Reporting

All members of the Williams community are encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct, whether they themselves experienced the incident or whether they observed misconduct against another person.

There are several reasons why the college encourages reporting. First, the college has resources that you can use for support and accommodation after an incident. Second, it is important for the college to know about an incident in order to maintain the safety of the community. Finally, the college offers a way to discipline the person who committed the sexual misconduct if they are a member of the college community. The police offer a way to pursue prosecution whether or not the accused person is a member of the Williams community. If an individual reports or seeks care for an incident of sexual misconduct during which they consumed alcohol or drugs, they will not be subject to disciplinary action regarding the alcohol or drug use.

Reports may be made by email, phone, or in person. People reporting may provide as much or as little detail as they feel comfortable with. To report a sexual assault or other sexual misconduct to the college contact:

● Campus Safety and Security at 413-597-4444
● Any Dean at the Dean of the College’s office at 413-597-4261 or by email
● Title IX Coordinator, Toya Camacho by phone at 413-597-3301, by email to
[email protected] or in person at Hopkins Hall Room 110
● Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students, Gretchen Long by phone at 413-597- 4261, by
email to [email protected] or in person at Hopkins Hall Room 200

To report a sexual assault to the police dial:

● 911
● Williamstown Police Department at 413 458 5733

The on-campus reporting option is not exclusive of other reporting options, such as reporting to the police, and both mechanisms may be employed concurrently or consecutively.

Students should be aware that most college employees have an obligation to report any sexual misconduct of which they become aware to the Title IX Coordinator. More information about confidential resources for students, including a list of college employees who are designated as confidential and generally do not have an obligation to report sexual misconduct can be found in the Confidentiality and Privacy section of the college’s Title IX website.

After the college receives a report of sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator (referred to collectively here as “a Title IX coordinator”) will promptly contact the person who was reported as having experienced the sexual misconduct to discuss the availability of supportive measures and to explain the process for filing a formal complaint. Supportive measures, which are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed, are discussed in more detail in Section 4 below. If the person reporting is not the person who experienced the misconduct, a Title IX coordinator will usually also contact the person who made the report to determine whether that person would like to further discuss the information provided.

It is the right of every survivor to pursue criminal prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator. This is done, most often, by reporting the assault directly to the Williamstown Police Department (413 458-5733 or 9-911). Reporting to the police does not commit you to further legal action but does make it easier for the police to investigate the crime if that is your wish. Early reporting will increase the chances of a successful prosecution.

The Williamstown Police Department has two officers who have special training and are certified by the state to investigate sexual assaults and other sexual violence. During your initial meeting with a police officer, you will be asked to tell what happened and what your attacker looked like or who your assailant was, if you know. You may have a friend or other supportive person with you during this or any other interview with the police.

The police are responsible for investigating and the District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting such crimes. If you decide to prosecute and your case goes to trial, it will be handled by a member of the District Attorney’s Office at the State’s expense. You will incur no costs. In Berkshire County there is a Victim’s Advocate Program which will work closely with you throughout the process.

Massachusetts law requires that the police keep your name in confidence. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, § 24C.

There is a period of limitation for filing criminal charges.  That limitation period currently is 15 years from the time of a sexual assault, although it may be longer depending on the circumstances.  Different limitations periods apply to criminal offenses other than sexual assault.

A. Prohibition. Retaliation of any kind against the person who reports sexual misconduct or against any person who participates or chooses not to participate in the adjudication process is strictly prohibited. Any retaliation will be treated as a new and additional violation of the code of conduct.

B. Forms of Retaliation. Retaliation is harmful action taken against someone who has made a report, filed a formal complaint, provided testimony, assisted, or in some other way participated or chosen not to participate in any manner in a disciplinary investigation or process. Retaliation could also include actions taken against someone who has intervened as a bystander to stop or attempt to stop misconduct.

Retaliation can include intimidating, threatening, coercing, or discriminating against an individual because of their participation or failure to participate in a disciplinary process, or because they opposed behavior that was a violation of the college’s code of conduct. Retaliation may also include bringing charges against someone for code of conduct violations that arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or formal complaint of sexual misconduct, such as for drug or alcohol use.

If the actions directed at that individual would deter a reasonable person in the same circumstances from reporting misconduct, participating in a disciplinary process, or opposing behavior in violation of the college’s code of conduct, it is deemed retaliatory.