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What to Do & How to Report Sexual Misconduct

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, DePauw University provides a variety of resources and reporting options.

 

Immediate Steps After Sexual Misconduct

Go to a safe place. You may want to contact someone you know and trust to be with you. If you feel that you are in an unsafe situation, you should call 911 or contact the DePauw Police Department at 765-658-5555, and they can help remove you from that situation and get you to a safe space.

Seek support. You can call the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Advocate (SASA) 24/7 at 765-658-4650. SASAs are trained advocates who can share with you all of the resources available to you, both on and off campus. They will provide you with support and understanding and be with you as you make choices on what resources to utilize, both in the moment and in the future.

Preserve evidence. While it may be exactly what you feel like doing, DO NOT bathe, douche, change clothes, or brush your teeth. Washing or changing clothes may remove forensic evidence.  If you still have access to them, save any SnapChat messages, texts, or DMs related to the incident.

Seek medical treatment. It is very important that you seek medical attention to be treated for injuries, sexually transmitted illnesses, and other medical related needs. If you suspect you have experienced a drug facilitated sexual assault or were given what is commonly called a “date rape drug,” go to the hospital immediately. These drugs can harm you, and any evidence of the drug leaves the body quickly.

You may also want to undergo a medical exam that can provide critical evidence for either the University judicial process or criminal prosecution. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available at local hospitals. DePauw staff can help make contact with these services. Having a SANE exam does not obligate you to take any further course of action, but preserves evidence if you ultimately decide that you want to.

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner can be reached by contacting the DePauw Police Department at 765-658-5555 or a SASA at 765-658-4650.

Make a report. Reports can be made to a number of areas, including the Title IX Coordinator and DePauw Police Department. Additional information about making a report can be found below.

 

Reporting Options

Different University employees have varying abilities to maintain confidentiality. Reporting does not obligate you to take further action, but it informs you of your options and resources.

 

1. Anonymous Reporting

  • Complete the Report an Incident of Sexual Misconduct Form online.

  • University’s response may be limited depending on the details provided.

 

2. Confidential Reporting

  • Report to employees not required to notify the Title IX Coordinator, including:

    • Licensed counselors

    • Medical professionals

    • Ordained clergy in pastoral care roles

 

3. Reporting to a SASA

  • Call a SASA at 765-658-4650 for guidance on confidentiality and reporting options.

  • SASAs report nature, date, time, and general location to the Title IX Coordinator without personal identifiers.

  • Confidentiality may be overridden if there is an imminent danger to the survivor or campus community.

 

4. Non-Confidential Reporting

  • Report to employees required to notify the Title IX Coordinator, including:

    • All faculty and staff (excluding confidential-report staff)

    • Administrators, including Student Academic Life and DePauw Police personnel

    • Resident Assistants (RAs)

  • Employees must report all information shared, including the survivor’s identity.

 

When a Report is Made to the Title IX Coordinator

  • The Title IX Coordinator gathers key facts, assesses safety, and discusses interim measures.

  • The reporting individual chooses from options:

    1. Interim measures and supports only

    2. Alternative resolution

    3. Formal disciplinary investigation and adjudication

  • Students are not penalized for alcohol or drug policy violations if related to the incident.

  • Retaliation or intimidation against reporting individuals or witnesses is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

  • More information: Title IX Electronic Brochure

 

When a Report is Made to the DePauw Police Department

  • Police investigate all sexual misconduct reports and forward them to:

    • Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office for possible criminal prosecution

    • Title IX Administrators for University processes, interim measures, and support