The Amherst College Student Handbook defines sexual harassment as:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
- submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic work, or participation in social or extracurricular activities
- submission to or the rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual
- such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or demeaning working, academic or social environment.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts defines rape as:
The penetration of any bodily orifice without consent and with force or threat of force. Penetration can be with fingers, objects or penis to the vagina, mouth or anus.
In addition in Massachusetts it is illegal to have sex with someone who is incapable of giving consent because:
- they are intoxicated
- they are unconscious
- they are mentally incompetent
A person cannot give or receive consent if the are drunk. Does this mean that anytime you have sex with someone who is drunk or high you are comitting rape?
Not necessarily. The intention of the law is to make rape easier to prosecute, not to outlaw all sexual encounters that involve drugs or alcohol. However, it is important to keep in mind the varying effects that drugs and alcohol have on individuals. If you are in a sexual situation and either you or your partner is drunk or high, you should consider whether you and your partner are capable of giving, and receiving consent. Communication -- the ability to determine, to convey, and to hear, what is and what is not acceptable to you and your partner -- is important in any sexual encounter. If you have been drinking or are high, be especially clear about what behaviors you want and don't want.
Amherst College Campus Police Statement on Sexual Assault
If I experience sexual violence, where can I go for help?
Please click on the campus where the incident occured:
Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke - Smith - UMass
Map of Blue Light Emergency Phones
Amherst College Safer Rooms (safe rooms to spend the night if have no transportation)
To whom would a student report?
Information for the Campus Security or Jeanne Clery Act reporting is provided through reports to the following:
- Area Coordinators
- Assistant Sexual Harassment Educator
- Athletic Department
- Counseling Center - 542-2354
- Dean of Faculty
- Dean of Students Office - 542-2337
- Sexual Assault Counselor/Educator - 542-8180 beeper: 261-5895
- Health Services/Health Education
- *Peer Advocates of Sexual Respect - 542-7916 (24hr. On Call)
- Campus Police - Emergency: 542-2111, Non-Emergency: 542-2291
Many Amherst College Campus Police Officers are certified sexual assault investigators. This includes an appointed Lead Sensitive Crimes Investigator available 24 hours a day to respond to Sexual Assault incidents. A female investigator can always be provided. The Campus Police Investigator involved in the case will work with the Amherst Police Department (256-4011) to conduct a full investigation.- *Any Resident Counselor
*Forms completed by students with their supervisors to assure situation is clearly defined.
Reporting Procedures
An anonymous sexual assault centralized report form is completed by the individuals listed above and sent to the Sexual Assault Counselor for inclusion in the Campus Security Act report.Who is notified?
The victim/survivor determines who is notified. If a victim reports to a non-confidential source the name of the perpetrator or identifying details of the situation, a supervisor, a member of the Dean of Students Office, or the Sexual Assault Counselor must be contacted. In addition, incidents that present an immediate threat to public safety must be reported to the Campus Police.Who is confidential?
With regard to reporting within CSA requirements, all departments listed above are able to report anonymously. The reporting forms contain no names and are only viewed by Health Education professionals to compile statistics for the annual report.
New information to come.
Map of Blue Light Emergency Phones
To whom would a student report?
Information for the Campus Security Act or Jeanne Clery Act reporting is gathered by Public Safety. The information can be reported to the following:
Reporting Procedures
An anonymous sexual assault centralized report form is completed by those listed above and sent to Public Safety for inclusion in the Campus Security Act report.Who is notified?
The victim/survivor determines who is notified. However, general information from a third party report is shared with the College Health Services and the Dean/Associate Dean of the College offices.Who is confidential?
By Massachusetts state law, victim/survivor information is confidential.
To whom would a student report?
The information can be reported to the following:
- Department of Public Safety - 585-2490, Emergency On-campus - 800
- College Health Services - 585-2800
- Dean of Students
Reporting Procedures
Contact one of the offices above if the incident took place on the Smith College campus.What happens once it’s reported
- The victim/survivor generally determines who is notified.
- Information that does not identify the victim/survivor is gathered by Public Safety and must be reported through the Jeanne Clery Act (formally known as the Campus Security Act).
What is confidential?
By Massachusetts state law, all victim/survivor information is confidential.
To whom would a student report?
