Office of Diversity and Equity : Campus Response & Resource Team

Victims Bill of Rights

Last updated: December 7, 2017

Victims of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are afforded rights by the federal government, the state, and this institution.
All students have the right to emotional and physical safety.

Federal Law entitles victims to the following rights:

  • The accuser and the accused have the same opportunity to have others present throughout the
    disciplinary proceedings.
  • Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding,
  • Victims shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement.
  • Victims shall be notified of counseling services available on- and off-campus.
  • Victims shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.

Western is committed to the following:

  • The Connecticut State University System (CSUS) Student Code of Conduct outlines the campus
    disciplinary process. Students have the right to know the range of sanctions the institution can impose
    on the accuse, which include: Warning; Written Reprimand; Probation; Loss of Privileges; Restitution;
    Discretionary Sanctions; Residence Hall Warning; Residence Hall Probation; Residence Hall Suspension;
    Suspension; Residence Hall Expulsion; and Expulsion. The full text of this can be found in the Student
    Handbook, published by the university, or at:
    http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/handbook/
  • Victims have the right to know that any disclosure of sexual assault made to a university employee can
    result in a report as an annual crime statistic (with the victim’s name withheld).
  • Victims have a right to privacy and confidentiality. The university must have a waiver signed by the
    student in order to share information with any third party, including parents.

Additionally, the University is committed to ensuring that victims are afforded the following:

  • The right to a victim advocate of their choosing. (For additional information and resources about victim
    advocacy, contact the Women’s Center: (203) 837-3939
  • In a campus disciplinary hearing, victims have a variety of options for how they offer their testimony,
    including phone conference, or private room. (For additional information, contact the Office of Judicial
    Affairs: (203) 837-8770.