Navigating Higher Education as

a Survivor of Sexual Assault: A

Guide for Community

OrganizationsCRISTINA HERNANDEZ

JEAN NIDETCH WOMEN’S CENTER

Who am I-Positionality

Objectives

Gain an understanding of the laws that govern universities

in how they respond to interpersonal violence

Understand student survivors’ rights within the institution

Recognize what resources are available for student

survivors local and nationally

Gain practice via scenario based cases

The Jean Nidetch Women’s Center-

UNLV

The JNWC is a committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all genders through programming, services, and advocacy for the UNLV community.

Services

Campus Advocacy Resource Empowerment (CARE) Advocates

24/7 hotline

In person advocacy

Events all year long to increase awareness and visibility

CARE Survivor Fund

Green Dot and other prevention education

Parenting Events and Resources

Laws and Policies

Higher Ed Policies

Student Conduct Code

Sexual Misconduct

Federal Laws

Title IX

Clery Act

VAWA Reauthorization

2013

Federal Laws

Title IX

• 1972 Amendments

• Includes sexual

harassment and

sexual assault

• Gender protection to

include trans* and

gender non-

conforming students

Clery Act 1990

• Due to the death of

Jeanne Clery

• Her parent’s activism

• Based on geography

/jurisdiction

VAWA 2013-

Campus Save Act

• Most significant

reform policy on how

sexual assaults are

handled since the

Jeanne Clery Act (1990)

Title IX Law

Must make substantial efforts to prevent sexual assault before it happens

Provide adequate assistance, including reporting options, after an

occurrence of sexual assault.

Broad meaning

Sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender inequality

Responsible employee

“Is a university employee who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who

has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other misconduct, or who

a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.”

Us a “preponderance-of-the-evidence” standard-meaning more likely

than not.

Jeanne Clery Act

Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights

Crime statistics for the campus based on

geography/jurisdiction

Timely warnings

Threat to the campus

Non-Retaliation

VAWA 2013 Reauthorization

Most significant reform policy on how sexual assaults are handled since the

Jeanne Clery Act (1990)

Clery Act now to include Domestic/dating violence and stalking

Primary Prevention for all incoming students and new employees

Student Conduct provide a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and

resolution

Provide victims’ their rights-legal, medical and counseling

Make accommodations for academics, living, transportation, and working

situations.

White House Task Force

Guidelines

Campus Climate Surveys

Preventing Sexual Assault and Engaging Men

Effectively Responding

Confidential sources

Trauma-informed training for officials

Partnership with community

Increasing Transparency and Improving Enforcement

(NotAlone.gov)

Student Conduct Office

There to enforce the student conduct code

Usually 3-4 staff depending on institution size

Resources

No contact orders

Hearing board process

Sanctions

Survivor Rights

Title IX

Investigation

Accommodation

Other campus resources

Student Health Centers

Provide gynecological exam

STI and HIV testing

Morning after pill

Counseling Centers

Ours has a specific trauma specialist

Triage services

Extended sessions

Support groups

Academic

More time on test

Missed classes

Change in teachers/classes

Petition for change of grade

Petition for financial aid

*Voluntary Health Withdrawal: a separation of the student from the university, if they experience

medical or psychological conditions that

significantly impair their ability to function

successfully and safely in their role as a student.

Resources

Local

Counseling

Campus/Community Advocates

Disability Resource Center

Health Withdrawals

National

Know Your IX

Survjustice

Center for Changing Our Campus Culture

(formerly NotAlone.gov)

Confidential employee

These are the departments on campus that are fully

confidential:

Student Counseling and Psychological Services

(CAPS)

Student Health Center

Pastoral Services

At UNLV-CARE Advocates

Scenarios

Questions