After a college party sexual assault, you may have civil claims against the attacker. In some cases, you may also have claims against the host, a sponsoring organization or the property owner. Going to a party is not consent.
As Marlo Greer points out in her video on this topic, college parties are fun. They’re part of growing up, and for many students they’re a big part of the college experience.
Sexual Assault at a College Party
Marlo also notes one thing college parties are not: a “free pass” for sex. This is where things can get difficult for students. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for students to be sexually assaulted at or after college parties.
If that happens to you, Marlo says, “you have a bunch of different rights and potential claims” that you may be able to assert “against a bunch of different people.” And none of these gives anybody the right to assault you:
- You were drinking
- You went to a party
- You wore a short skirt
It is that simple. For more on consent, read Sexual Consent in Colorado: When Consent Is Not Possible.
Other Parties That May Be Relevant to a Civil Claim
The attacker. You can hold the person who assaulted you responsible in a civil case.
The host or organizer. Sometimes you can hold the host responsible too. If an organization such as a fraternity, sorority or special interest club sponsored the event, you can often add it as a defendant.
The venue or property. The same goes for a bar or event space that failed to provide appropriate security for guests, or that knowingly served alcohol to an attacker who was visibly drunk or under 21. Those alcohol claims have a one-year deadline and a cap on damages. If the party took place on university property, the school itself might be a defendant.
The point is not to “sue everybody.” It’s to take a close look at the assault and consider whether anyone besides the attacker played a role. If others share responsibility, they should answer for it, and often you can hold them accountable. The attacker also doesn’t have to be found guilty of a crime. A sexual assault lawsuit is a civil case, and a lower burden of proof applies. See Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Assault Cases in Colorado.
Information to Save After a College Party Assault
If you can, hold on to:
- Event invitations or posts about the party
- Who organized or hosted it, including any fraternity, sorority or club
- Texts, DMs and other messages from that night or after
- Names and contact information for people who were there
- Where the party was held, including the address or building
To see how this information can matter, read What Evidence Is Needed for a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Talking to a Lawyer About a College Party Assault
We work every day with people who have survived sexual assault. Compensation can go a long way toward paying for the mental and physical health care survivors need after an attack.
We know that bringing a lawsuit for sexual assault is never an easy decision, and we will never pressure you into it. We’ll answer your questions and give you the information you need to make your own choice, in your own time.
Call Greer Law Group at 303-331-6460 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
