Whether or not a victim of sexual violence chooses to file a criminal complaint, students may choose to file a complaint with the Pitt-Titusville's Title IX/Equity Investigator, https://www.titleix.pitt.edu/civil-rights-title-ix-compliance
Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, a Federal law, was historically associated with actual or perceived gender-based disparities in athletic programs. However, it is a far broader law. Title IX actually covers all aspects of educational and academic-related programming and prohibits gender discrimination. All public and private schools, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds must comply with Title IX policy.
Importantly, Title IX prohibits the following unlawful practices relating to sexual misconduct which may affect the educational or campus environment.
- Sexual Harassment- unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- Sexual Misconduct- rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation, sexual coercion and any other form of non-consensual sexual activity (including when an individual is not in a condition to give legal consent)
- Stalking- repeatedly following, harassing, threatening or intimidating another individual using such methods including, but not limited to, telephone, mail, electronic communication, and social media
- Domestic Violence- in addition to physical abuse, also includes emotional, verbal and economic abuse
- Dating Violence- in addition to physical abuse, also includes emotional, verbal and economic abuse
- Retaliation- adverse academic, social, employment or other actions against anyone reporting a violation or participating in an investigation of any Title IX allegation
Title IX protects all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, immigration status or disability.
Students who report sexual violence can expect the University to take steps to protect and support them, including while a university investigation is pending.