Assisting Students Who Report Sexual Misconduct

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

Connect student with resources listed on this page

• Inform them there are services available to support them and help them recover

Report incident to University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance

Ways to make a report:

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.

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.

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.

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 NOTmake 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 .