“I think holistically it’s important for people to be aware of the complexities of sexual assault, this isn’t a simple topic to talk about,” University of Oregon Staff Attorney Kasia Mlynski said.
The University of Oregon Domestic Violence Clinic is holding a workshop called Navigating the Legal System as a Survivor of Sexual Assault. There, students can learn about legal remedies available to survivors on campus. Mlynski will speak at the event in the South LLC Performance Hall from 6-8 p.m.
The workshop will center on the new Sexual Abuse Protective Order that went into effect January 1, 2014. The order was created to fill an important gap in the legal system.
“Before, unless you were in an intimate relationship, you couldn’t qualify for a restraining order,” Mlynski said.
A restraining order prohibits the respondent from contacting the person giving the order. This includes texting, phone calls, e-mails and not being allowed on the resident’s property or place of work.
The workshop will begin with a brief introduction of who Mlynski is leading into the Sexual Abuse Protective Order and will close with what other services the Domestic Violence Clinic has to offer.
Jessica Sarontay, Sexual Violence Prevention and Education GTF said she is excited about the services Mlynski is able to provide to students.
“Legal and conduct systems are notoriously complicated, and can get even more difficult to navigate when paired with the effects of trauma,” Sarontay said. “The opportunity to get accurate and confidential information about legal options and representation is something our students deserve and something I hope can be made more known as a resource.”
Mlynski’s position was created through a grant with the primary goal of representing student survivors of sexual assault, domestic/dating violence or stalking. Students can discuss victim’s rights, how the student conduct code process works, what a restraining order is and how to get representation in a restraining order case.
Students can receive services free of charge and can set up appointments directly with Mlynski either through e-mail or by phone.
“I hope that students will learn that there is an attorney on campus who is well versed in the legal system with respect to survivor issues,” she said.