Campus Sexual Assault: Understanding Title IX

Young people in Los Angeles and other small and large cities in the United States gear up every fall, preparing to go to college and earn an education. However, the unfortunate reality is that many students are being sexually assaulted each year because America has a huge problem when it comes to sexual assault on college campuses. While some of these students may never find the courage to tell someone what happened to them, it is important for everyone to know their rights when it comes to Title IX.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to promptly address sexual assault reports, as well as take the necessary steps and precautions to prevent sexual assault from happening on campuses across the United States. It also makes sure that none of the colleges across America can discriminate against a student because of their sex or gender. Therefore, regardless of a student’s gender, sex, or sexual orientation, any reports or complaints of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination must be investigated and addressed immediately.

What makes Title IX so important?

Although Title IX was first passed in 1972, new rules and amendments went into effect in August 2020, redefining sexual harassment, and adding rules about hearings, complaints, and investigations. It remains important for undergraduate college students, graduate college students, faculty and staff, and college visitors. All individuals who are on a college campus are protected from being sexually assaulted or discriminated against under Title IX. However, it is important to point out that Title IX not only protects college students. As a matter of fact, it protects private and public elementary, middle, and high school students around the country.

Common types of Los Angeles Title IX cases

Under Title IX, any form of sexual assault is considered gender-based harassment or discrimination. Some of the most common types of Los Angeles Title IX cases include:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Stalking
• Sexual touching
• Sexual battery
• Sexual coercion
• Sexual intimidation

What does the Title IX process consist of?

If you have been sexually assaulted while at school or college, you may be curious to know what the Title IX process consists of. First and foremost, you should be aware of the fact that Title IX protects sexual assault victims. Therefore, your school or college is required to take your sexual assault report seriously. As a result, the process should consist of:

• An immediate and detailed investigation
• Confidentiality and privacy throughout your entire case
• Any support, counseling, or psychological services that you need
• Ability to change your course schedule, transportation options, dorm or housing accommodations, and anything else you need to ensure that you can still receive a fair and equal education opportunity

When might I need a Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer for a Title IX case?

Unfortunately, colleges do not automatically believe every student who files a Title IX case. However, they are required to take your report seriously. While Title IX was created to protect those who have been sexually assaulted, they usually need to have significant proof that the sexual assault occurred. Evidence and testimony are very important in these types of cases. Schools and colleges do not want to receive lawsuits for improperly handling Title IX cases. Therefore, students, staff, or faculty members who file Title IX complaints must have proof that they were sexually assaulted.

Colleges and universities do not always appropriately handle sexual assault reports even when they do believe the survivor. They often fail students who file these reports by not completing a thorough investigation or taking the appropriate actions against the individual accused of sexual assault. To prevent this from happening to you, it is highly recommended that you speak to a Los Angeles sexual assault attorney from Taylor & Ring right away. This can help you gain insight and understanding of what legal options may be available to you. A lawyer from our firm will help you by:

• Giving you our full attention and listening to your experience
• Reviewing the facts of your case
• Conducting our own investigation into what happened
• Collecting and reviewing evidence to support your claim
• Building a strong case
• Hiring witnesses to provide a testimony
• Advocating and protecting your rights

Evidence that may be able to help my Title IX case

Evidence is one of the most critical parts of a Title IX case. Therefore, a sexual assault lawyer will ensure that you gather the appropriate evidence to successfully prove your side of the story. Here are a few of the most critical pieces of evidence that we will use:

• Photographs
• Video footage
• Emails
• Text messages
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Doctor statements
• Witness testimonies

How common is college campus sexual assault?

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 13 percent of college students (undergraduate and graduate) are raped or sexually assaulted. In fact, RAINN explains that individuals who are college-age, which is typically between 18 and 24, are at risk of being sexually assaulted. Here are a few statistics you should be aware of:

• Male college students between the ages of 18 and 24 are 78% more likely to be victims of sexual assault or rape than non-college male students.
• Around 9.7% of female graduate students and 2.5% of male graduate students become victims of sexual assault or rape.
• Around 6.8% of male undergraduate students and 26.4% of female undergraduate students become victims of sexual assault or rape.
• More than half of sexual assaults that happen on college campuses are usually in August, September, October, or November.

If you have been sexually assaulted at college or school, contact Taylor & Ring as soon as possible. Our attorneys can also help you if you believe that a college mishandled your Title IX claim. We are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to these cases, and we will do everything we can to stand up for your rights and demand justice. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation today.

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