Services Available to Survivors of Rape,
Acquaintance Rape, and Other Sex Offenses
This appendix summarizes Brandeis University's relevant policies and services available to victims of sexual assault, and illustrates the University's compliance with the requirements of the 1992 Higher Education Reauthorization Act, section 485 (f).
Report All Sexual Assaults
Students should immediately report all incidents of rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses to the Department of Public Safety at (781) 736-3333 or (781) 736-5000. The Department of Public Safety has full police powers and a staff of state certified sexual assault investigators and counselors available to assist you in this time of crisis. When you report a rape or sexual assault to the police, you are assured of immediate physical protection and transportation to a medical facility. You are not making a commitment to file charges or to testify in court. The police investigation and legal proceedings may be discontinued at any point.
These officers working in a team will ensure that you are properly cared for, evidence preserved and your personal safety ensured. Officers will outline for you the legal alternatives available to you against any identified assailant(s) including:
- The issuance of criminal complaints in State court, and/or
- The issuance of complaints under the University Judicial System i.e., campus disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against a student through the Office of Student Life (cite section 2.2 and/or section 6), and/or
- The issuance of complaints via other state agencies or University departments relative to the alleged assailant status with the state or University.
Officers assigned to your case will assist you through any judicial proceedings you choose to pursue.
Other Assistance: Academic, Living Conditions, etc.
The staff in the Department of Public Safety and Office of Student Life are available to assist students with any reasonable changes in their academic or living situations.
University Judicial System: Rights of the Parties
Under Section 20.8 of the Rights and Responsibilities any accused student as well as the accuser have the right to bring an adviser of his/her choice from the University community to any hearings. This section also permits the passive assistance of legal counsel by either party but only if coexisting criminal charges are pending resulting from the same incident.
Possible sanctions to be imposed following the completion of campus disciplinary proceedings are included in Section 21 of the Rights and Responsibilities.
The accuser will be informed of the outcome of disciplinary proceedings in which sexual assault is alleged.
Educational Programs on Sexual Assault
Educational programs on sexual assault are offered regularly by the Office of Student Life staff, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.
A brochure published by the Office of Student Life lists many helping services on campus (e.g., Counceling & Rape Crisis Hotline, Psychological Counseling Center) and off campus (e.g., Boston Area Rape Crisis Center).
Federal Campus Sex CrimesPrevention Act
The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000 goes into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.
Members of the Brandeis community may access law enforcement agency sex offender information maintained by the City of Waltham Police Department.
Helpful Telephone Numbers
- Administrative Offices ext. 64240
- Department of Public Safety General ext. 65000
- Emergencies ext. 63333
- Office of Residence Life ext. 65060
- Office of Equal Employment Opportunity ext. 64455
- Psychological Counseling Center ext. 63730
- Counceling & Rape Crisis Hotline ext. 68255
Further information concerning this policy or its implementation may be obtained from the University's Office of Government Regulation Compliance, (781) 736-4455.