Info for Campus Security or Jeanne Clery Act reporting is provided through reports to a range of campus departments including:
- Everywoman’s Center Counselor/Advocate Program
- Dean of Students Office
- Public Safety
- University Health Services
- Mental Health Services
- Counseling and Assessment Services
- Ombuds Office (545-0867)
- Graduate Dean
- Employee Assistance Program
- District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Unit
Reporting Procedures
Victims report to a number of campus professionals who file a Sexual Assault Centralized Report Form (SACRF) through the Everywoman’s Center Counselor/Advocate Program. Appropriate data is pulled from the overall SACRF data to comply with Campus Security Act reporting requirements.Who is notified?
This depends on the victims’ wishes. Anonymous SACRF reports are filed with Everywoman’s Center, and anonymous third party reports may be made to Public Safety.Who is confidential?
Everyone except Victim/Witness Unit and Public Safety.
If I report an assault at a different campus, how can I get home?
After reporting an assault to a school's Public Safety Dept., Public Safety will arrange for transportation back to your home campus.
Amherst College Campus Police -
Emergency: 542-2111 Non-emergency: 542-2291
Hampshire Public Safety -
Emergency: x5555 Non-emergency: x5424
Mount Holyoke Public Safety -
Emergency: 1-911 Non-emergency: 538-2304
Smith College Public Safety -
Emergency (On-Campus): x800 Non-emergency: 585-2490
UMass Campus Police -
Emergency: 911 Non-emergency: 545-2121
Can I speak confidentially to anyone about what happened?
"Confidentiality" means that any person who receives information will not disclose that information in the absence of voluntary written consent. Individuals obligated to maintain confidentiality include health care practitioners, therapists, certified sexual assault counselors and religious advisors/clergy. The only exceptions to their confidentiality include threats to harm oneself or others.
Certain designated student groups may maintain confidentilaity as well. These include Counselor Advocates, Peer Advocates. They do not report assaults, abuse, harassment, relationship violence, etc. to campus officials unless there is a threat to harm oneself or others. They are obligated to receive supervision on all their cases, however. Theirs is not a legal privilege.
(Please note individuals who maintain confidentiality are indicated by an * asterisk in each campus protocol.)
Most of these confidential resources will submit an anonymous report to a designated professional on campus to fulfill the obligation of federal mandatory reporting.
In general, other campus resources, including Campus Public Safety/Police, will not disclose information as long as doing so does not interfere with maintaining campus safety. Please refer to the Help and Services sections of the FAQ for specific information on who is confidential.
What will happen to the perpetrator?
Please click on the campus where the incident occured:
Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke - Smith - UMass
Amherst Disciplinary Procedures
Criminal complaint procedures:
The sensitive crimes officer assists victims in completing a formal criminal complaint. In conjunction with Amherst Town Police, they conduct an investigation.
To whom complaint is made:
Students may seek advice regarding a complaint by speaking to:
- residential life staff (Resident Counselor or Area Coordinator)
- the Sexual Assault Counselor (542-8180)
- the Dean of Students Office (class deans, Dean of Students, Dean for Student Conduct) (542-2337)
Disciplinary options:
- Informal complaint—The Dean for Student Conduct, the Sexual Assault Counselor, Area Coordinators, and the Dean of Students can work with the victim/survivor to formulate responses to an alleged offense.
- Formal complaint—The Dean for Student Conduct will hear a complaint and determine whether it constitutes a violation of The Code of Conduct. In cases of sexual assault, the case will be heard by the Committee on Discipline (a student/faculty panel). Appeals are made to the President of the college.
Time Frame:
Normally a complaint must be made within 90 days from the date of the offense, but in cases of sexual assault, and when otherwise warranted, the normative 90 days to initiate a complaint may be extended.
Hampshire Disciplinary Procedures
New information to come.
Mount Holyoke Disciplinary Procedures
To whom complaint is made:
Students may seek advice regarding a complaint by speaking to:
- Office of Associate Dean of the College
- the Council on Student Affairs/Judicial Board (538-2550)
Disciplinary options:
- Informal complaint—Associate Dean of the College, in connection with other offices/staff involved, can work with the victim/survivor to formulate responses to an alleged offense.
