Harassment & Nondiscrimination

What should I do if I've been sexually assaulted at Butler? 

• Get to a place where you feel safe 
• Seek a friend you can trust 
• Don't shower or bathe any part of your body, douche, urinate, defecate, use medications or brush your teeth, if possible
• Stay in the clothes you are wearing or, if you've already changed, bring clothes, sheets and anything that was in contact with you during the assault in a paper bag (not plastic!) or wrapped in a clean sheet - don't clean or straighten the area
• Don't touch anything the accused may have touched or left behind - this physical evidence can help if a criminal charge is pursued
• Get medical help to check for internal injuries you might not be aware of, treat external injuries, be treated for certain STDs, and get information about HIV/AIDS and pregnancy prevention
• Consider having a rape kit done at the hospital - even if you don't think you want to press charges, having a rape kit allows you to have evidence collected should you change your mind later
• Seek counseling support 
• Consider your legal options and ask questions for clarification

Sources: Wake Forest University, Sexual Assault Support
http://services.studentlife.wfu.edu/support/sexual-assault/

Southwestern University, Medical Issues & Immediate Safety
www.southwestern.edu/titleix/medicalissues.php

UCSC Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office
www2.ucsc.edu/title9-sh/sopolicy/assault.htm  

If I file a complaint, can it remain confidential?

When it comes to confidentiality, we'll be up front with you.

• We'll take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond in a manner consistent with a student's confidentiality request and we'll let you know if we can't ensure confidentiality. 
• If a student requests confidentiality and decides not to press charges in a sexual violence case, an anonymous report of the incident must still be made in order to comply with the Clery Act (campus crime reporting)
• On-campus counselors and advocates - like those working or volunteering in sexual assault centers, victim advocacy offices, women's health centers, as well as licensed and pastoral counselors - can talk with a survivor in confidence
• If the safety of others in the community could be at risk, the good of the whole may need to outweigh one student's confidentiality request. 

Source: "Not Alone" Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, 4/20/14 

Can I make a report anonymously? 

An anonymous report may be submitted through Ethics Report Online from Pipeline through Employee's Quick Clicks. Ethicspoint is NOT a 911 or Emergency Service. Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat of life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities. 

If I file a complaint, I'm afraid of retaliation. What protection can Butler give me?

Title IX protects individuals from retaliation if they report sexual harassment or violence. If the alleged perpetrator or his/her friends taunt you, call you names or harass you in any way, report this immediately! Our Title IX Coordinator and others are here as resources to take strong, responsive action if any retaliation or new incidents of harassment occur. For example, our Department of Public Safety has officers on campus 24/7. You may call the Department of Public Safety any time.  

If my assailant lives on campus or attends the same classes, can I change rooms/classes?

Yes, if your assailant lives on campus or attends the same classes as you, the administration will begin work immediately to change your class schedule and your housing arrangement to minimize the opportunity that you will encounter your assailant on campus. The administration will also place a no contact order on the assailant so that they understand they are not to have any contact with you whatsoever. If your assailant makes an attempt to contact you in person, by phone, or through friends, you should report this activity immediately.  

How do I file a complaint?

If you experience sexual harassment, gender discrimination or sexual violence, we encourage you to reach out right away - we are here to help.
Contact:

Title IX Coordinator: 316.323.6373

Public Safety: El Dorado: 316.321.7657
Public Safety: Andover: 316.323.6112
Local Police: 911
Residence Life: 316.322.3295
Counseling: 316.322.3162
Health Services: 316.322.3371
Disability Services: 316.322.3321
Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center: 316.263.0185

What do I do if one of my friends has been sexually assaulted?

No one expects you to be a trained rape counselor, but there are things you can do to help your friend to cope and to find help. Whether the assault occurred recently or a long time ago, it is helpful if you can:

• Believe them 
• Maintain a calm manner
• Listen without interrupting
• Allow for tears and expression of feelings
• Convey genuine concern
• Provide accurate information
• Allow them to make his/her own choices
• Set judgments aside
• Maintain confidentiality
• Let them know that it's not their fault (You cannot say this enough!)
• Let them know that there are people who can help and that they don't have to go through this alone.
• Refer your friend to help and encourage them to go. They trust you, that is why they are talking to you. You can use that influence to help them reach out for help

If I engage in sexual activity with someone who has been drinking, can I be accused of sexual assault?

Yes! Sexual violence refers to sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will where consent is not obtained or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to his/her use of alcohol or other drugs.

On average, at 50% of campus sexual assaults involve alcohol. It's the main drug used by perpetrators of sexual violence. The use of drugs or alcohol can result in the following:

• Can impair the perpetrator's judgment so he/she disregards indications that a person doesn't want to engage in sexual activity
• Can impair a victim's judgment so he/she is less likely to take heed of risk cues
• Can increase the expectancies of what will happen when we drink
• Perpetrators may use alcohol as an excuse for their actions 
• Victims who drink and are then assaulted may be blamed for "letting" the assault occur and/or sending mixed messages, even though it's never their fault

Keep all of these things in mind when make choices about drugs and alcohol.