Information about Reporting: (Employees)

All college employees have a duty to report sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator when they receive a report of such conduct or witness such conduct. This does not apply to the employees who may maintain confidentiality as described in Section VIII – A4 of the Sexual Misconduct policy.

Information about Reporting: (Students and Other Persons)

Students who wish to report sexual misconduct, harassment or discrimination should file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Students should be aware that all employees at the college, except those who may maintain confidentiality as described in Section VIII – A4 of the Sexual Misconduct policy, have an obligation to report sexual misconduct, harassment or discrimination that they become aware of or witness.

Students and other persons may also file a complaint with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Confidential Discussions

If a victim desires to talk confidentially about his or her situation, the college offers multiple options.  A confidential appointment may be scheduled with the Project HEAL Victim Advocate or with a counselor in OTC’s Counseling Services office by contacting them directly at:

• Project HEAL Victim Advocate, Rachel Swadley – swadleyr@otc.edu  or (417) 447-7859
• OTC Counseling Services – counseling@otc.edu or (417) 447-6974

Confidential employees are available to assist you and will not report your circumstances to the college for investigation without your permission, unless otherwise required by law (such as when the victim is a minor).

Notwithstanding, a non-identifying report may be made to the Title IX Coordinator so that the college can identify any patterns of sexual misconduct on campus and, if the conduct is a crime, it can be included in the college’s annual crime statistics disclosure.

Things to Consider Reporting

So that the college has sufficient information to investigate a complaint, the complaint should include: (1) the date(s) and time(s) of the alleged conduct; (2) the names of all person(s) involved in the alleged conduct, including possible witnesses; (3) all details outlining what happened; and (4) contact information for the complainant so that the college may follow up appropriately.

If you are the victim of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, do not blame yourself. These crimes are never the victim’s fault. When physical violence of a sexual nature has been perpetrated against you, the college recommends that you immediately go to the emergency room of a local hospital and contact local law enforcement, in addition to making a prompt complaint under this policy.

If you are the victim of sexual violence, domestic violence or dating violence, do everything possible to preserve evidence by making certain that the crime scene is not disturbed. Preservation of evidence may be necessary for proof of the crime or in obtaining a protection order. Victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, or dating violence should not bathe, urinate, douche, brush teeth or drink liquids until after they are examined and, if necessary, a rape examination is completed. Clothes should not be changed. When necessary, seek immediate medical attention at an area hospital and take a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use after a medical examination.

It is also important to take steps to preserve evidence in cases of stalking, to the extent such evidence exists. In cases of stalking, evidence is more likely to be in the form of letters, emails, text messages, etc., rather than evidence of physical contact and violence.

Additional Options After Reporting

If you have experienced harassment, discrimination or sexual violence you do not have to go through this process alone. Members of the Title IX Team can consult with you to explain your options. Several options are available for you, including, but not limited to:

• Contacting parents or a relative
• Seeking legal advice
• Seeking personal counseling (always recommended)
• Pursuing legal action against the responding party
• Pursuing disciplinary action
• Requesting that no further action be taken

Conduct that Constitutes a Crime

Any person who wishes to make a complaint of sexual misconduct that also constitutes a crime—including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking—is encouraged to make a complaint to local law enforcement. If requested, the college will assist in notifying the appropriate law enforcement authorities. In the event of an emergency, please contact 911. A victim also has the right to decline to notify such authorities.