexual Assault
    Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact without consent and includes intentional touching, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through clothing, another person's genitals, breasts, thighs or buttocks; rape (sexual intercourse without consent whether by an acquaintance or a stranger); attempted rape; sodomy (oral sex or anal intercourse) without consent; or sexual penetration with an object without consent. To constitute lack of consent, acts must be committed by force, intimidation or through use of the victim's mental incapacity or physical helplessness. Intoxication may indicate an inability to give consent. Verbal misconduct, without accompanying physical contact as described above, is not defined as sexual assault. Verbal misconduct may constitute harassment, which is also prohibited under university regulations and is specifically addressed elsewhere in this handbook.



    The following resources are available for download...
    and if you have any questions feel free to contact Tammy Knott.

    Resource Documents

    Sexual Assault Fact Statement Form

    Options for Sexual Assault Victims

    Rights of the Accusing Student

    Rights of the Accused Student

    Visit the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention online at:
    Office of Sexual Assault Prevention