Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal or medical advice. If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual assault, consult professionals for personalized advice.
Students’ college years are often the most transformative of their lives. They can forge a personal identity, decide what to pursue, make life-long friends, and develop life skills. Unfortunately, the realities of campus sexual assault, a pressing issue for institutions across the United States, threaten to infect the college experience with traumatic memories.
At Faneuf Law Group, we believe that students knowing their rights and resources is integral to their safety. Here’s what every college student in Massachusetts needs to know.
What Is Sexual Assault?
The state of Massachusetts generally defines sexual assault as any unwanted sexual act--including rape, assault, and battery. The relationship between victim and perpetrator does not change how Massachusetts law views assault. The state treats assault between two people in a romantic relationship identically to assault between strangers.
How Often Does Assault Happen?
According to a study published by the National Institute of Health’s Library of Medicine, about 28% of women, 38% of gender nonconforming people, and 12% of men surveyed reported experiencing sexual assault as undergraduates.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 80% of female victims of sexual assault do not report sexual assault to the police. Among them, 12% believed their assault was not important enough to report, 9% thought that police could not help, 10% did not want to get their offender in trouble, and 20% feared potential backlash.
What Are the Laws?
The Massachusetts Campus Safety Act requires campuses in Massachusetts to uphold specific protocols when dealing with sexual assault cases. Legal consequences for perpetrators of sexual assault vary depending on the details of the crime but can be anything from hefty fines to, in the most extreme cases, life imprisonment. The state outlines sexual assault law and legal precedent here.
Federal law also prohibits sexual harassment and assault on campuses that receive federal funding under Title IX. If a school learns of a Title IX violation, they are required to investigate and take appropriate action.
Knowing the legal repercussions of campus sexual assault can deter potential offenders and empower victims to seek justice.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
Victims of any crime should consult a lawyer and see many benefits from not handling civil actions themselves. Faneuf Law Group specializes in compassionate and effective support for victims.
What Else Can You Do?
Use available resources--many universities offer counseling and support groups for survivors of sexual assault. The state of Massachusetts also has resources for emotional support.
If you witness a potential assault, notify authorities immediately. Only intervene if you are absolutely certain it is safe, as intervention can sometimes put the victim and yourself in more danger. Generally, it’s inadvisable unless there are many other people around.
Familiarize yourself with what to do if you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, just in case you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Share resources and have open conversations with other students. Awareness is essential, and dialogue can help dispel myths.
On-campus safety is a collective responsibility. While Massachusetts has laws to deter and punish offenders, awareness, education, and communication are instrumental to preventing campus sexual assault. At Faneuf Law Group, we’re dedicated to educating students on their rights and providing victims with the legal support they need. If you are seeking legal representation as a victim of sexual assault, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.