Frequently Asked Questions for a SURVIVOR (Complainant)

Santa Monica College
Student Support
Sexual Violence Response Prevention
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Frequently Asked Questions for a Survivor (Complainant)

In an Emergency 24/7

From any campus phone,
call 4300 or 911

From a mobile phone,
call SMC dispatch
310-434-4300

If off-campus, call 911

Sexual assault is a crime of violence. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of all sexual assaults involve the use of weapons or the threat of violence or death. Rapists often look for potential victims who appear weak or vulnerable; however, anyone can be a victim of a sexual assault, regardless of behavior or appearance. Rape can happen to any person, anywhere or anytime. In a significant number of cases, the rapist is known to the victim.

Rape is not just an act committed in a dark alley by an assailant the victim has never met. Most rapes occur in the victim's home and about 60% of the victims who report their rape know their assailants. You can be aware without being afraid.

Some people believe that rapists are overcome with sexual desire or that the victim "asks for it" by the way they dress or act. Some people even believe that the victim wants to be raped. These ideas assume that rape is motivated by sexual desire. IT IS NOT! Rape is a crime of violence - a hostile act - and it is motivated by the perpetrator’s need to hurt and humiliate the victim. It is about power. In California, any form of sexual conduct carried out upon a person, against that person's will, is a crime. Any sexual penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime of rape. P.C. 261 & 263

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Complainant's Rights

Throughout this process, the complainant has the following rights:

To be treated with respect by District officials.
To take advantage of campus support resources, such as Psychological Services, Student Health Services, etc.
To experience a safe education and work environment.
To have an advisor during an adjudication process.
To be free of retaliation.
To have complaints heard in accordance with policy and procedures.
To fully participate in any process whether the injured party is serving as the complainant, or where the institution is serving as the complainant.
To be informed in writing of the progress of the investigation.
To be notified concurrently, and in writing, of the outcome/resolution of the complaint, of any sanctions imposed, and the basis for the determination, and the right of appeal (when applicable).

Who Do I Contact?

Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on college-owned or controlled property, at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from college attendance or activity is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures.

You may contact any of the following:

Santa Monica College Police: 310-434-4300
Santa Monica Police Department: 911
Center for Wellness and Wellbeing (Psychological Services): 310-434-4503
Student Health Services: 310-434-4262
Compliance Administrator/Title IX Coordinator: 310-434-4225
Dean of Students: 310-434-4220

What if the assault occurred on Campus?

The District will address the needs of the sexual assault survivor by providing a consistent, caring, and timely response when sexual assault occurs within the college community. After an initial consultation, referrals for treatment will be made and ongoing support will be offered to survivors.

Any person who has been sexually assaulted is strongly encouraged to file a complaint with the Santa Monica College Police Department, and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. When a complaint is filed with the Santa Monica College Police Department, the District staff should initiate the following steps:

Request that a nurse from Student Health Services provide immediate medical attention and appropriate medical and psychological referrals.
Provide assistance to the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center.
Notify the appropriate college personnel of the incident for further administrative action.
The Santa Monica College Police Department will be responsible for conducting a thorough investigation which may include contacting other public agencies.
Ensure that the survivor is given appropriate protection while on campus, including protection from retaliation for filing the complaint, if necessary. Such protection may include placing appropriate restrictions on the accused.
Ask the survivor questions to assess the potential for a continuing threat to the survivor and/or other members of the campus community.

Confidentiality and Disclosure

Student Conduct and Discipline

If an investigation determines from a preponderance of evidence standard that the incident occurred then the respondents may be placed on probation, suspended, and expelled, for acts committed on campus or at campus-related events. The cause for suspension and expulsion listed in California Education Code 76033 include assault, battery, or any threat of force or violence upon a student or college personnel and the willful misconduct which results in injury or death to a student or college personnel. In compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault, are to be informed whenever information regarding disciplinary action taken by the college is included in a student's file. For further information, contact the Director, Student Judicial Affairs, Lina Ladyzhenskaya, at 310-434-4655, ladyzhenskaya_lina@smc.edu