Faculty and staff members
If information regarding an incident of sexual misconduct or relationship violence is shared with you, you are required to complete the REPORT IT form prior to the end of your day, and within 24 hours of receiving the report.
If you have questions, please contact the Title IX coordinator, Jane Webb.
Any regular full, part-time, or contracted University employee, unless the employee is authorized or required by law to keep information confidential by virtue of the employee’s professional role (Victim Advocate, Campus Counseling, Campus Nurse or Campus Pastor for example) is considered a Mandated Reporter.
If a mandated reporter becomes aware of an instance of alleged sexual misconduct, relationship violence or stalking involving a student, the employee must promptly report that information to the Title IX coordinator. The Title IX coordinator makes the REPORT IT form available for this purpose.
What To Do When a Student Shares That They Have Experienced an Incident of Relationship violence or sexual misconduct?
- Listen without judgment. Avoid making statements or asking questions which place blame or judgment on the victim-survivor.
- Assess the survivor's immediate safety and medical needs. If the survivor is in danger or it is a medical emergency, call Campus Safety at 260-982-5999, immediately to respond to the situation and coordinate transportation to the hospital.
- Inform them of available assistance. Provide them with contact information for Public Safety, available by calling 260-982-5999, and the Title IX coordinator (ejwebb@hwfj-art.com).
Click here for confidential support and additional local resources.
Offer to assist the survivor in making any calls or contact, if you are able.
- Let them know you are required to report the incident. And reassure the survivor that the report will be kept confidential/private to the extent appropriate and allowed by law.
Title IX Reporting
Explain the Title IX Reporting Process to the Survivor
Because the University has a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment, you must share information concerning the incident with the University's Title IX coordinator, who oversees all reports of sexual misconduct and relationship violence. The Title IX coordinator will contact the survivor to assess the situation and provide information concerning resources and options. This is called an intake meeting. Talking with the Title IX coordinator does not mean that the survivor is filing a formal complaint. The Title IX coordinator will protect confidentiality/privacy to the extent appropriate and allowed by law.
You Could Say
"I need to report that this incident occurred. The Title IX coordinator or team member will send you an email asking if you would be willing to talk with them about the incident, your options, resources, and any concerns or needs you may have. The University takes all reports very seriously and needs to make sure you're safe and supported.”
Report Together
“In my role, I am required to make a report to the Title IX Team. Would you be conformable enough to sit with me while I make the report, to ensure I have your voice in the information shared. I can share with you that after we make the report, the Coordinator or Deputy will be in touch to talk with you and provide options and resources.”
Reminders for Reporting
Promptly complete the REPORT IT form. Please provide as much information as you have, including the names of the survivor and alleged perpetrator. You may skip any portion of the form for which you do not have information. Please use the words of the survivor. If you have questions, please contact Jane Webb Title IX coordinator at 260-982-5417 or ejwebb@hwfj-art.com.
Share Additional Resources
Provide online information to the survivor, showing them this section of the website when possible. Make the survivor aware that the resources remain available to them, even if the survivor prefers not to connect with resources in the short term.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Webb Title IX coordinator at 260-982-5417 or ejwebb@hwfj-art.com.
Supporting a Victim-survivor
When survivors disclose an experience of sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, you should serve as a positive bystander and source of support as they work through their reactions to the trauma. It is important to remember that a survivor disclosed their experience of misconduct because they trust you.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Fewer than 2-8% of sexual assault reports are false reports. These numbers are similar to any other crime.
- Focus on offering options, rather than giving advice or making decisions for the survivor. The assault took control away from the victim-survivor, and though well-intentioned, making decisions for them can make them feel as though they are still not in control.
- Focus on the survivor's needs. Allow the survivor to dictate the course of the conversation and how much information to disclose. Avoid talking about how hearing the story makes you feel. Instead, ask how the survivor is doing and if they need anything.
- Let the survivor know you are available to support them in whatever ways you feel comfortable.