First Reference for Faculty and Staff Assisting Students Who Disclose That They Were Victims of Sexual Violence

When students disclose an incident of sexual violence, the College response
supports them through the many choices of actions that might follow.
This is a quick guide for employees receiving sensitive information of this nature.

• Reassure the Student
  Tell him, her or them (if they use that singular pronoun) that you will assist as much as possible in this situation.
  Remember:   The College requires every employee to participate in assisting students.  This includes securing access to services and preservation of their grievance rights.  In cases of sexual violence (assault), the College may have to complete a Clery Act report of crime.  Faculty and staff might be able to keep the student's name confidential, but at a minimum, Campus Safety and Security must receive the report of the circumstances.  
• Inquire About Their Safety
  You want to assist the student who wants to avoid the alleged perpetrator or find the student someone who can provide that help. Sometimes the student wants to leave campus immediately to avoid the accused perpetrator.  Find out if the student has safe shelter, preferably unknown to the alleged perpetrator. Offer to connect them with support (see below) to ensure they have access to resources.
• Refer to Health Services
  This is most pertinent  when the incident is fairly recent.  Talk with the student about visiting a physician or other health care provider for physical issues. This may include injuries from assault, protection from disease, or reproductive issues.  There are times when a student identifies sexual violence in the past, and this may not be as pertinent.
• Notify Them of Counseling Options
  Academic Advising and Counseling assists students with assessments and guidance to campus and community resources. This may include local agencies such as the College’s partner, Aspire Behavioral Health, for counseling after College operating hours.
• Connect Them With Support
  Local support organizations have victim advocates who are trained to assist individuals who have experienced sexual violence. The student does not have to make a police report prior to requesting those services. Victim advocates have the professional training to reassure the student, secure shelter for overnight or longer, or provide clothing for someone who left a residence with no belongings.
• Consider Academic Adjustments
  When students request an excused absence from class or a test, they may be separating themselves from the alleged perpetrator. Students may have had to relocate; it may take a short time before they can retrieve a laptop with assignments that were in draft.  They may need a make-up test for time they missed because of trauma, whether mental or physical. The Title IX Coordinator or Academic Advising and Counseling may furnish the student with a document for faculty, asking in generalities that the student be permitted to make up assignments. Faculty are encouraged to accept that letter and provide academic adjustments. They are welcome to validate it with the issuer but will not be provided the details; those will be kept confidential.
• Inform Them of Procedures
  Students may disclose recent incidents that can be investigated by the College or an external agency.
  • Judicial Affairs will address incidents that name a Seminole State College student as the accused. Human Resources will address incidents that name a Seminole State College employee as the accused.
  • The College’s Title IX Coordinator will investigate reports of discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, which interfere with a student’s participation in the educational program. The Title IX Grievance Procedure and the procedure for Resolving Discrimination Concerns may be used.
  • Campus Safety and Security may address incidents that happen on College-owned or controlled property (such as a College activity at a non-College site).
  • Local law enforcement agencies may address criminal behavior from a police report filed by the student.
  • Judicial (court) orders (such as a temporary order of protection presented to Campus Safety and Security) may separate the parties.

Students may report incidents that took place long ago.  The context may be a discussion of their current performance in class, in athletics, or as student leaders. You should provide all resource options listed above, without limiting the student’s choices.

This list is not exhaustive.  Employees with questions should contact Equity and Diversity/Title IX, or Judicial Affairs, or Academic Advising and Counseling, or Campus Safety and Security for details in those areas.