Questions or comments? Contact the dean of students office at deanofstudents@hampshire.edu.
A. Emergency Medical, Law Enforcement, and Crisis-Response Resources
Each of these facilities has access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (also known as “SANE Nurse”). SANE Nurses can assess injuries related to physical trauma; evaluate for sexually-transmitted infections and possible pregnancy; provide medical care (including medications to prevent infections and pregnancy); and can, within the first 72 hours after a sexual assault, administer a “forensic sexual assault examination.” During the forensic exam, the SANE Nurse documents and collects evidence of sexual contact and/or physical trauma (including injuries to the body and genitals), trace evidence, biological fluids, and identifiable DNA. When there is reason to believe that an assault may have been facilitated by the use of drugs or alcohol, the forensic exam may also include the collection of urine and blood samples for toxicology testing. A patient who requests a SANE exam is not required to report the incident to law enforcement or the College in order to receive medical attention or a forensic exam. Patients may have a support person of their choosing present throughout the forensic exam. Students may access follow-up care at Hampshire College Health Services, or through any appropriate health care provider outside of the College. Employees may access follow-up care through any appropriate health care provider of their choice.
B. Legal Resources
There are several resources that may help Students and Employees explore and understand their legal rights and options – both criminal and civil – following a Sexual Misconduct Violation.
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit works closely with police departments, courts and social service agencies to address the serious problem of domestic violence and sexual assault through prosecution of the offenders and the development of strategies for prevention and intervention for the victims. If you are the victim of abuse and you notify the District Attorney’s office, they may file charges against the Respondent. You will be assigned a victim witness advocate to keep you informed of court proceedings. You have the right to be notified of the proceedings and to submit a victim impact statement to the court at sentencing.
Complainants and Respondents may consult with an attorney or use one as a supporter during the College Resolution process. The College does not provide or arrange for attorneys.
C. Interim Administrative Actions, Remedial and Protective Measures
The Title IX coordinator and deputy Title IX coordinators and the dean of students office staff can provide students with information, support, and assistance and can arrange for a broad range of remedial and protective measures. As outlined in the Policy, interim administrative actions [8], remedial and protective measures, which may be temporary or permanent, may include no contact directives, residence modifications, academic arrangements and support, work schedule or work location modifications, and other reasonable and appropriate measures. Complainants are entitled to receive information, assistance, and a broad range of support and remedial measures regardless of whether they choose to pursue criminal and/or College disciplinary resolution of a sexual misconduct violation. For more information about such measures, please see the Remedial and Protective Measures section of the Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy or contact the College’s Title IX coordinator.
Links
[1] https://rainn.org/
[2] https://www.hampshire.edu/housing/resident-advisors
[3] https://www.mtholyoke.edu/campuspolice/victim_assistance
[4] http://www.masslegalservices.org/FindLegalAid
[5] http://www.masslegalhelp.org/domestic-violence
[6] http://www.janedoe.org/find_help/mass_legal_help
[7] http://northwesternda.org/victim-witness-assistance-unit
[8] https://handbook.hampshire.edu/node/251