The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a landmark piece of federal legislation that sought to improve the criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States. The passage of VAWA in 1994, and its reauthorization in 2000, 2005 and again in 2013 (Section 304) has changed the landscape for victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 1681 et. seq. and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.
Pursuant to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and 34 C.F.R. Part 106, the University of Missouri St. Louis Title IX Coordinator is the designated agent of the University with primary responsibility for coordinating University Title IX compliance efforts. In broad terms, the Title IX Coordinator oversees monitoring of University policy in relation to investigation and disposition of complaints; provision of educational materials and training for the campus community; conducting and/or coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX; ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties; and monitoring all other aspects of the University's Title IX compliance.
UMSL Title IX Office
Additional Resources:
In addition to the Title IX Coordinator, above, there are many other resources at the University who may be of assistance depending on your circumstances. There is a Crisis Counselor/Case Manager/Victim Advocate available as a CONFIDENTIAL resource:
Mindy Stratmann-Sebol, MA, LPC
University Health, Wellness and Counseling Services
131 Millennium Student Center, (314) 516-5711 ext 6552, stratmannm@umsl.edu
If you have any questions, please consult with the Title IX Coordinator who can help you determine the best way to proceed.