The University of Virginia remains committed to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct and to ensuring that students understand their options for seeking support and reporting concerns.
This page focuses on what the University's processes are and what resources are available to students in an ongoing effort to educate and support our community.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please contact the Title IX Office.
The University utilizes an empowerment model when responding to reports of sexual misconduct, which aligns with a trauma-informed approach, and has been widely recognized as best practice. This empowerment model understands that coming forward to report an incident of sexual misconduct is a deeply personal choice. In most cases, reporting to the University will not automatically initiate a formal investigation. The Title IX Office works with individuals so they can understand their options, provide Supportive Measures and Resources, and help them make informed decisions about how they may want to proceed. This approach allows us to respond to concerns while preserving the individual's autonomy and control over the process.
There are, however, circumstances in which the University may be required to initiate an investigation or take other action, even if the individual does not wish to proceed. These circumstances arise when there are factors that indicate a potential ongoing threat to the safety of the University community. These factors can include, repeat offenders; multiple Respondents in a single incident; and/or matters involving Respondents in a position of authority over Complainants.
The Title IX Office provides Supportive Measures to address the short and/or long-term effects of sexual misconduct. Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate and without fee or charge. Supportive Measures are available even if a formal investigation is not pursued.
Supportive Measures can include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance in addressing academic concerns and making reasonable academic adjustments.
- University No Contact Directive - An issued University No Contact Directive prohibits contact between the parties, directly or through third parties. More information on No Contact Directives can be found by visiting our FAQ webpage.
- Assistance with changing living arrangements.
- Assistance with contacting community resources.
- Assistance in seeking assistance and/or charges from local law enforcement.
The University also has many resources available to assist individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct. The University has continued to expand and strengthen confidential available to support students. This includes Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS); counseling through the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center; and the Violence Prevention & Advocacy (VPA) team. These resources provide confidential support, allowing students to seek assistance and discuss their experiences without generating a report to the University. A complete list of resources, in addition to those named above, can be found in the Resources and Information Guide [PDF].
Just Report It provides an accessible way to share information about a concern or incident with the University. You can submit a report online at a time and in a way that feels comfortable to you. Submitting a report does not mean you are required to pursue a formal investigation or resolution process. A report can simply be a way to share information, ask questions, connect with resources, or understand your options.
You can also make a report directly to the Title IX Office by emailing [email protected] or by calling 434-297-7988.
The University prohibits retaliation against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secure by Title IX, or because an individual has made a report, or participated or refused to participate in a resolution process under the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Students should be able to seek assistance or participate in a University process without being subjected to retaliation for doing so.
If you believe you have experienced retaliation because you sought help, assisted in, participated in, or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, resolution process, or other proceeding related to a complaint of sexual misconduct, you should contact the Title IX Office to discuss your options.
Interim measures and emergency actions are distinct from a final determination that a policy violation occurred. When circumstances warrant consideration of interim restrictions, such as emergency removal, the Title IX Office will undertake an individualized safety and risk analysis to determine whether an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of Prohibited Conduct justifies removal. The decision to impose an emergency removal will be based on a review of all known information and is driven by a totality of the circumstances, which may include assessing whether there is evidence of patterns of behavior, predation, threats, violence, weapons, the involvement of minors, the abuse of power, or serious violations of federal, state, or local law. Such measures are intended to address immediate concerns while preserving the integrity of the underlying process.
Yes. Virginia law requires institutions of higher education to establish procedures for reporting certain incidents of sexual violence to local law enforcement. At the University of Virginia, we convene an Evaluation Panel, which is a multidisciplinary committee that meets twice weekly to review every report of sexual violence that is received at the University. In the event the University is required to make a report to local law enforcement, we notify the impacted party of this and have resources available to assist them in working with local law enforcement including dedicated Victim Assistance Program Coordinators. In the event this happens, students are not obligated to speak with law enforcement or otherwise pursue charges.
The University can also provide information about those options and help students understand the distinction between a criminal process and a University process. A criminal investigation and a University sexual misconduct process are separate processes with different purposes, standards, and procedures.
Bystander intervention means recognizing when something may be harmful or concerning and choosing to take action that supports safety, respect, and well-being. That action can include researching information for your friend, interrupting a situation that feels unsafe or concerning, creating a distraction, or simply asking "Are you okay?"
The 5 D's of Bystander Intervention are:
- Direct: Address the person causing the harm or situation calmly and assertively, but only if you are completely certain that physical safety is assured for you and the impacted person.
- Distract: Derail or interrupt the incident indirectly by starting a random conversation, asking for directions, or spilling a drink.
- Delegate: Ask a third party, manager, event staff, or authority figure to step in and help.
- Delay: Check in with the person who was impacted party after the incident has passed to offer support, a listening ear, or resources.
- Document: Take pictures, record video, or take notes of the incident if it is safe to do so and does not interfere with providing assistance. Obtain the impacted person's consent before sharing or posting your documentation.