University Police, in conjunction with the Office of Counseling Services, provides several programs during the school year to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and all other sexual offenses. Any student involved in a sexual assault will be offered counseling services through Office of Counseling Services and other resources available in the community. To identify community resources, students can contact the Office of Counseling Services at 594-7047. After business hours, students can contact University Police at 594-7053 for resource information. Callers can remain anonymous. Victims of sexual assault that occurs on campus are encouraged to file a police report with University Police. Off campus incidents of sexual assault should be reported to the Newport News Police Department. The victim may, with or without the assistance of the University, notify law enforcement. This action does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if the decision to prosecute is made at a later date. The earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. Victims have the option of keeping their report of sexual assault in complete confidence, protecting their right to anonymity, when making a report through the Office of Counseling Services. The victim will be provided assistance to change academic and living situations, as necessary. Anonymous reports to the Office of Counseling Services that are not investigated by University or local officials are not included in the annual crime statistics. University judicial action, criminal prosecution and civil litigation are options to victims of sexual assault. To begin the University judicial action, a University representative or the victim should contact the University judicial officer. During University judicial proceedings, both the victim and the accused may be present and may have an advisor present to provide support and advice. Both the victim and the accused will be informed of the results of the proceeding. University sanctions for sexual misconduct and other offenses follow the disciplinary procedures as detailed in the Student Handbook. Such sanctions may include suspension or dismissal from the University.
