Assisting Students Who Report Sexual Misconduct
It can be very difficult for someone to come forward to share their story. Your job is to show support. The best thing you can do is to believe them. Remind the survivor that you are there for them and are willing to listen. Remind them there are others that care and services available to support them and help them recover.
If a Student Discloses Sexual Misconduct to You
Step One: Care
Care for the student
- Ensure they are safe
- Provide non-judgmental support
- Do not ask for specific details of the incident – allow the student to decide how much to disclose to you
- Explain to the student your duty to report
Step Two: Connect
Connect student with resources listed on this page
- Inform them there are services available to support them and help them recover
Step Three: Contact
Report incident to University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance
Ways to make a report:
| Online | Walk-in or Mail | Phone or Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit a Report | Office of University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance Ohio University Lindley Hall 006 Athens, Ohio 45701 | Phone: 740.593.9140 or FAX: 740.595.9168 | or |
Policy 03.004, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct
- Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual misconduct, and stalking, are impediments for Ohio University students and staff to have equal opportunities for accessing education or employment.
Per policy 03.004, all Ohio University faculty, administrators, and staff (with the exception of those identified as confidential resources below) have a duty to immediately report violations of this policy to the Title IX Coordinator if they receive a complaint of a violation or observe or learn of conduct that is reasonably believed to be in violation of this policy.
Graduate assistants and student employees have a duty to report violations of this policy if they become aware of the violations in the course of their duties and those duties include responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of other members of the campus community or if they have supervisory evaluative, grading, or advisory responsibility over other members of the campus community.
- Certain campus and local resources may maintain confidentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure, professional ethics, and/or professional credentials, except in extreme cases of immediate threat or danger, in cases of abuse of certain populations (e.g., minors), or when required to disclose by law or court order.
- These resources may offer options and resources without any obligation to inform a campus official or law enforcement authorities.
- Ohio University confidential resources include licensed professionals and staff at Counseling and Psychological Services, health care providers and staff at Campus Care, advocates at the Survivor Advocacy Program, licensed professionals and students registered for practice under a licensed psychologist at the Psychology and Social Work Clinic, and licensed professional counselors available through the Employee Assistance Program.
Support Resources
Ohio University Resources
| Office | Contact Information | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| 740.593.1616 3rd Floor Hudson Health Center | CPS provides free professional and confidential counseling to students. Counseling services are available to friends and survivors. Consultation services are available to faculty and staff | |
| 740.593.1660 1st and 2nd Floor Hudson Health Center | Campus Care will assist with referrals and resources; transportation to O’Bleness Memorial Hospital for SAFE exam (Campus Care does not collect rape kits); STD testing & treatment, HIV testing, and emergency contraception. | |
| 740.597.7233 (24/7 Line) 034, 038 Lindley Hall survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu | (SAP) serves victims and survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking through confidential advocacy services, education, and resources. | |
| *Confidential resource: Confidential resources are not required to report specific incidents to University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance or any other investigating body and may not disclose any information without the permission of the student. | ||
| Title IX Coordinator 740.593.9140 006 Lindley Hall equity@ohio.edu or titleix@ohio.edu | The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the University’s compliance with all Title IX obligations. | |
| 740.593.1911 118 Ridges Circle Drive police@ohio.edu | OUPD investigates allegations of sexual misconduct that occur on campus and constitute violations of criminal law. Officers are trained in crisis intervention and sexual assault investigation and will work to ensure the well-being of the survivor, including assisting them with health care and support services. | |
| 740.593.1800 345 Baker University Center deanofstudents@ohio.edu | Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students can help connect survivors of sexual violence with the resources on campus and in the Athens community. | |
| 740.593.0239 348 Baker University Center pridecenter@ohio.edu | Staff in the Pride Center can help connect survivors of sexual violence with LGBTQ+-affirming resources on campus and in the Athens community. The center is also committed to providing education on the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender survivors as well as advocating for these needs on and off campus. | |
Athens Community Resources
| Resource | Contact Information | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| 1.800.443.3402 (24/7 Line) info@mspathens.org | Shelter and social services for survivors of domestic/dating violence. | |
| 740.593.5551 (24/7 Line) 55 Hospital Drive | Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner (SAFE) is present 24/7 to provide medical attention and collect evidence. | |
740.592.3091 or 1.888.475.8484 (24/7 Line) | Counseling is available for those who receive or are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Private insurance and self-pay are also acceptable. | |
| Suicide and Crisis Lifeline* | call or text 988 | The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. |
| *Confidential resource: Confidential resources are not required to report specific incidents to University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance or any other investigating body and may not disclose any information without the permission of the student. | ||
| 740.592.3208 Athens County Court House 1 South Court Street | Advocates can answer questions about your rights, obtaining protection orders, or any other concerns related to the criminal justice process. | |
740.593.6606 or 911 for emergency | A crisis intervention officer will respond. The Violence Against Women Unit with a special investigator and social worker can provide confidential victim services. | |
1.866.7286 or text 614.333.1907 | Offers a support group for LGBT survivors of dating/domestic violence. | |
| 740.594.8093 50 S. Court Street | Call or visit website for a list of services. | |
Supporting Student Survivors
What Are the Signs That a Student May Have Experienced Sexual Misconduct?