- Formal complaint—Complaints can be heard by the Assoc. Dean of the College or the Council on Student Affairs (CSA)/Judicial Board (7 students/Staff Judicial Advisor). If case is heard by CSA, students may not bring a lawyer, but can have an advisor from the Mount Holyoke College community. In addition, if there is a court case pending outside of the college, the CSA hearing may be postponed until a legal decision is made. Appeals are made to the Dean of the College’s Office.
Time Frame:
14 days to file a complaint with Council on Student Affairs (CSA) and then CSA will respond within 7 days to a complaint filed*.
*Complaints can also be filed with the Assoc. Dean of the College at any time.
To whom complaint is made:
Dean of Students, the College Judicial Board Advisor (585-4940)
Disciplinary options:
- Informal complaint: Dean of Students
- Formal complaint: Complaints may be filed with the College Judicial Board (students trained in judicial procedures assisted by an advisor to the board). Based on information presented in the written complaint, the board decides if there is enough information to proceed to a hearing. The College Judicial Board maintains confidentiality in all cases. More complete information concerning the judicial process is found in the Smith College Student Handbook.
Time Frame:
There is no established time frame for filing a complaint. Once the college Judicial Board has reviewed the complaint, if it deems a hearing necessary, the hearing is normally held within 7-10 days.
To whom is complaint made:
Complaints can be made to Residence Hall Staff or Dean of Students Office, Whitmore Administration Building, 545-2684. All judicial proceedings will be handled by Dean of Students Office Staff.
Disciplinary Options:
- Informal procedures - First step may be a judicial conference between the Associate Dean and the accused student. If no agreement can be reached in this meeting, the case proceeds to a judicial hearing.
- Formal procedures - Judicial Hearing
Who makes these decisions:
Associate Dean of Students
Composition of judicial board:
Boards consist of 5 hearing officers representing students, staff, and faculty.
What services are available to me?
Please click on the campus where the incident occured:
Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke - Smith - UMass
Types of Support
Counseling
Who provides:
- Peer Advocates of Sexual Respect
- Sexual Assault Counselor
- Counseling Center Staff
Types of Services:
- Peer Advocates—student-to-student crisis intervention, resource, and referral (confidential)
- Sexual Assault Counselor—coordinating student advocates; certified SAC in collaboration with and under the clinical supervision of Everywoman’s Center Counselor Advocate program director (MGL 20J assures that all communications with SAC is privileged); confidential counseling, including overview of medical, emotional, disciplinary, and criminal options.
- Counseling Center—short/long term counseling for crisis and healing.
When available:
- Peer Advocates of Sexual Respect—24 hrs/day, 7 days/week, when college is in session (542-7916)
- Sexual Assault Counselor—on-call (542-8180) pager (261-5895) office (542-8180)
- Counseling Center—9am-5pm (542-2354), on call after hours through contact of Dean on Duty. (Dean on Duty number, available through Campus Police.)
Medical Services
Who provides:
- Amherst College Health Services will provide initial consultation, assessment and referral to appropriate services requested by the victim/survivor.
- University Health Services—Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners will provide medical exams (Psychologists and Psychiatrists from Mental Health Services will provide psychiatric care in cases involving psychiatric complications.)
Types of Services:
- Amherst College Health Services—Medical evaluation, sexual assault exam, including a detailed history of the assault by the victim, collection of forensic evidence, clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment of injuries, prophylaxis treatment for STDS, and emergency contraception. When indicated and if the patient consents drug screening (concerning possible drug-facilitated rape) will be provided.
*At victim’s request, coordinate contact with Public Safety and transportation to UHS.- University Health Services—Sexual assault exam, including a detailed history of the assault by the victim, collection of forensic evidence, clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment of injuries, prophylaxis treatment for STD’s, emergency contraception. When indicated and if the patient consents drug screening (concerning possible drug-facilitated rape) will be provided.
*Call in advance to indicate the nature of the exam and a counselor/advocate from EWC will provide medical advocacy and support at the hospital.When available:
- Amherst College Health Services—8:30am-5:30pm, Mon-Fri (542-2266)
- University Health Services—24 hrs/day, 365 days/yr. (577-5000)
Campus Police
Who provides:
Many Amherst College Campus Police Officers are certified sexual assault investigators. This includes an appointed Lead Sensitive Crimes Investigator available 24 hours a day to respond to Sexual Assault incidents. A female investigator can always be provided. The Campus Police Investigator involved in the case will work with the Amherst Police Department to conduct a full investigation.
