Title IX

This short list addresses only addresses a few of the commonly asked questions of victims of sexual misconduct. These questions are just some that may be pertinent in the aftermath of a sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, or stalking incident.  If you have a question that is not answered or you believe should be added to this list, please contact Ashley Dunn, Director, Title IX/VAWA Compliance.

• 1. 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.

• 2. 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 of 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.

• 3. 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.
• 4. Is there an option that allows me to report the incident confidentially?

  Yes. You may choose to speak to a licensed professional in Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, or a pastoral counselor in complete confidence. These professionals are not permitted to say anything about your incident without your direct permission. While your information will be kept confidential, they may inform the Title IX Coordinator that an incident of sexual misconduct did occur. This helps the University monitor sexual misconduct occurring on the campus, and provides data to help administrators evaluate the safety of community members on our campus. There are also anonymous online reporting options, which allow you to report the incident to University officials. You can use the LiveSafe App to connect anonymously with the University Police Department.

• 5. What types of assistance/remedies are available?

  The University of New Haven has the duty to ensure the safety and support of community members who may have experienced sexual misconduct. If a student chooses to make a formal complaint of sexual misconduct, they will be informed of their options for reasonable accommodations and appropriate remedies to secure their safety and ability to engage in educational opportunities. Remedies may be in the form of "no contact" orders, changes in housing assignments and/or academic schedules. For more information on informal remedies/accommodations, contact Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Ophelie Rowe-Allen (203-932-7176), in the Dean of Students Office.

• 6. I was assaulted on a study abroad trip, what options do I have?

  As study abroad trips usually occur in international locations, the resources available at the time of the incident may be substantially different than those available on campus. This is due to the specific location’s resources, nonetheless there are still options that may be available to you. You should contact the Study Abroad Office for information regarding specific locations. Whether you are still abroad or have returned from your trip, you may contact Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Ophelie Rowe-Allen (203-932-7176), for assistance in ending the harassment/assault, remedies to restore your educational environment, and other remedies as needed.

• 7. I think I was assaulted a while ago (months, years, etc.), can I still report?

  The University of New Haven does not have a time restriction on complaints of sexual misconduct. It is encouraged that you seek help from any one of our on/off-campus resources, but the University recognizes that you may not be ready to pursue a formal complaint immediately. You are encouraged to still take advantage of the support systems available and to consider making a complaint when you feel ready to do so.

• 8. Is there someone that can assist me in contacting the police?

  University Police, the Dean of Students Office, and the College Advocate are all available to assist you in contacting the correct police department. University Police and the College Advocate can advise you on what to expect from a criminal police investigation.

• 9. Do I have to immediately decide to press charges?

  No, but if you want to keep your legal options open, the University suggests that you do receive medical attention. The College Advocate from the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, is available to accompany you to the hospital and support you during the process.

  A sexual assault evidence collection kit may be administered at Milford Hospital, or Yale New Haven Hospital.  A "rape kit" involves a process of collecting DNA evidence that may have been left by the perpetrator. If you do choose to undergo a rape kit, you are not required to cooperate with law enforcement or pursue criminal charges. However, only DNA evidence collected by a rape kit is admissible in court. This is a free service in the state of CT.

• 10. I don’t want a rape kit, can I choose to not have one?

  You can choose to refuse a rape kit. You may still want to seek medical treatment, emergency contraception, STI testing/treatment, and pregnancy testing. The University of New Haven's Health Services can provide you with some referral options for these services.

• 11. I’m worried about the affects to my physical health (STIs, pregnancy…), what should I do?

  Seek immediate medical care if you are concerned about STIs, or pregnancy. The University of New Haven's Health Services can provide you with some referral options for these services. 

  On-campus and off-campus resources are available to help you navigate through the aftermath of a sexual misconduct incident. Please review the Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking page under the Dean of Students Office in the Student Life tab of myCharger.