The Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office

Phone: (406) 243-5710

The Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office at the University of Montana strives to support a diverse community accepting of all individuals regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, marital or familial status, union affiliation, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or political beliefs. This office will work to eliminate barriers which inhibit persons from achieving their full potential in education, employment, and other programs and services at the University.

Student Conduct Officer

Sandy Curtis, Director of UM Housing & Student Conduct Officer

Phone: (406) 243-2611

The Student Conduct Code at the University of Montana embodies and promotes honesty, integrity, accountability, rights, and responsibilities associated with constructive citizenship in our academic community.  This Code describes expected standards of behavior for all students, including academic conduct and general conduct, and it outlines students' rights, responsibilities, and the campus processes for adjudicating alleged violations.

First STEP

Phone: (406) 329-5776

A specially trained nurse or nurse practitioner will meet clients/assault victims at a private, safe clinic. First Step examiner will provide comprehensive medical assessment, evidence collection, lab tests and medication as needed, and education/information. First Step provides on-site access to community advocates and law enforcement as requested. DNA evidence may be collected up to five (5) days after a sexual assault but is most likely to yield positive results the sooner it is collected.

Missoula YWCA

24-hour support line: (406) 542-1944 or (800) 483-7858

Provides emergency crisis counseling, follow-up advocacy and shelter for sexual assault victims. Also offers support groups for victims including walk-in peer counseling; in-house licensed therapist; referrals to community resources; and legal, personal and medical advocacy. 

Crime Victim Advocate (CVA) Program

Business line: (406) 258-3830

Helps sexual assault victims understand options and obtain Temporary Orders of Protection*, provides information on crime victim’s compensation, and assists sexual assault victims through the judicial system, including checking on the status of individual cases. Crime Victim Advocates also helps victims of violent crime and stalking. (*A TOP is a court order signed by a judge that prohibits someone who scares you from coming to your house or workplace and from having any contact with you.)

Missoula County Attorney’s Office

Business line: (406) 258-4737

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office reviews law enforcement investigations and decides whether or not to prosecute an alleged offender with a crime. This office charges a case when county prosecutors have probable cause and a reasonable probability of prevailing at trial; that is, when there is enough evidence to prove all elements of the crime(s) beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury. The prosecutors of the Missoula County Attorney's Office answer questions about what to expect when a case is prosecuted, consult with victims of crime about plea agreements and trial strategy, and prepare victims and their supporters for testifying in court at evidentiary hearings, trials and sentencing hearings.

Definitions

Definitions of Violence:

• Physical Violence includes kicking, pinching, hitting, choking, biting, shaking or otherwise using physical force to restrain or hurt a partner. Other examples include withholding access to necessary medical equipment or medication.
• Emotional Violence (or “verbal abuse”) includes using humiliation, name-calling, “crazy making,” intimidation, isolation and threats of physical force or threats against one’s family, friends, or pets, or threats of suicide. This may also include destroying or stealing property – including textbooks, cars, etc. and harming pets. Other examples include threatening to take away children, to reveal secrets or private information about a person, or to mock tradition, culture, gender identity or different abilities.
• Sexual Violence is forcing a partner to engage in sexual acts against one’s will. Examples include forcing a partner to view pornography or have sex when ill or just after giving birth.
• Economic Abuse includes withholding financial resources to intimidate, threaten or control a partner. Examples are: spending financial aid money, forcing a partner to work to pay all the bills, or not allowing them to work to further isolate them or ruining someone’s credit.

Consent is an agreement between partners that includes the following elements:

•     Clear and informed communication of intent
•     Given voluntarily by equal partners
•     Can be modified or withdrawn at any time
•     Neither person's judgment is impaired by drugs or alcohol