When available:
24 hrs/day, 365 days/yr.(542-2291, non-emergency) or (542-2111, emergency)
Immediate safety procedures:
Campus police will assess the situation to provide a safe space for the victim. Services include:
- assisting with transportation for medical care
- securing the R+R room (a private room on Amherst College Campus students can live in for up to a week for respite)
- contacting Sexual Assault Counselor, Dean on Duty, Peer Advocates, Counseling Center for emotional support
- arranging for emergency restraining orders
- general Police response to an incident such as collecting evidence, pursuing a suspect, securing an area- as necessary
On-going safety options:
Victim/survivors may access any or all of these options:
- use of SAFE RIDES (security escorts) on campus
- use of walkie-talkies or specialized alarms in their rooms
- changing security access codes to buildings, phone numbers, and locks
- RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) training provided by trained officers for women wanting a self-defense class
New information to come.
Types of Support
Counseling
Who provides:
- Counseling Service Staff
- Office of Religious Life
Types of Services:
- Counseling Service—short term counseling for crisis and healing. Referral for longer term therapy.
- Office of Religious Life—additional counseling support available
When available:
- Counseling Service—Weekdays 8:30am-5:00pm
* Emergency On-Call Clinician can be reached through the College Infirmary at Ext. 2242 during the following hours
Weekdays 5pm-11pm
Weekends 8am-11pm- Office of Religious Life—8:30am-5:00pm 5 days/week (538-2054)
Medical Services
Who provides:
- Mount Holyoke Health Services will provide initial consultation, assessment and referral to appropriate services requested by the victim/survivor.
- The SANE programs will provide medical exams at:
- University Health Services
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Types of services:
- Mount Holyoke Health Services—Medical evaluation (not for evidence collection), prophylaxis treatment for STDS, and emergency contraception
* At victim’s request, coordinate contact with Public Safety and transportation to SANE Programs (UHS and Cooley Dickinson)- The SANE Program—Sexual assault exam, including a detailed history of the assault by the victim, collection of forensic evidence, clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment of injuries *Call in advance to indicate the nature of the exam and a counselor/advocate from EWC will provide medical advocacy and support at the hospital.
When available:
- Mount Holyoke Health Services—8am-11pm, 7 days/week when college is in session. (538-2242)
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital—24hrs/day, 7 days/week (582-2000)
- University Health Services/SANE--24 hrs/day, 7 days/week during academic session (577-5299)
Public Safety
Who provides:
- Department of Public Safety, Central Services Complex
- Staff includes several certified sexual assault investigators
When available:
24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. (538-2304, non-emergency) or (1-911, emergency)
Immediate safety procedures:
- notification of local Police Department and Hampshire County District Attorney’s Office if appropriate
- assisting with transportation for medical care
- secure safe location/emergency housing
- medical & counseling referrals to College Health Services
- arranging for emergency restraining orders or trespass notices against alleged perpetrator
On-going safety options:
- Victim/survivors may access any or all of these options:
- changing phone number & privacy restrictions/restriction of computer information
- assistance with communication to Dean/Assoc. Dean of the College’s office
- RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) training provided by trained officers for women wanting a self-defense class.
Types of Support
Counseling
Who provides:
Counseling Services 585-2840 (on campus x2840)
When available:
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Mon-Fri.
- After 4:30 pm or on weekends staff is on call 24/7 (when college is in session) 585-2813 or 585-2800 (on campus: x2813 or x2800)
Note: January Term hours are 8:30am-4:30pm (no evenings or weekends)Type of services:
- counseling for crisis and healing
- referral to agencies off campus
Medical Services
Who provides:
- Smith College Health Services will provide initial consultation, assessment and referral to appropriate services requested by the victim/survivor.
Contact: 585-2813 or 585-2800- Cooley Dickinson Hospital will provide medical exams.
Contact: 582-2000Types of services:
Smith College Health Services—Medical evaluation (not for evidence collection), prophylaxis treatment for STD’s, and emergency contraception.
*At victim’s request, Health Service can coordinate contact with Public Safety and transportation to Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital—Sexual assault exam: Exam includes a detailed history of the assault by the victim, collection of forensic evidence, clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment of injuries*Call in advance to indicate the type of exam and a counselor/advocate from Everywoman’s Center will provide medical advocacy and support at the hospital.
