Please click here to learn more about using this page safely.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

George Mason University Policies

George Mason University Statement of Information on Dating/Partner Violence, Cont.

Support Available:

George Mason University will make reasonable efforts to provide support and/or referrals to students involved with dating/partner violence.  Since dating/partner violence often occurs in conjunction with sexual violence and/or stalking, George Mason University students experiencing dating/partner violence may seek confidential assistance from George Mason University Sexual Assault Services and/or Counseling and Psychological Services.  

Reporting Incidents & Legal Options

Criminal: Certain acts of dating/partner violence are crimes under Virginia law.  These acts may be classified as assault and battery against a family or household member under section 18.2-57.2 (see endnote 4) of the Virginia Criminal code.  Persons wishing to make an official police report and/or to seek prosecution should contact the appropriate police agency (see endnote 5).  

Civil: Victims of dating/partner violence may seek to obtain a protective order at a local magistrate’s office and/or file a civil lawsuit in order to obtain compensation for personal damages.  Victims can seek more information about protective orders and civil proceedings by contacting George Mason University Sexual Assault Services.

University Discipline:  The University may take action and give sanctions to those accused if the accused is an employee or a student, whether or not the incident rises to a criminal offense under Virginia law.  Incidents occurring on or off campus between students and/or employees may be subject to University discipline when such actions materially affect the learning environment of the victim or the operations of the University.  Sanctions to the accused may include education, counseling, restrictions, and/or penalties.  See Behavioral Expectations 8 of the Student Judicial Code.

For more information about the Office of Judicial Affairs and the Student Judicial Code please call 703-993-2884, go to http://judicialaffairs.gmu.edu, or visit the Office of Judicial Affairs in Student Union Building 1, Room 302.   Employees may contact George Mason University Employee Relations at 703-993-2600.  To reach the George Mason University Police Department, please call 703-993-2810.

Employee Policies Related to this Issue:

• George Mason University Administrative Policy #2208 – Preventing Workplace Violence
• Virginia Department of Human Resource Management Policy 1.80 – Workplace Violence
• Virginia Department of Human Resource Management Policy 2.30 – Workplace Harassment
• Virginia Department of Human Resource Management Standards of Conduct Policy 1.60

**This statement of information was created by the George Mason University Sexual Assault Services Coordinating Council.

This page was last updated: July 1, 2008 . This page is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox or Netscape Navigator.

Please click here for more information about how to clear your browser history (footprints).