Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

An assault is a physical attack. Assaults can take different forms. If you feel this information listed on this page does not match your experience you can look at other sections ot this site that might be a better fit. Click to visit the specific section: intimate partner violence, experiences of bias, or sexual assault.

If there is no clearly identified victim in your case such as cases of brawling, OVA may not be a suitable resource for you. Conflict resolution strategies such as the Ombuds office, Student Legal services or Restorative Justice may be more appropriate

Explore your options

Your health is important. If you have injuries, please consider getting medical attention. Boulder Community Health is the closest hospital to CU and provides emergency care. Wardenburg Health Services is located on campus for non-emergencies. If you are seeking medical care due to a sexual assault please go to the Sexual Assault page for more information on medical options.

For content-specific information about reporting see below. For general information about reporting and the possibilities of working with systems visit our reporting page or visit OIEC's Don't Ignore It website.

Police

If you have been the target of an assault or hazing, reporting the behavior to the police is an option. Reporting can take many forms and doesn’t necessarily have to lead to the filing of criminal charges. Some people simply want to file an “informational” report with the intention of making the police aware of their situation, without pursuing the charges. Other people are interested in having the police contact the person and give a verbal warning. At the same time, many people choose to file criminal charges.This might include getting names of witnesses, saving emails, text messages or voice messages related to the incident as well as taking pictures of injuries, damage, graffiti or supporting materials. You can also get copies of relevant medical records. OVA can talk with you about reporting options and be an advocate for you throughout the process. Please note: If you have had a previous relationship with the person who assaulted you the police may classify it as intimate partner violence and if so would need to make an arrest due to the Colorado mandatory arrest law in cases of domestic violence/ intimate partner abuse.

Reporting to CU's Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

Incidents of assault and hazing perpetrated by students can be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). OSCCR has an informal and formal resolution process and can put no contact orders in place. In cases of a formal process that a violation of the student code of conduct was found, OSCCR will put in place sanctions through the university. Please go to the OSCCR website to learn more about the OSCCR process. To make a report to OSCCR please contact OSC directly at 303-492-5550, make an online report, or contact OVA for advocacy in the reporting process. In addition OSCCR offers opportunities for conflict resolution and restorative justice. If you are unsure about reporting, please contact OVA and we can talk through the OSCC process with you confidentially to assist you in your decision making process.

Confidential Reporting to the Office of Victim Assistance

Click here to make a confidential report to the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA). This report will only be seen by a confidential advocate counselor at OVA. This report does not notify the university and no investigative action will be taken. If you would like an OVA confidential advocate counselor to contact you please include your contact information and an OVA confidential advocate counselor will outreach to you directly. OVA is here to be a resource to you.

Experiencing hazing or being the target of violence can take a toll on ones day-to-day life. Click here for a list of impacts as they can vary from person to person. Practicing self care and reaching out for support can make a difference. Informal support such as friends, family, and colleagues can be a great resource. In addition, OVA is free and confidential and here to be a resource for counseling support, advocacy, informing one of their rights and options, and providing information, referrals, and consultation on additional campus and community resources.  Some things you might discuss when meeting with OVA include:

  • figuring out what you feel and think about what’s going on.
  • getting information that will help you assess the situation, and figure out what you want.
  • discussing your rights and reporting options.
  • talking about how to manage academics, or work given the situation.
  • talking about making a safety plan if applicable.
  • getting medical treatment if you have injuries or are worried about your health.
  • changing where you live to get some space or safety.
  • discussing self-care and coping skills.

*If seeking support from a CU community member in a supervisory role, ask if they are a Responsible Employee and if they have any limits to keeping the information you are sharing with them private. If you wish to not have the information shared with the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance consider reaching out to a confidential resource such as OVA.

If the aftermath of the incident is affecting your living environment, OVA can discuss options for a change of housing.

If you are worried about how this situation may be impacting your schoolwork, OVA is here to help. You deserve to be in school and to meet your goals. The OVA can discuss options for managing academic issues while maintaining privacy. There are concrete things the University can do to help with your situation.

A protection order is a legal document obtained through the courts that puts restrictions on individuals who may be dangerous to you. If they violate these restrictions they can be sanctioned by the court. If you have questions about obtaining a protection order you can talk to a confidential OVA advocate counselor, call the Boulder Protective Order Clinic at 303-441-4867, contact Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence, or go to the Colorado Judicial Branch Protection Order website.

Resources