Virginia Tech policy regarding sexual assault

Sexual Misconduct is defined by the University Policies for Student Life at http://www.judicial.vt.edu/upsl.php#studentcode as "Sexual contact without consent". (See Section V.O. for additional information about Sexual Misconduct.)

Section V.O.—Sexual Misconduct
Virginia Tech is a community of trust whose existence depends on strict adherence to standards of conduct set by and for its members. Virginia Tech recognizes its obligation to uphold the laws and standards of the community of which it is a part. Sexual misconduct is a serious violation of these standards and will not be tolerated. Sexual assault is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action and is a serious violation of university policy. The University Judicial System adjudicates, at the request of the victim, all cases involving sexual misconduct where the alleged perpetrator is a Virginia Tech student. Virginia Tech also strongly encourages victims to prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

Sexual misconduct is defined as sexual contact without consent and includes intentional touching, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through clothing, another person's genitals, breasts, thighs, anus or buttocks; rape (sexual intercourse without consent, whether by an acquaintance or a stranger); attempted rape; sodomy (oral sex or anal intercourse) without consent; attempted forcible sodomy without consent; or sexual penetration with an object without consent. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by force or intimidation or by taking advantage of the victim's mental incapacity or physical helplessness.

Sexual misconduct is classified in the Student Code of Conduct as a violation of the Abusive Conduct Policy. Depending on the circumstances of the case, students who are found guilty of abusive conduct may receive sanctions, including suspension for one or more semesters or dismissal from the university

Grant statement: This project was supported by grant # 2005-WA-AX-0020 awarded by the Violence Against Women Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of View in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Last updated 03/29/2007