11. Support and Reporting Options for Survivors of Sexual Violence, including Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Intimate Partner violence, and Stalking

WSU has a strong history of providing services and support to victims/survivors of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. WSU regularly provides students and employees written notice about reporting options and existing resources including counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, and student financial aid. WSU has established relationships with confidential advocacy groups in each of the communities where our campuses are located as well as with agencies in other parts of Washington. Within Everett, Victim Support Services provides free and confidential services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. They can be reached on their 24-Hour Hotline at 888-288-9221 or their Snohomish Office number 425-252-6081. The Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse can be reached at 425-252-5774.

Additionally, WSU offers access to counseling services on each of our campuses to all WSU students. Sexual assault forensic exams are offered at Providence Medical Center in Everett, Washington. Financial assistance may also be available for medical care after an assault even if the victim/survivor chooses not to undergo a forensic exam. These are all confidential resources. WSU provides support in coordinating services and referrals to partner agencies for all victims/survivors engaged in our process, on each of our campuses. WSU may be able to assist victims/survivors with changes to academic schedules, living arrangements, working arrangements, or take other protective measures to provide support. WSU will assist in obtaining this support when the victim/survivor requests the services and when the services are reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim/survivor chooses to report the incident to WSU or law enforcement for investigation. The Office of the Dean of Students is available to assist in implementing assistance measures to support students impacted by sexual violence.

Reporting Options for Incidents of Sexual Violence

There are several reporting options available if a student, employee, or visitor of WSU has experienced an incident of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. In the case of an emergency or ongoing threat, get to a safe location if possible and report the incident by calling 911. If necessary, a victim/survivor should seek medical services as soon as possible for their physical well-being and the purpose of preserving evidence.

WSU encourages victims and other individuals who are aware of sexual violence to report. WSU also believes in providing survivors with autonomy in their reporting choices, as well as multiple reporting options of a confidential and non-confidential nature. Survivors can choose from one or more of the following options:

Report to Law Enforcement for the Purposes of

  • Information Only
  • Partial Information
  • Complete Investigation
  • Report to WSU-Everett Security / EvCC Security
  • Report to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights
  • Report Anonymously
  • Seek confidential support through Northwest Psychological Counseling, a local advocacy agency (e.g., Victim Support Services) or other confidential resource

Even if a survivor does not want to report an experience, survivors are still encouraged to seek support from WSU Compliance and Civil Rights, the Office of the Dean of Students, or TimelyCare 24/7 Virtual Care Service. A report is not required to request services.

The sections below describe in more detail the various reporting and support options.

Confidential Counseling Protected by Law

Anyone who has experienced sexual violence may choose to consult with a licensed mental health care provider or health care provider of their choice. By law, such professionals are able to assist victims confidentially and are exempt from legal obligations to report incidents to the university, with some limited exceptions, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or certain threats of harm.

A victim/survivor may decide to disclose the incident to a confidential resource and/or may report to WSU CCR for an investigative response by WSU, or to local law enforcement for a criminal investigation. A victim/survivor may decline to notify authorities, including CCR and/or law enforcement. CCR can also assist the victim/survivor in notifying law enforcement, if a victim/survivor elects to do so. CCR will not share information regarding reports made to the university with law enforcement, unless required to do so by law or requested to do so by the victim/survivor.

WSU policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigative or disciplinary process by WSU. Please note, WSU employees and student employees may have reporting requirements and be required to provide information to CCR.

In Most Instances, Service Providers from the Following Resources Can Speak with Victims/Survivors Confidentially About Their Concerns

Northwest Psychological Counseling Services: 206-650-5910

WSU Employee Assistance Program (for employees): 1-877-313-4455 | HRS Employee Assistance Program

Victim Support Services (VSS) 24-Hour Hotline: 888-288-9221

Providence Hospital Sexual Assault Center Everett: 916 Pacific Ave., Everett, WA | Phone: 425-252-4800 (24-hour) or 800-656-4673

Northwest Justice Project Free Legal Hotline (CLEAR): Northwest Justice Project Website

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Campus Confidential Resources

WSU Cougar Health Services | Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (for students): 509-335-4511

WSU Cougar Health Services | Medical Clinic (for students)

WSU Employee Assistance Program (for employees): 1-877-313-4455

After-Hours Mental Health Crisis Support (for students):

Reporting to WSU

Incidents of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, can be reported to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), which works closely with Human Resource Services (HRS) for incidents involving employees and the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for incidents involving students. When CCR receives a report of misconduct, CCR will provide the student or employee with written information about their rights, supportive measures, and reporting options (including how to file a complaint with WSU), as well as other information about CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (UPPM 10.60). Outreach will also include written information about available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal services, and other services available on campus and in the community. Additional resources will be identified depending on the student’s or employee’s particular needs (e.g., an international student may need support from International Programs regarding visa or immigration assistance); a complainant’s preferences with regards to supportive measures will be considered. Per CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, supportive measures, including academic support services and safety measures such as changes to work/academic schedules, residence hall assignments, or other protective measures, are available, regardless of whether the student or employee chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement. CCR, the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, HRS, campus police, and/or other administrators will help facilitate supportive measures requests.

