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Sexual Misconduct Info for Brandeis Students:

Law

In Massachusetts, rape is defined as the penetration of any bodily orifice by any object without the consent of the individual, or which is accomplished by the use of force or the threat of force.

At Brandeis

Sexual conduct that occurs without the explicit consent of each student involved may be considered sexual misconduct.  Consent must be clearly communicated, mutual, non-coercive, and given free of force or the threat of force.  A student who is physically or mentally incapacitated by drugs, alcohol, or other circumstances is not capable of giving consent. 

What to do if you or someone you know is the victim of sexual misconduct at Brandeis:

  • Make sure the environment is safe- get somewhere safe.
  • Seek medical attention (for pregnancy prevention, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, evidence collection).
  • Report the incident. Campus police are trained and available anytime to assist you in obtaining medical help, and they offer various ways to report the incident. Students can also make a report through the Student Development and Conduct Office.
  • Seek support from the Psychological counseling center and trusted friends.

Rights and Responsibilities at Brandeis University

  • Section 3.1- Students are prohibited from engaging in sexual misconduct.  Sexual contact that occurs without the explicit consent of each student involved may be considered sexual misconduct. (Consent)

  • Section 3.2- Causing incapacitation or intoxication, or taking advantage of someone’s incapacitation or intoxication for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity is considered sexual misconduct (Coercion)
  • Section 3.3- A student who is physically or mentally incapacitated by drugs, alcohol, or other circumstances is not capable of giving consent. Physical or mental incapacity means the lack of ability to appreciate the fact that the situation is sexual, and/or the inability to rationally and reasonably appreciate the nature and extent of that situation. Evidence of ingestion of drugs, and/or alcohol, may raise a presumption of physical and/or mental incapacity (Capacity)

What is Sexual Harassment?

For example:

  • subtle pressure for sexual activity
  • unnecessary touches or contact
  • offensive sexual graffiti or cartoons
  • inappropriate sexual innuendoes
  • verbal sexual abuse disguised as humor
  • whistling, cat-calls, obscene gestures  

What to do if Sexually Harassed:

  • Consider letting the harasser know that the conduct is unwelcome.
  • Keep a journal: write down what is happening to you and keep a record of times, dates and places of the events and person.
  • Use Brandeis Resources- report the behavior to the Department of Student Development and Conduct, your CA, or Quad Director.


Campus Resources:

Public Safety (Campus Police): Available 24 hours 781 736-3333 or
781 736-5000
Escort Service: provides escort for individuals to locations both on and off campus 781 736-4999
Department of Student Development &  Conduct: confidential advice, filing complaints against students 781 736-5070
Brandeis Counseling & Rape Crisis Hotline:

counselors on call 10pm-2am

 781 736 TALK
Psychological Counseling Center:

provides confidential, individual counseling

 781 736-3730
Brandeis Women’s Resource Center (WRC) - Student Organization 781 736-4745
Committee on Rape Education (WRC) - Student Organization 781 736-4745
Student Sexuality Information Service (SSIS) - Student Organization 781 736-3695 (SSIS)
Triskelion (LGBT) - Student Organization 781 736-3749