Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Holly Rider-Milkovich <>]

University of Michigan's policy states:

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"Information and Choice on Participation:

Complainants, Respondents, or students serving as Reporters or witnesses may choose to participate or decline to participate in the process. However, even if a Complainant or Respondent declines to participate, as described in this policy, the University may continue to investigate the matter and issue findings based on available information."

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Additionally, U-M's policy has a specific process for addressing instances where the survivor is not interested in participating in the process:

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"Decision to Proceed with Investigation

If the Complainant is willing to participate in the review and investigation process, the University will proceed as described in the Investigation section.

If the Complainant requests confidentiality or asks that the report of sexual misconduct not be pursued, the University will, generally before taking any further investigative steps, forward that information, along with all available information about the report, to a review panel. The review panel will consist of the Title IX Coordinator and staff members. These panel members will represent the interests of the University, law enforcement, survivors of sexual misconduct, persons accused of sexual misconduct, and/or other offices as deemed necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.

The review panel is charged with balancing U-M’s tradition of supporting survivor-centered practices with U-M’s equally strong commitment to providing due process to the Respondent and promoting a safe community.

Specifically, the panel members will provide information and advice to the Title IX Coordinator regarding:
1. Their perspectives on whether, how, and to what extent, U-M should further investigate the report of sexual misconduct;
2. What steps may be possible or appropriate when a Respondent is unknown; and
3. What other measures or remedies might be considered to address any effects of the reported sexual misconduct on the campus community.

In all cases, the final decision on whether, how, and to what extent the University will conduct an investigation, and whether other measures will be taken in connection with any allegation of sexual misconduct, rests solely with the Title IX Coordinator."

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The full policy may be accessed at: http://studentsexualmisconductpolicy.umich.edu/

On Tue, Oct 22, 2013 at 2:42 PM, Heskin, Jessica R <> wrote:

Hi everyone.  I was wondering if anyone had any good wording on policies or protocols advising victims of their right not to cooperate with the judicial affairs/Title IX process.  It seems that a lot of victims don’t want to report but sometimes because of DCL universities interpret that the victim has to cooperate or they don’t advise her/him of their right not to talk to campus authorities.

Thanks.

 

Jessica Heskin, M.A.

Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services

Student Health and Counseling Services

(916) 278-3799

www.csus.edu/shcs

 

 

 

 

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Holly M. Rider-Milkovich

Director, Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center

Co-Chair, Abuse Hurts Initiative

University of Michigan

(734) 764-7771

(734) 936-3333 (24. Hr. Crisis Line)

 

530 S. State St., G509
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1308

sapac.umich.edu

facebook: Holly At SAPAC