Important Information for a Friend or Family Member In Supporting a Victim/Survivor:

• Sexual misconduct is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. It is important to always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling Services.

  The victim/survivor can expect the following response from these confidential resources:

  • Health and Counseling Services are available 24/7 for the victim/survivor of sexual misconduct and can be reached at Whisler Hall, 740-587-6200).
  • Any victim/survivor of sexual misconduct will be triaged into an immediate, free and confidential appointment with a medical and mental health provider.

• Assessment to detect bodily injuries, to treat STD and unplanned pregnancy risk will be offered by the medical provider at Health Services. If the victim/survivor chooses to have forensic evidence collected (“Rape Kit”), such evidence must be collected by a legally sanctioned and specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), the victim/survivor will be accompanied to the local hospital by a supportive member of Health or Counseling Services. A SHARE Advocate or Clergy member may be available should a victim/survivor request such additional support.

  This evidence is vitally important should the victim/survivor ever decide to take legal action against the perpetrator, however the collection of evidence does not require the victim/survivor to submit a formal report.

• The mental health professional will offer immediate support and will work together with the victim/survivor throughout the journey toward healing and regaining the power that may feel lost as a result of the assault.

• SHARE Advocates are available (24/hr on-call: 740-973-4862) as a confidential support. SHARE Advocates are knowledgeable and compassionate. They will provide a supportive environment where the victim/survivor can learn of her/his options and resources.

• Decisions surrounding reporting are controlled by the victim/survivor when she/he is seeking help from confidential resources. Confidential resources have the privilege of maintaining confidentiality while offering all of the services available to them. Confidential resources on campus include: Health and Counseling Service, SHARE Advocates, and Clergy.

• If the victim/survivor shares information with reporting resources, these individuals are legally obligated to report the event to the Office of Security and Safety. Reporting resources on campus include (but are not limited to): professors, coaches, and resident assistants.

• Allow your friend or family member to share as little or as much as they want and at her/his own pace.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from a friend or family member can be of great value in the healing process.

• Seeking out resources available in this guide will be helpful in beginning the healing process. Help your friend to find the options that she/he is comfortable with and be supportive of the decisions she/he chooses.

• Recognize the emotional impact that a sexual assault of a friend or family member may have on you. It is recommended that you consider seeking emotional support for yourself.

Important Information Relating to the Local Police

• This is a reporting resource. The local Police are required to write and file a report documenting allegations of sexual assault. Police Officers will comply with the established guidelines regarding their interviews and investigations of a possible crime.

• A criminal investigation procedure will be followed according to Police protocol. However, the victim/survivor will typically determine when and whether criminal charges will be filed.

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. The victim/survivor will be offered the option of Health and Counseling services at Denison University or treatment at Licking Memorial Hospital.

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

Licking Memorial Hospital’s (LMH) Policy on Reporting

LMH is legally required to notify the Police that a sexual assault has occurred and the time, date and location of the incident. Names of involved parties and other information are not legally required. The victim/survivor can decide whether she/he want to speak with a detective. If a victim/survivor does not wish to speak to/be interviewed by a detective, she/he does not have to do so.

Regardless if the victim/survivor chooses to speak with the detective, the collection of evidence (“Rape Kit”) can be performed. In the instance that the victim/survivor chooses not to speak with the detective, the evidence collected will be sealed, numbered and labeled Jane/John Doe. This kit will be stored for an undetermined amount of time at the local police department. If criminal charges are subsequently filed, the “Rape Kit” will be forwarded to the appropriate lab for processing.

If the victim/survivor is under the age of 18 and would like to be examined, the physician or Certified Nurse Practitioner can write the order for the collection of evidence without parental consent. However, the medical professional must inform parent(s) that an assault has been reported and an exam has taken place.

Important Information on the Medical Collection of Evidence

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE Nurse) is a Registered Nurse specially trained to examine victim/survivors and evaluate for possible physical trauma and collect evidence. The SANE Nurse will use a sexual assault evidence kit (“Rape Kit”) to collect this evidence. SANE Nurses are available at Licking Memorial Hospital.

The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Rape Kit -- The sexual assault evidence kit (“Rape Kit”) is utilized by the SANE Nurse to collect DNA evidence (i.e. seminal fluids, hairs, skin) that may be present after sexual assault. This evidence is sealed and given to the local police department where it is held for processing should the victim/survivor choose to file criminal charges. Should you decide to go to the hospital for the collection of evidence, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Do not shower/wash/douche before going to the hospital.

