I recently learned (they told me, I overheard a conversation, I witnessed an incident…) that my friend was assaulted at the University, what should I do?

• Listen, and provide a non-judgmental space for your friend to confide in. It is likely that your friend will be faced with a lot of options and may be conflicted about how to move forward. It’s important that you help s/he feel supported in whatever choice they may take, whether s/he files a formal complaint with the Title IX Coordinator, presses criminal charges with the police, or seeks assistance from other campus resources (Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, College Advocate…). You are not an investigator, so avoid asking questions about your friend’s incident, such as questions regarding clothing choices, substance use, or his/her personal choices. These questions, while often well-intentioned, can come across as judgmental and do more harm than good. Finally, encourage and help your friend find resources through the newhaven.edu/sexualmisconduct website. You will find on-campus and off-campus resources on this website that can be utilized by you and your friend during this difficult time.

Who is the Title IX Coordinator? How can they help me?

• The University of New Haven’s Title IX Coordinator is Barbara J. Lawrence, vice president for institutional equity and diversity and chief diversity officer. She is responsible for coordinating the University’s compliance with Title IX, including overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints. As the Title IX Coordinator, she can direct you to the most appropriate resources and options. You can also report incidents of retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator.
• The University of New Haven also has a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students. The Deputy Coordinator must report Title IX related incidents to the Title IX Coordinator, while overseeing the student complaint process.  Her responsibilities include tracking and monitoring incidents, including sex discrimination and sexual misconduct amongst students, ensuring the University responds effectively to each complaint and where appropriate, conducting investigations of identified complaints. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator can also be a reporting source for students wishing to make informal or formal complaints.

What is Title IX? How does it relate to sexual discrimination/violence?

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, “No person in the United States, shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal funding assistance.” (20 U.S.C. §1681 & 34 C.F.R. Part 106) Title IX applies to all students, faculty, and staff and prohibits all types of sexual/gender discrimination including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence & stalking. Title IX is a federal mandate that requires institutions to provide victims of sexual misconduct to be supported & assisted in obtaining medical treatment, counseling, and other resources to help them with the trauma they’ve experienced. The University offers a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy, which provides extensive definitions, sanctions, and grievance policy procedures, in compliance with Title IX regulations.