Sexual Assault On College Campuses

Female college students are at an elevated risk of being the victims of sexual assault on campuses. These traumatic events can include rape, groping, and other forms of unwanted sexual touching. Not only can these criminal acts cause physical injuries and health concerns, but survivors may also have lasting emotional and mental injuries.

Colleges and universities have a legal obligation to prevent sexual assaults on their campuses. Under the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX, sexual assaults are a violation of students’ civil rights. 

Victims of campus sexual abuse have legal rights against not only the people who commit these terrible offenses but also schools that do not do enough to prevent them.

Sexual Assault On Colorado’s College Campuses: What You Need To Know

Nationwide, campus sexual assault is a pervasive and problematic issue. Schools like the University of Denver (DU) in Denver, Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, and the University of Colorado (CU) campuses in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver are not immune from these issues.

As many as one out of every four female undergraduates on college campuses nationwide report being raped or sexually assaulted through force, coercion, or incapacitation. One in 10 female graduate students report the same. A smaller percentage of male students report being the victims of sexual assault.

Women between the ages of 18 and 24 on college campuses are three times as likely to be the victim of a sexual assault. When sexual assaults do happen, as many as 80% of female victims do not report the matter to law enforcement. Some choose not to do so, while others do not know how to report sexual assault on campus.

If you have unfortunately been the victim of sexual assault, please know you are not alone in this. You do not have to navigate the path ahead on your own.

Your Rights As A Sexual Assault Survivor At DU, CU Boulder, CSU, And More

No matter what Colorado campus your assault took place on, you have numerous legal and administrative rights:

Rights On Campus

Colleges that receive federal dollars must provide resources for students who are the victims of sexual assault on campus. For example, these resources can include:

  • Access to alternative housing arrangements if you live on campus
  • Academic support and accommodations
  • The right to make a report to campus police even if you do not want to have a full-scale investigation 
  • Mental health services

Schools also have disciplinary policies and procedures for students accused of misconduct. These typically give the victim of a sexual assault the right to make a statement and, in some cases, participate in any adjudicatory processes.

Civil Rights

Next, you have the right to seek monetary damages from individuals and institutions that assaulted you or contributed to the assault. This group includes the perpetrator and any other person who helped them plan or carry out the assault. For example, if a friend of your attacker held you down or gave you drinks, they could be liable.

The college administration may also be liable for damages if they did not do enough to prevent the attack from happening. This can be evidenced by failing to adequately respond to previous sexual assaults on campus, a lack of campus security, or allowing a student to remain enrolled despite disciplinary or criminal behavior.

Criminal Rights

You can decide whether to file a formal report with the police and press charges, and we urge you to do so to hold the abuser accountable. If you do press charges, the local district attorney’s office will determine what charges to bring. Once a criminal case is filed, you have rights, such as the right to be informed about court hearings and to have the judge consider any statement you make when sentencing your attacker.

What To Do After A Sexual Assault On A Colorado Campus: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you unfortunately become a victim of a college campus sexual assault, we are, first and foremost, so sorry this has happened to you. We are here to help make you as prepared as possible for the road ahead. Knowing the steps you should take to receive the medical care you need to protect your health is essential. Prompt action can also make a difference in the police’s ability to investigate the incident and your ability to pursue damages.

Escape To A Place Of Safety

Your immediate concern following a sexual assault is to get away from your attacker and reach a place where you can receive help. The circumstances of your attack will determine how you should do this. Do not take unnecessary risks and endanger yourself further unless absolutely necessary.

Get Prompt Medical Attention

You may have injuries and be in danger of a sexually transmitted disease following a sexual assault. Receiving medical care as quickly as possible can mitigate these risks. Try not to shower, use the restroom, or change clothes before going to the hospital, as this could destroy valuable evidence if you do decide to report the assault.

Seek Mental And Emotional Support

Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional as you recover from your assault. These resources can help you process these traumatic events and address issues like self-blame, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Please try to remember that none of this is your fault, and you are not alone. 

Speak With A College Campus Sexual Assault Lawyer

Once you are safe and have been medically evaluated, consider consulting with an experienced Colorado sexual assault lawyer. During an initial meeting, you can learn more about your legal rights, including bringing a claim against the college and your assaulter. Your attorney can also explain the process of filing criminal charges.

Decide Whether To Take Legal Action

As of January 1, 2022, there is no statute of limitations for bringing a civil sexual assault claim. If your assault happened on or after this date, you can bring a civil action seeking damages from the perpetrator, school officials, and others. However, there may be time limitations on reporting the crime to the police, so charges can be filed.

How Bachus & Schanker Can Help Sexual Assault Victims In Colorado

After surviving a college campus sexual assault, you deserve legal counsel that will give you honest, compassionate answers to your questions. Bachus & Schanker can do this and much more. We will meet with you when you are ready to discuss your next steps and will give you the information you need to evaluate your choices.

When you hire Bachus & Schanker to represent you, you receive:

An Investigative Team

Your attorneys can move to preserve evidence that can be crucial to holding the school and your attacker responsible for your assault. Beyond forensic evidence and medical records, internal school records, like emails, training, and correspondence, can be helpful in establishing the school’s liability.

A Spokesperson

Law enforcement, school administrators, and others will likely want to question you about the incident. These requests can feel inconvenient at best and intrusive or hostile at worst. As your legal representative, your attorney from Bachus & Schanker will serve as a point of contact for these and others wanting information from you.

A Guide To The Legal Systems

The civil and criminal justice systems are intimidating and foreign to most. Your lawyer will explain how to recover damages and guide you through the process step by step. If criminal charges are filed, your victim advocate from Bachus & Schanker will ensure your rights are protected, and your voice is heard during these proceedings.

A Dedicated Advocate

You do not need to fight for your rights alone. Your Colorado campus sexual assault lawyer will use their experience and skills to advance your civil case and pursue justice for you. We, along with our Victim’s Advocate team, will be beside you every step of the way.

Contact Bachus & Schanker Today For Further Assistance

Your Colorado campus sexual assault attorney from Bachus & Schanker is available to help you understand your rights and options after a sexual assault. We will guide you on the road ahead so you can focus on your well-being. 

Regardless of whether your assault took place at DU, CSU, CU, or some other campus, an attorney from Bachus & Schanker can assist you. 

Related Sexual Assault Resources

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