• Do not change your clothing (including undergarments), but bring a change of clothing with you as clothing may be retained as police evidence.

• Condoms, sanitary items, or bed linens that were present at the assault should be brought to the hospital.

• This process may take several hours.

• A friend or support person may be present with you during this exam.

• A professional staff member from Health & Counseling will be present in whatever capacity desired.

Suggestions For Supporting Victim/Survivors

• Believe them.
• Listen to them.
• Provide comfort and support -- Ask them if there is anything you can do or get for them.
• Let them know it wasn't their fault -- They did not deserve what happened to them.
• Make sure they have the protection of a safe place to stay.
• Suggest calling Campus Support or a Rape Crisis Center.
• Encourage them to preserve all evidence.
• Discuss the importance of a medical assessment and treatment for prevention of STD's and unplanned pregnancy.
• Empower them -- Don’t try to take control of the situation. Allow them to have the control over her/his own life right now.
• Recognize that they may need some personal space and time.
• Discuss their options -- Medical exams, evidence collection (“Rape Kit”), Counseling, SHARE Advocate, Reporting.
• Be there for them in whatever way they need you.
• Learn more about Rape Trauma Syndrome.
• Recognize your own limits -- Seek free and confidential support services for yourself through Health and Counseling Services.

First Statements to Consider

• "I’m sorry that this happened to you."
• "You’re safe now."
• "It’s OK to cry."
• "I’m glad you’re here with me now."
• "I’m glad you’re talking with me now."
• "It wasn’t your fault."
• "Your response is normal to an abnormal event."
• "It’s understandable that you feel that way."
• "You’re not going crazy."
• "Things may never be the same but they will get better and you will get better."

Avoid Saying

• "I know how you feel."
• "I understand."
• "You're lucky you are still alive."
• "It was God's will."
• "You shouldn't feel that way."
• "Time heals all wounds."
• "Forget about it. Get on with your life."

Clergy

If a victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with a clergy member, the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a confidential resource. This means that information regarding sexual misconduct shared with members of the clergy cannot be shared with others without written permission.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the clergy will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling.

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

• The clergy member will work with the victim/survivor on embracing her/his spirituality throughout the journey toward healing and regaining the power that may feel lost as a result of the assault.

• If the victim/survivor chooses to have forensic evidence collected (“Rape Kit”), such evidence must be collected by a legally sanctioned and specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), the victim/survivor will be accompanied to the local hospital by a supportive member of Health or Counseling Services. A SHARE Advocate or Clergy member may be available should a victim/survivor request such additional support. This evidence is vitally important should the victim/survivor ever decide to take legal action against the perpetrator, however the collection of evidence does not require the victim/survivor to submit a formal report (Resource page 18 has more information).

• The victim/survivor will decide what other resources of support she/he wishes to accept but will be educated by the Clergy member of Denison University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the options and support available. The importance of Health Services, Counseling Services, and SHARE Advocates in the healing process of this trauma will be emphasized. The victim/survivor will be reminded of the confidential nature/privilege of these individuals.

• The victim/survivor will decide on a reporting course of action. The victim/survivor will hear the Clergy member describe all reporting options, including the option not to report. However, the victim/survivor will hear the Clergy member talk of reporting as it relates to “regaining power that may feel lost”, “public safety”, and “having the assault counted.”

• The victim/survivor can discuss the situation with any confidential resource before making a decision about reporting.

• Decisions surrounding reporting are controlled by the victim/survivor when she/he is seeking help and services from confidential resources. If the victim/survivor shares information with reporting resources, these individuals are legally obligated to report the event to the Office of Security and Safety.

Counseling Services

If a victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with counseling services (Whisler, 740-587-6647 or after hours at 740-587-6200), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a confidential resource. Mental health professionals have the privilege of confidentiality. This means that information regarding sexual misconduct that is shared with a mental health professional cannot be shared with others without written permission.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor.

• Any victim/survivor of sexual misconduct will be triaged into an immediate appointment with an available counselor. If the sexual misconduct occurred in the remote past, the victim/survivor may be seen at a scheduled appointment.

