The University Sexual Assault Board held a mock sexual assault hearing last night in Wilson Hall, depicting the schematics of a "he said/she said" assault case.
The mock hearing, led by SAB Chair Shamim Sisson, pitted a date rape scenario complaint brought forth by first-year "Cindy Elliot," played by second-year College student Cecilia Perez, against second-year "Rob Hicks," played by second-year College student Will King.
The scenario depicted the two at a party where both had been drinking. "Elliot" alleged that "Hicks" walked her home after the party and then raped her.
The mock hearing ended after "Elliot" and "Hicks" presented their cases. The panel then opened up to a question and answer session with the audience.
"When a student is sexually assaulted, the first thing we are concerned with is his or her well-being," Sisson said. "Assaulted students seek medical services immediately, and then counseling and psychological resources."
Sisson said that assaulted students may choose whether to file a police report. Physical evidence can be collected by the police for up to 72 hours. Students may seek criminal or civil proceedings against alleged offenders, or may decide to take action within the University.
Sisson said a student may seek mediation between themself and the alleged attacker, resulting in a formal written resolution between the two parties. Students can also seek a "structured meeting" where students can confront alleged attackers in an informal setting. Lastly, students may seek a formal hearing before the SAB.
"What we have determined over time is that a formal hearing is the right choice for some students," Sisson said. "They are hopeful that there is a punishment if the person is guilty."
Students allegedly assaulted by acquaintances may not wish to seek punitive action, she said.
"A lot of recovery has to do with regaining control," Sisson said. "The last thing we want to do is to force an option on a survivor."
Sisson said hearings are conducted after faculty or University Judiciary Committee investigators are appointed to the case and reports are filed. Both the alleged attacker and the victim then meet with their chosen advisors and Sisson.
Sisson said the case then moves to the formal hearing, where both parties are asked to present witnesses and evidence. The SAB then deliberates guilt in accordance with the University's definition of sexual assault based on evidence of a "clear and convincing level of confidence" -- a level "between a preponderance of evidence and beyond reasonable doubt." If guilt is determined, the panel then decides on a sanction.
Sisson said sanctions may range from warnings and mandatory educational sessions to suspension and expulsion.
She said that in her five-year tenure as chair, the SAB has conducted from zero to five sexual assault hearings per year. While half of these cases result in guilty verdicts, no student has been suspended or expelled from the University.
The mock hearing took place on the heels of the creation of uvavictimsofrape.com, a Web site developed by the parent of a University student who claims that her daughter was sexually assaulted at "some time during this semester."
The parent criticized University administrators' handling of her daughter's case, alleging that they "turn a blind eye" to many alleged rape cases at the University.
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