April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
At Cory Watson, we're constantly supporting survivors of sexual assault by fighting for them in the courtroom. This month, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Cory Watson Attorneys is "going teal" to recognize and support the survivors of sexual assault. Join us today by standing in solidarity with sexual assault survivors. We believe you...
Continue ReadingMore Than 180 Women Have Reported Sexual Assaults at Massage Envy
Many people visit Massage Envy, the largest chain of massage franchises in the country, for relaxing spa treatments. Now, customers say what they got instead was sexual assault. More than 180 women across the country have filed lawsuits, according to to police reports and state board complaints against Massage Envy....
Continue ReadingWhat Are My Rights? A Guide for Title IX Survivors of Campus Adjudication Procedures
Every federally funded university must comply with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Under Title IX, your university must issue a policy against sexual assault, adopt and publicize grievance procedures, and have a designated Title IX coordinator to assist you and investigate your complaint. REPORTING RIGHTS You have...
Continue ReadingHow Case Law Impacts Title IX
Sexual assault survivors across the country are filing Title IX lawsuits in a brave pursuit to hold their universities accountable. Through Title IX lawsuits, survivors inspire discussion and prompt positive changes in legislation and schools Title IX policies and procedures. To establish a Title IX claim in a civil lawsuit...
Continue ReadingGeorgia Campus Rape Bill: Leaving Sexual Assault Investigations to Law Enforcement
Georgia legislators are considering House Bill 71 that would bring major changes to how campus sexual assaults are investigated. Current state and federal laws permit student survivors to decide whether to report the sexual assault to law enforcement or their university. The proposed bill takes away survivors’ rights as university...
Continue ReadingWhat You Should Never Say to a Sexual Assault Survivor
A sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. It takes great courage for a survivor to speak about a sexual assault or reach out for help, and they should always be believed and supported. Sometimes it is hard to find the right words to say, but there are...
Continue ReadingCollege Students: Five Steps You Can Take After A Sexual Assault
APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 5 COLLEGE WOMEN ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED Statistics show that approximately 20 percent of female college students will experience a sexual assault, yet most college women do not know where to turn or what to do if they are sexually assaulted. If you or someone you know has...
Continue ReadingBeware of the “Red Zone” and the Risk of Campus Sexual Assault
During the past month, new high school graduates stepped onto campus and entered the realm of semi-adulthood. While freshman college students are eager to experience the infinite freedom and opportunity that their new college life brings, they are often unaware of the potential risks associated with this new environment. The...
Continue ReadingTitle IX: Federal and State Law – Does Federal Law Trump Bad State Law?
Sexual assault survivors often feel abandoned and unsure of their rights. Survivors typically turn to their state and local laws, only to feel disappointment and without hope for their case. Any state or local law that may be in conflict with Title IX would be in violation of a survivor’s...
Continue ReadingCory Watson Welcomes End Rape on Campus
We were pleased to welcome friends from End Rape on Campus (EROC) to Birmingham this week. Sofie Karasek, Director of Education and Co-Founder of EROC, and friends dropped by the Cory Watson Attorneys offices Thursday afternoon as they passed through town on their trek through the south. End Rape on...
Continue Reading