Your school is required the provide you with support and information about the reporting process, and their policies regarding sexual assault
Under Title IX students have a right to have harassment and violence addressed by the school. If harassment or violence occurs at school or during school activities, reporting it will result in a Title IX investigation. If you want support, such as transferring classes, reaching out to school counselors is a good place to start. This will likely mean that you go through the Title IX process.
If you speak with a mandated reporter and they have to inform law enforcement of an incidence of sexual assault:
- You are not obligated to meet with the assigned officer or tell them anything you don’t want to
- You can reach out to an advocate or school counselor to help you navigate the situation
- You can proceed with the case
It is important to remember that when dealing with law enforcement regarding sexual assault you will be directed to someone trained in handling these cases.
If you decide to start a case there is no guarantee that action will be taken against the perpetrator. While not wanting to discourage anyone from pursuing a case, it is important the keep in mind the possible outcomes and what the legal process entails.
It can be important to know that the Title IX process allows for appeals from both parties involved in the case.
All school employees are mandated reporters.
If you want evidence collection…
After rape or sexual assault, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) can collect physical evidence. These nurses are trained in helping survivors and providing trauma-informed care.
Vashon Island does NOT have a SANE nurse available, but there are options in both Seattle and Tacoma. Visit www.wasafe.org to find the clinic nearest you with a SANE nurse on staff or go to the nearest emergency room
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If you want medical attention…
You may want to seek STI testing, pregnancy prevention, or other sexual healthcare after an assault. It is important to remember that healthcare providers are mandated reports. You do NOT have to disclose an assault in order to access any of the above services, which are all available at the school-based NeighborCare Clinic.
An advocate is, essentially, a professional trained in trauma-informed support of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Confidential communication with an advocate is protected by law. They cannot talk to anyone about what you share without your written permission, unless they learn of active threats to yourself or others.
Maya Battisti is the advocate for youth with The DOVE Project on Vashon Island.
Advocates are mandated reporters but they are not required to follow the same protocols that teachers and faculty are. An advocate will always inform you of the very specific information that would necessitate making a supported and informed report to law enforcement. In this way, they are able to empower you to receive critical support without taking away any of your autonomy. Before telling your story, you can always ask an advocate directly what specific information would trigger a report if you don’t feel like they have made that clear.
The three questions an advocate is most concerned with are:
- What is the ideal outcome in this situation? What do you most want to have happen?
- What would it take for you to feel powerful/competent and in control right now?
- What is your greatest concern?
Title IX (nine) is legal protection for students that is supposed to ensure all students feel safe and welcome in schools. It means that schools are required to take action if they are aware of sexual harassment or violence. Title IX applies to all schools that receive federal funds and applies to all school-related activities, including classes, sports, clubs, and other school events like dances. Title IX also applies to colleges and universities that receive federal funding.
If sexual assault or harassment occurs at school events under Title IX schools must provide support for survivors and investigate the case. Title IX also requires that schools communicate policies surrounding sexual assault to students and their families. Meeting with a school counselor is a good way of starting the Title IX process.