When available:
- Smith College Health Services—Nurses’ Station, 24 hours/7 days a week, when college is in session (585-2813 or 585-2800).
Note: January Term hours are 8:30am-4:30pm (no evenings or weekends)- Cooley Dickinson Hospital—24hrs/day, 365 days/yr (582-2000)
Public Safety (Campus Police)Who provides:
Department of Public Safety, Neilson South, Level B. All police officers are professionally trained. The staff includes several state certified sexual assault investigators.
When available:
24 hrs/day, 365 days/yr (585-2490, non-emergency) or (X800, emergency)
Public Safety
Immediate safety Procedures:
Public Safety will assess the situation to provide a safe space for the victim. Services include:
- notifying local Police Department as appropriate
- arranging for emergency restraining orders
- issuing trespass notices against alleged perpetrator (when alleged perpetrator is not a member of the Smith College Community).
- securing safe location/emergency housing
- offering medical and counseling referrals
On-going safety options:
Victim/survivors may access any or all of these options:
- use of security escorts provided by Public Safety
- changing of phone number and privacy restrictions, (restriction of computer and directory information)
- Public Safety will attempt to respond to special requests and needs as appropriate.
- communication with Dean of Students, Dean of the College, or Class Deans
Types of support available to victim/survivor
Counseling
Primary counseling resource is the Everywoman’s Center Counselor/Advocate Program. In cases involving severe psychiatric complications, referrals may be made to Mental Health Services, or Counseling and Assessment Services. (see descriptions of these services under Additional Counseling Support)
Who provides?
Everywoman’s Center Counselor/Advocate Program, Nelson House, 545-0800 TTY/Voice. Certified Counselor/Advocates receive 70-hour comprehensive rape crisis training and are supervised by a licensed mental health professional. MGL 20J assures that all communications with Counselor/Advocates is privileged.
Type of services:
Crisis hotline, short-term individual counseling, support groups, medical and legal advocacy. Counselor/Advocates act as adjunct emergency department/urgent care staff at hospitals/University Health Services.
When available:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Medical services
Comprehensive emergency and follow-up medical care is provided by University Health Services. Victims in need of hospitalization are referred to Cooley Dickinson Hospital. University Health Services is a JCAHO approved health service with laboratory and radiology facilities on-site.
Who provides:
MDs and Nurse Practitioners at University Health Services, 577-5000 (often in the Urgent Care Department). Psychologists and Psychiatrists from Mental Health Services provide psychiatric care in cases involving psychiatric complications.
Types of services:
Sexual assault exam, including a detailed history of the assault by the victim, collection of forensic evidence, clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment of injuries, prophylaxis treatment for STDs, and emergency contraception.
When available:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SANE nurses:
A trained SANE Nurse (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) can provide a forensic exam.
Campus Police Safety Response
Who provides:
U Mass Police. University Police (545-2121 - non-emergency, 911 emergency) are empowered by Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 75, Section 32A to make arrests, carry firearms, and maintain order. All police officers are professionally trained and certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Several officers are certified rape investigators.
When available:
Police officers are on patrol 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Immediate Safety Procedures:
Victims of sexual assault should contact the U Mass Police by dialing 911 or the rape line (545-2677) immediately. Police officers from the Community Disorder/Sensitive Crimes Unit will work closely with the Everywoman’s Center Counselor/Advocate Program to provide the necessary support and information to victims of rape or other sexual assault.
On-going Safety Options:
Specially trained U Mass Police officers offer RAD (“Rape Aggression Defense”) training to women who are willing to consider self-defense as a viable option in a situation in which their lives are in jeopardy.
Additional Counseling Support for Victims Available On Campus
Who Provides:
Mental Health Services Hills-North Building, 545-2337
Types of Services:
Counseling, assessment, medication treatment, and referrals to agencies both on and off-campus (services provided by licensed social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists)
When available:
24 hours per day. Normal business hours - 8 am–5 pm Monday–Friday call 545-2337, after hours call Health Services, 577-5000 to have the on-call clinician paged.
Counseling and Assessment Services
23 Berkshire House, 545-0333Types of Services:
Counseling, assessment, and referrals to agencies both on and off-campus (services provided by licensed psychologists)
When available:
Normal business hours: 8:30 am–5 pm Monday–Friday