Victim's Bill Of Rights
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is committed to providing support and assistance to victims/survivors of dating violence, domestic violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking to ensure that they can participate in all educational opportunities; including participating in programs, activities, and organizations, and employment. All victims/survivors have the following rights, regardless of whether the conduct occurred on or off campus:
- Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
- Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;
- Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
- Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
- Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
- Describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required description of the incident;
- Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
- Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and,
- Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.
Options that may be exercised by a victim/survivor:
- Make a report to local law enforcement;
- Make a report to the Campus Security Authority ;
- Make a report to the University’s Title IX Coordinator .
- Receive confidential counseling or medical attention.
- Make a report to the Confidential Advocate (confidential, through Office of Equal Opportunity )