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The following article is sent by the Cavalier Daily by request of the 
following person.
Name: S. Daniel Carter
E-mail:  

Message from the sender:  Does anybody on the list know anything about this 
troubling story?-S. Daniel Carter
Article:
Date:3/23/2004
-- Parent creates Web site for rape victims   --
Mother of alleged victim criticizes administration's sexual assault policy, 
seeks expulsion of convicted offenders
By Lauren Todd Pappa
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor


The parent of a University student created a Web site Sunday titled 
uvavictimsofrape.com in response to what she said she considers an inadequate 
response from the University administration after her daughter was allegedly 
sexually assaulted.

The 50-year-old mother, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said she 
created the Web site to address what she said was the University "turning a 
blind eye" to sexual assault.

"My goal is for the students to finally raise the point to the administration 
that sexual assault should be an honor code violation and that the only 
acceptable sanction would be dismissal from the University," she said.

The parent said her daughter contacted the appropriate authorities at the 
University through several phone calls and e-mails but received responses 
that questioned her desire to file charges.

"She has verbally spoken with the correct office and has sent e-mails, yet 
they have continued to come back and ask her if she wants to do this," she 
said. "Why do they question her motivation?"

The parent further criticized the "University's lack of action against 
predators."

"He sexually assaulted her, and there should never be any doubt in their mind 
whether or not they should investigate this," she said.

The parent said she posted 300 fliers to advertise the Web site around 
Grounds Friday evening, but said many of them had been taken down the next 
day.

University spokesperson Carol Wood said the accusations made against the 
University's handling of sexual assault cases are unfounded given the large 
support system the University has in place for sexual assault victims.

"The University takes allegations of sexual assault very seriously, and we 
strive to work with students to keep them safe and secure," Wood said. "In 
the case of sexual assault, we work hard to make sure victims receive the 
appropriate assistance and guidance that they need to help them during some 
very difficult times."

Wood added that the University is committed to assisting students with all 
legal matters associated with sexual assault cases.

"It is the University's belief that we have to come to the aid of victims of 
sexual assault and assure them that we will work very closely with law 
enforcement agencies to prosecute their assailants to the fullest extent of 
the law," she said.

Sexual Assault Board Chair Shamim Sisson said victims of sexual assault have 
many options available to them, both within the University's jurisdiction and 
beyond.

First, a student may seek mediation services in which a formal written 
agreement is made between the complainant and the accused person.

The second option is to attend a "structured meeting," which Sisson described 
as an opportunity for the complainant to confront the accused in a less 
formal setting than a full hearing.

Finally, the most formal option is to consult the Sexual Assault Board for a 
formal hearing by a panel of faculty and students.

Citing the University's zero toleration for cheating as evidenced by the 
single-sanction provision of the honor code, the parent said sexual predators 
should be "immediately removed from Grounds so that students' emotional and 
physical well-being are not ever in jeopardy."

Sisson said, however, that expulsion from the University is not the only 
sanction that can be levied by the hearing panel. Sanctions range in severity 
and include a warning, academic ramifications, suspension and expulsion.

The parent emphasized that the administration needs to address the prevalence 
of sexual assault at the University.

"My point is not to force them to take action on this predator alone," she 
said. "My point is that this occurs often at the University and it needs to 
be dealt with. I just feel it's time now they open their eyes to everyone in 
that situation, not just mine."