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What to do During a Disclosure of Sexual Misconduct

Your response to a disclosure can Áñ—†ÊÓƵ a lasting effect on a student; follow the guidelines below to respond to a student’s disclosure of sexual misconduct.

See also the Faculty and Staff Guide to Disclosures of Sexual Misconduct, found at the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. Note that these same guidelines apply if you receive a disclosure of sexual misconduct from a colleague.

• Assess the student’s level of safety.

  • You can start by asking if they feel safe.
  • Ask if they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ a safe place to stay, someone to talk to who can support them, and if they are having thoughts that could put them in immediate danger.
  • If the student feels threatened or in physical danger, decide with the student whether to contact CAPS or the University Police.
  • During regular business hours, put the student in contact with CARE.

• Know your reporting obligation, but do not cause unnecessary stress for the student.

  • Avoid simply stating that you are a mandatory reporter without further explanation.
  • If you sense that a student wants to disclose sexual misconduct to you, tell them that you will Áñ—†ÊÓƵ to share the report with the Title IX Coordinator if the student continues.
  • Offer information about confidential resources if appropriate.

• Explain to the student what occurs once you report to the Title IX Coordinator.

  • Such as the Title IX Coordinator will be informed of what they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ disclosed to you
  • The student will receive an email from the Title IX office listing resources available to support them in whatever way they choose.
  • In most cases, a report does not mandate an investigation if the student does not want to proceed.

• Respond to the student with validation

  • Saying things like “I believe you,” “you’re not alone,” and “you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ options.”
  • Do not probe the student or ask “why” questions.
    • You are not tasked with investigating the misconduct
    • Whether or not you know the “truth” about an incident or situation, you should provide resources to the student and make a report.
  • If a disclosure has occurred in the student’s writing, reach out and validate them by expressing concern about what happened and inform them that you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ to share the disclosure with the Title IX Coordinator.
  • Visit CARE’s page on how to “Help a Friend Who Survived Sexual Assault” for more guidance.

• Do not try to label the experience for the student

  • Instead use the language they use to describe what has happened.
  • A student may not be comfortable with the terminology as they process their experience.

• Try not to be overly emotional

  • Creating a need for the student to take care of your needs.
  • Instead, access counseling and support for yourself after the disclosure as needed.
  • If you sense your emotions are affecting the student, reassure them that your anger, sadness, etc. is a reaction to their experience, not them.

• Offer flexibility

  • Such as extensions on assignments or other matters related to your class, if requested, in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
  • Do not make promises you may not be able to keep, such as being at the investigation, acting as an advocate, or ensuring that the student will prevail in the matter.

• Establish boundaries with the student

  • Because as faculty you are limited to your role and are not a professional counselor, emergency hotline, etc.

• Offer additional resources the student may access in the future

  • Resource Guide on Sexual Misconduct and Title IX (pdf)
  • Talk to an Advocate
  • Crisis Resources