Support for Victims of Crime
The University of New Mexico believes in empowering individuals in our community who have experienced crime. The University offers several support sites and resources to help students and employees heal in the aftermath of a crime and continue their time at UNM.
Student and Employee Rights and Options Following a Report of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking
Upon receiving a report of an incident involving an alleged sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking—regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus—the University takes extra steps to provide resources to the victim and guide them in a direction they decide is right for them. Regardless of where one of these offenses occurred, students and employees who report one of these crimes to any University official have a right to be notified in writing about their rights and the University’s obligations to them. Not only is this requirement one of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act’s amendments to the Clery Act, but it allows the University a way to deliver pertinent information to victims of these crimes in a uniform and streamlined way. This information is provided in writing through a booklet called A Survivor’s Guide to Rights & Options. Confidential support sites are available to help walk survivors through the booklet and navigate other resources.
The following are some topics covered in A Survivor’s Guide to Rights & Options.
- The importance of seeking medical attention and where to find it
- Preserving evidence of an assault
- How to obtain a restraining order or UNM no contact directive
- Consent as it relates to sexual activity
- Reporting an incident of alleged sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to University officials, to include campus law enforcement, and what to expect
- UNM’s disciplinary process following a formal complaint against a student or employee for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking
- Amnesty
- Supportive measures
- Resources in the community for victims that provide counseling and mental health, advocacy, legal aid, visa and immigration assistance, financial aid assistance, and medical attention
- Definitions of sexually based crimes and consent used by UNM and by the State of New Mexico
A Survivor’s Guide to Rights & Options is available on the Coordinated Community Response Team website under Resources. Individuals can also request a printed copy by contacting CEEO at 505-277-5251 or ceeo@unm.edu.
