- All employees of the university are considered private (non-confidential) resources and have an obligation to report all disclosures of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
- If someone wishes to report sexual misconduct to you, you must inform them of your obligation to report it to the Title IX Coordinator. Emphasize that the obligation to report is to ensure they are aware of the available support services and resources.
- All employees should know the available confidential resources on-campus or in the community (e.g., campus counselors, local rape or domestic violence crisis center, or local pastoral counselor).
Once someone impacted by sexual misconduct discloses an incident to you, maintain a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach as you support the individual.
- Take a deep breath. You lay the foundation for how the individual will reach out for any kind of help or support.
- Be clear and transparent about your reporting obligations. Emphasize that the obligation to share all known information with the Title IX Coordinator is to ensure they receive support services, remedies, and resources.
- Listen actively and focus on what the person shares. Let them guide the conversation.
- Believe the person’s experience.
- Support without judgement.
- Communicate that the individual (victim/survivor) is never to blame for what happened.
- Empower the individual by asking them what they need.
- Identify private and confidential resources available on-campus and in the community. Inform them of their reporting options, including the Title IX Office and University Police.
- Be authentic and genuine.
Questions you can ask:
- Do you feel safe?
- How can I help? or What do you need?
- Have you spoken with someone else?
- Do you want me to contact someone for you?
- Do you want me to call or go to Counseling Center with you?
Private resources must contact the Title IX Coordinator promptly after receiving a disclosure of sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the individual to offer remedies, supportive measures, and resources.
Confidential Resources
On-Campus
- Health and Counseling Services
Off-Campus
- HelpMate
- Our Voice
- Certain offices in the Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Private (Non-Confidential) Resources
On-Campus
- University Police
- Dean of Students Office
- Human Resources
- Student Affairs or Residence Life Case Managers
- Office of Multicultural Affairs
- All staff and faculty, including student employees such as RAs.
Off-Campus
- Asheville Police Department
- Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office: 828.259.3400
- Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department