When sexual misconduct occurs, the aftermath can be devastating to the survivor both in and out of the classroom. Survivors may experience anxiety and fear, difficulty in relationships, and/or a drop in academic performance – some may withdraw, transfer or drop out of school.
Additionally, there may be:
- Shock and disbelief
- A feeling of “Why me?”
- Guilt
- Denial
- Flashbacks/nightmares
- Acute distress/severe anxiety
- Confusion
- Multiple fears (of death, rapist, other situations)
- Depression (helplessness/ hopelessness)
- Anger
- Loss of self-esteem
- Thoughts of suicide
- Dysfunctional behaviors (binge drinking, hypersexuality, disordered eating, isolating, etc.)
Please note: Not all students experience these signs or symptoms, and some may occur because of other issues.
How Do You Help a Survivor of Sexual Misconduct?
Listen Sensitively and Carefully
Distressed students need to be heard and helped, but they may have difficulty articulating their feelings.
- Don’t be afraid to ask them if they are currently under the influence of drugs or alcohol, feel confused, or have thoughts of harming themselves or others.
Avoid Escalation
Distressed students can be sensitive and easily provoked. Use a non-confrontational approach and avoid threatening, humiliating, or intimidating responses.
- Help them connect with the necessary campus resources for assistance. Refer the student to campus departments or offices that have the expertise and personnel to help them.
Work as a Team
Share information and consult with the appropriate university officials to coordinate care and follow-up for the student.
- Violent, threatening or persistent inappropriate behaviors should always be reported to the Ohio University Police Department and Equity & Civil Rights Compliance.
If a Survivor of Sexual Misconduct Turns to You for Support
Don’t be afraid to ask for some help
The Survivor Advocacy Program or the Office of the Dean of Students can put you in touch with a survivor advocate who can offer support and make referrals based on the student’s needs.
Believe the survivor
It’s not your role to question whether the misconduct occurred.
Never blame the survivor
No one deserves to be a victim of sexual misconduct no matter what the circumstances. Even if the survivor feels responsible, say clearly “it wasn’t your fault.”
Help the survivor explore options
Give the survivor the freedom to choose their own course of action or path of recovery, even if you would do it differently.
Avoid any re-victimization
Do not treat survivors as incapable of taking care of themselves. Don’t assume control without permission or judge how the survivor handled the situation. Don’t ask questions just out of curiosity. Do NOT make excuses for the perpetrator’s actions.
Report
As an employee of Ohio University, you have a duty to report sexual misconduct.
- Gather all the details you have about the incident and the involved parties.
- Fill out the Report Sexual Misconduct form.
- You do NOT have to submit the form while the student is present.
- University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC) will contact the student shortly after receiving the report to set up an initial meeting with the student.
- The purpose of this meeting is to provide the student with information about resources and options available to them and to discuss possible supportive measures designed to restore or preserve the student's equal access to the University's education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party.
- For further details of the investigation process, please refer to the Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct Grievance Process.
If you have questions call ECRC at 740.593.9140 or email the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@ohio.edu or equity@ohio.edu.