Question and Answer

What is Consent?

Consent is active; both parties say “yes.” It is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time without fear or explanation. Consent is a must for every form of sexual activity every time. You have the right to withdraw consent even if you have consented to sexual activity with the person in the past.

  • Consent is agreeing to specific sexual behavior willingly. Obtaining consent is the responsibility of the person initiating the sexual contact. not valid if forced, intimidated or coerced. It is not valid when judgment is impaired using alcohol/drugs or if the person is sleeping or unconscious.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is a crime that will not be tolerated at Central Connecticut State University. It includes, but is not limited to, a sexual act directed against another person without the consent (as defined in the Board of Regent’s Sexual Misconduct Policy) of the other person or when that person is not capable of giving such consent. Any person can be a victim or a perpetrator.

  • Examples: rape, attempted rape, and/or intentional touching a person's body for sexual gratification without their consent.

What is Intimate Partner, Domestic and/or Dating Violence?

Intimate partner, domestic and/or dating violence includes acts of violence or threats of violence that occur between individuals who are family or household members, or persons are in a current or former dating or cohabitating relationship. Intimate partner violence may include physical
abuse, emotional abuse, and threats of abuse.

  • Examples: assault, rape, domestic or family violence involving physical force, stalking, texting that contains obscene material, electronic communication that contain serious threats of physical violence, and violation of a protective or restraining order issued by a court.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is defined as obsessive or unwanted contact of another person. This contact may cause reasonable apprehension of imminent physical harm or affect one's ability to perform daily life functions. It is when someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, talks to you when you do not want them to, or threatens you.

  • Examples: unwanted communication (email, texting, instant messaging, and other electronic forms), damaging personal property, showing up places you go, or sending unwanted gifts.

  • Be treated with respect and dignity.
  • Not be judged based on your race, age, class, gender, or sexual orientation
  • You can refuse to answer questions about the sexual assault, your sexual orientation, and your sexual, medical (including HIV), and mental health histories.
  • Have confidential conversations with a CCSU licensed counselor in Student Wellness Services.
  • Have an advocate accompany you to a medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings.
  • Request that someone you are comfortable with stay in the examination room with you.
  • Ask questions and obtain information regarding any tests, examinations, medications, treatments, or police reports you have completed.
  • Have a pre-hearing meeting.
  • Be informed, in writing, of the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and any sanctions imposed.
  • Appeal the outcomes of the disciplinary proceedings.

  • You have options
    • Go to a safe place
    • Consider calling someone you trust
    • Seek medical care and/or counseling on campus, or through local resources
    • Preserve evidence
    • Call CCSU Police at (860) 832-2375 or 991 for emergency services

  • Any CCSU member can come to the Office of Victim Advocacy; for any of the above services, trainings, or just to ask questions.

  • Title IX prohibits any person in the United States from being discriminated against on the basis of sex in seeking access to any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
  • The U.S. Department of Education which enforces Title IX, has long defined the meaning of Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination broadly to include various forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence that interfere with a student’s ability to equally access our education programs and opportunities