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 a SHARE Advocate (24/hr on-call 740-973-4862), The following protocol will be followed:

• This is a confidential resource.  SHARE Advocates are specially trained and supervised by mental health professionals.  SHARE Advocates are provided the privilege of confidentiality surrounding sexual misconduct concerns.  This means that information regarding sexual misconduct shared with a SHARE Advocate 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.   SHARE Advocates will always encourage the victim/survivor to seek the services of Health and Counseling.

• The victim/survivor will be provided a supportive environment where she/he will learn of the options and resources available to them.  SHARE Advocates are knowledgeable and compassionate and recognize the importance of allowing the victim/survivor to maintain control and make decisions.

• SHARE Advocates are willing to support and accompany a victim/survivor through any medical and/or counseling processes that the victim/survivor chooses.

• 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 SHARE Advocate of Denison University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the options and support available.  The importance of Health Services, Counseling Services, 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 SHARE Advocate describe all reporting options, including the option not to report.  However, the victim/survivor will hear the SHARE Advocate 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 faculty 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 faculty 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.

• Faculty members 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 HR/RA  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. THe HR/RA staff member 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.

• HR's and RA's  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 HR's and RA's 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 the pertinent information regarding reported sexual misconduct. If The Office of Security and Safety receives a report of suspected sexual misconduct, they are legally bound to report the incident to local police and/or police in the jurisdiction in which the misconduct occurred.

• When a report is made by someone other than the victim/survivor, the victim/survivor will be contacted by The Office of Security and Safety so that information may be gathered by local police authorities in the Office of Security and Safety.

• Whereas The Office of Security and Safety MUST report the incident of suspected sexual misconduct, the victim/survivor MAY CHOOSE to remain silent and/or provide only the information she/he wishes to share with police authorities.  While the victim/survivor will be encouraged to report such information to promote healing and the safety of the community, the victim/survivor is always in control of choices concerning how much information to disclose.

• The victim/survivor will be offered immediate support by a Medical Professional, Counselor, SHARE Advocate, or on-call professional staff member.  During the time that information is gathered in The Office of Security and Safety, the victim/survivor may choose to have one of the above support persons accompany them.

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

• The supportive response a victim/survivor receives from a Security and Safety member can be of great value in the healing process.

• 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.

• The Office of Security and Safety reports crime in our community to pertinent Administrative Staff via daily electronic report.  If an instance of victimization of a community member is reported, the Dean of Students may contact the victim/survivor to offer more assistance and resources.

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 you can be of great value in the healing process.  How a victim/survivor is first received can deeply influence the healing process.

• While you are 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.   The victim/survivor will always be encouraged 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.  

• The victim/survivor should be informed of your reporting status and your 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 you 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 a support 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 support 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 support 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.

• Support 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.