University of Virginia
Your Legal Rights

As a survivor of violence, you have a range of legal rights.

The first step is to become familiar with the laws that address your situation. Click here to learn more about the Virginia Criminal Code.

Once you have examined the laws, you then can consider what the criminal justice and other systems can offer you in terms of redress:

In addition, University of Virginia students, or individuals who have been victimized by UVA students, faculty, or staff, may wish to utilize options available internally. To view the University's policies concerning these issues, click here.

Each remedy has different advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider them before committing yourself, although in many cases you have the option of withdrawing yourself as a witness if criminal prosecution proceeds.

Criminal prosecution might result in imprisonment of the batterer, or perhaps enforced batterers group counseling. Or, it might simply result in probation--it all depends on the circumstances and the judge who hears the case. It also might mean that the batterer will be forced into accountability, which may be the only workable approach.

Orders of protection work well if the batterer respects authority and is fearful of being arrested. But if he or she doesn't care about that, then it's only as good as the paper it's written on. It does require an arrest, however, if there is a violation of the order. They can be useful tools, and may be worth the time and effort to secure one.

Civil suits may be an option for collecting damages and recovering costs relating to moving, therapy, and so on, if the batterer has any financial resources at all. One doesn't have to sue for money, however, it's possible to sue to force the abuser to get therapy, to return certain items, and so on.

The UJC has rarely, if ever, heard a domestic/dating violence case. But the committee members are aware that this is a possibility. The consequences, if the student is found in violation of the Standards of Conduct, can range from a letter of reprimand to expulsion. It might be an avenue to consider. The UJC hearing can be pursued whether or not criminal or civil action is taken.