• If the victim/survivor presents to Health Services or other professionals on campus after regular business hours, a counselor may be contacted if the victim/survivor chooses. The counselor will respond with support either in person or by phone as requested by the victim/survivor.

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

• The mental health professional will work together with the victim/survivor throughout the journey toward healing and regaining the power that may feel lost as a result of the assault.

• If the victim/survivor goes to Counseling Services and has not already been evaluated by a medical professional, the victim/survivor will be strongly encouraged and educated about the medical assessment and treatment options available at Health Services and/or Licking Memorial Hospital.

• If the victim/survivor chooses to have forensic evidence collected (“Rape Kit”), such evidence must be collected by a legally sanctioned and specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), the victim/survivor will be accompanied to the local hospital by a supportive member of Health or Counseling Services. A SHARE Advocate or Clergy member may be available should a victim/survivor request such additional support. This evidence is vitally important should the victim/survivor ever decide to take legal action against the perpetrator, however the collection of evidence does not require the victim/survivor to submit a formal report (Resource page 18 has more information).

• The victim/survivor will decide what other resources of support she/he wishes to accept but will be educated by the mental health professional of Denison University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the options and support available. The importance of Health Services, SHARE Advocates, and availability of Clergy in the healing process of this trauma will be emphasized. The victim/survivor will be reminded of the confidential nature/privilege of these individuals.

• The victim/survivor will decide on a reporting course of action. The victim/survivor will hear the mental health professional describe all reporting options, including the option not to report. However, the victim/survivor will hear the mental health professional talk of reporting as it relates to “regaining power that may feel lost”, “public safety”, and “having the assault counted”.

• The victim/survivor can discuss the situation with any confidential resource before making a decision about reporting.

• Decisions surrounding reporting are controlled by the victim/survivor when she/he is seeking help and services from confidential resources. If the victim/survivor shares information with reporting resources, these individuals are legally obligated to report the event to the Office of Security and Safety.

Health Services

If a victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with health services (Whisler, 740-587-6200), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a confidential resource. Health professionals have the privilege of confidentiality. This means that information regarding sexual misconduct that is shared with a health professional cannot be shared with others without written permission.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor.

• Any victim/survivor of sexual misconduct will be triaged into an immediate appointment with an available medical provider. If the sexual misconduct occurred in the remote past, the victim/survivor may be seen at a scheduled appointment.

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

• The victim/survivor will be advised of all available options by the medical provider and will decide which of these to pursue.

• The medical provider at Health Services will offer assessment to detect bodily injuries, and to treat STD risk and unplanned pregnancy.

• If the victim/survivor chooses to have forensic evidence collected (“Rape Kit”), such evidence must be collected by a legally sanctioned and specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), the victim/survivor will be accompanied to the local hospital by a supportive member of Health or Counseling Services. A SHARE Advocate or Clergy member may be available should a victim/survivor request such additional support. This evidence is vitally important should the victim/survivor ever decide to take legal action against the perpetrator, however the collection of evidence does not require the victim/survivor to submit a formal report (Resource page 18 has more information.).

• The victim/survivor will decide what other resources of support she/he wishes to accept but will be educated by the medical provider of Denison University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the options and support available. The importance of Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates, and availability of Clergy in the healing process of this trauma will be emphasized. The victim/survivor will be reminded of the confidential nature/privilege of these individuals.

• The victim/survivor will decide on a reporting course of action. The victim/survivor will hear the medical provider describe all reporting options, including the option not to report. However, the victim/survivor will hear the medical provider talk of reporting as it relates to “regaining power that may feel lost,” “public safety,” and “having the assault counted.”

• The victim/survivor can discuss the situation with any confidential resource before making a decision about reporting.

• Decisions surrounding reporting are controlled by the victim/survivor when she/he is seeking help and services from confidential resources. If the victim/survivor shares information with reporting resources, these individuals are legally obligated to report the event to the Office of Security and Safety.

SHARE Advocate

If a victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with Counseling Services (Whisler, 740-587-6647 or after hours at 740-587-6200), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a confidential resource. Mental health professionals have the privilege of confidentiality. This means that information regarding sexual misconduct that is shared with a mental health professional cannot be shared with others without written permission.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor.

• Any victim/survivor of sexual misconduct will be triaged into an immediate appointment with an available counselor. If the sexual misconduct occurred in the remote past, the victim/survivor may be seen at a scheduled appointment.

• If the victim/survivor presents to Health Services or other professionals on campus after regular business hours, a counselor may be contacted if the victim/survivor chooses. The counselor will respond with support either in person or by phone as requested by the victim/survivor.

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

• The mental health professional will work together with the victim/survivor throughout the journey toward healing and regaining the power that may feel lost as a result of the assault.

• If the victim/survivor goes to Counseling Services and has not already been evaluated by a medical professional, the victim/survivor will be strongly encouraged and educated about the medical assessment and treatment options available at Health Services and/or Licking Memorial Hospital.

• If the victim/survivor chooses to have forensic evidence collected (“Rape Kit”), such evidence must be collected by a legally sanctioned and specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), the victim/survivor will be accompanied to the local hospital by a supportive member of Health or Counseling Services. A SHARE Advocate or Clergy member may be available should a victim/survivor request such additional support. This evidence is vitally important should the victim/survivor ever decide to take legal action against the perpetrator, however the collection of evidence does not require the victim/survivor to submit a formal report (Resource page 18 has more information. ).

• The victim/survivor will decide what other resources of support she/he wishes to accept but will be educated by the mental health professional of Denison University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the options and support available. The importance of Health Services, SHARE Advocates, and availability of Clergy in the healing process of this trauma will be emphasized. The victim/survivor will be reminded of the confidential nature/privilege of these individuals.

• The victim/survivor will decide on a reporting course of action. The victim/survivor will hear the mental health professional describe all reporting options, including the option not to report. However, the victim/survivor will hear the mental health professional talk of reporting as it relates to “regaining power that may feel lost, ” “public safety, ” and “having the assault counted. ”

• The victim/survivor can discuss the situation with any confidential resource before making a decision about reporting.

• Decisions surrounding reporting are controlled by the victim/survivor when she/he is seeking help and services from confidential resources. If the victim/survivor shares information with reporting resources, these individuals are legally obligated to report the event to the Office of Security and Safety.

Administrative Staff Member

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with an administrative staff member, the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Faculty Member

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with a faculty member, the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Head Resident (HR) or Resident Assistant (RA)

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with a Head Resident (HA) and/or Resident Assistant (RA), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Office of Security & Safety

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with the Office of Security & Safety (740-587-0810), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Physical Plant & Denison Affiliates

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with Physical Plant and/or Denison Affiliates, the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.

Supportive Operating Staff

If victim/survivor chooses to share information regarding a suspected sexual misconduct incident with Supportive Operating Staff (Administrative Assistants, Athletic Dept. Staff, Library Assistants), the following protocol will be followed:

• This is a reporting resource. Reporting resources are legally required to report allegations of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety.

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from an administrative staff member can be of great value in the healing process. How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While the administrative staff member is required by law to report an allegation of sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor can decline to discuss or disclose any information that she or he is uncomfortable sharing. What this means is that when contacted by the Office of Security and Safety (or legal authorities) the victim/survivor may refuse to respond to questions or provide information. While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information for her/his own healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor always controls the amount of information she or he will share.

• Sexual assault is a physical and psychological trauma, which necessitates the medical and emotional evaluation of the victim/survivor. Members of the administrative staff will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling and will remind the victim/survivor that the services offered within Health and Counseling are free and a confidential source of support.

• Administrative staff should inform the victim/survivor of their Reporting status and their legal obligation to report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct to the Office of Security and Safety. Having this conversation with a victim/survivor can be difficult and it is recommended that administrative staff consider ways to engage in this conversation. You may consider:

  • “I appreciate you sharing this information with me and I would like to help. I need, however, to let you know that I am obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct. Let’s talk more if you’re comfortable with speaking to me. Otherwise, let me tell about our confidential resources on campus.”

  • “I’m really sorry this has happened to you and I’m here for you. If you’d like to share with me what you’ve been through, I’m here to listen and support you. However, I will have to share the pertinent information with the Office of Security & Safety. I can also connect you with some confidential resources available on campus.”

• The victim/survivor will be provided confidential support options (Health Services, Counseling Services, SHARE Advocates and Clergy).

• The victim/survivor will be treated with respect, support and consideration for the emotional stress that she/he may be experiencing.