CCR can document the victim/survivor’s concerns, assist the victim/survivor with campus safety options, connect the victim/survivor to local support, medical, and counseling resources, and if the victim/survivor (or the Title IX Coordinator) wishes to file a complaint, CCR can start an informal resolution or an investigation.

Informal Resolutions

CCR may proceed with an informal resolution upon receiving a formal complaint, where appropriate. An informal resolution allows for parties to voluntarily reach mutually agreeable terms to resolve their concerns and/or prevent further harm. Either party may request an informal resolution at any point prior to a determination of responsibility. CCR has discretion to determine whether an informal resolution is appropriate for the specific circumstances. If so, CCR will notify both parties that the informal resolution process has commenced and provide the requirements of the informal resolution process, as described in the CCR Procedural Guidelines. CCR will not proceed with an informal resolution process until receiving voluntary consent to proceed with the informal resolution process from both parties.

Informal resolutions may include, but are not limited to:

  • An agreement between parties;
  • A mediation;
  • Education and training;
  • Workplace or academic management plans;
  • Restrictions on contact or participation in programs or activities; or
  • Supportive measures, including safety measures.

Informal resolutions may include agreed upon punitive terms (e.g., a party may agree to a permanent withdrawal or removal of duties). Parties may also accept responsibility or accountability for misconduct.

Parties may withdraw from the informal resolution process at any stage, prior to agreeing to a resolution.

Where an informal resolution is violated, rather than voiding the resolution and reengaging in the grievance process, the violation may be reviewed as a violation of a university directive and subject to disciplinary action. Where CCR has a compelling reason to do so, the informal resolution may also be voided. Where circumstances change, parties may request CCR to modify an existing informal resolution.

Investigations

CCR may conduct an investigation after receiving a complaint, which meets the requirements of UPPM 10.60, or in the absence of a complaint, where CCR determines an investigation is appropriate. CCR conducts a neutral and unbiased investigation, with investigators who do not have a conflict of interest or bias towards either party, specifically or generally. CCR investigations are conducted pursuant to its Procedural Guidelines and are initiated with a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct. CCR provides notice of the allegations in writing to both parties. Both parties have the right to present witnesses and evidence. The evidentiary burden is on WSU, not the parties.

During an investigation, WSU does not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence. Throughout the investigative process, the parties have the right to have a support person or an advisor, which can be an attorney. In all matters (regardless of the status of the respondent), the parties will have an opportunity for investigation, evidence review, determination of responsibility, and appeal. For matters implicating Title IX Sexual Harassment, the parties have an equal opportunity to review evidence and provide an additional statement prior to the issuance of a CCR investigative report. For other matters, parties are provided access to evidence after the investigation is completed.

For more information about the investigative process, see the CCR Procedural Guidelines, the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, and the WSU Faculty Manual.

CCR shares information about cases only on a need-to-know basis but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Although CCR does not share reporting information with law enforcement unless required to do so, CCR investigators notify victims/survivors of their option to report to on-campus or local police, to have campus authorities assist them in notifying law enforcement of a sexual violence incident, or to decline to notify such authorities.

A report of sexual violence can be made to CCR or the Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 509-335-8288, by email at ccr@wsu.edu, by visiting the CCR office located in Room 220 of the French Administration Building on the Pullman campus, or by using the CCR Online Reporting Form.

CCR investigators notify victims/survivors of their option to report sexual violence to WSU-Everett Security / EvCC Security or Everett PD, to have campus authorities assist them in notifying law enforcement of a sexual violence incident, or to decline to notify such authorities. A report of sexual violence can be made to the Everett Campus Title IX Coordinators Anna Mcleod or Sean McNaughton by telephone at 425-315-4014, or CCR by telephone at 509-335-8288 or by email at CCR@wsu.edu, or by visiting the CCR office located in Room 225 of the French Administration Building on the Pullman campus. Additionally, a report can be filed online at the CCR Online Complaint Form.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Victims/survivors are encouraged to report to law enforcement. Even if they are not sure if they want to report for criminal investigation, they are encouraged to preserve evidence, which may include seeking a sexual assault forensic exam. Victims/survivors are also encouraged to seek care and support, including advocacy services, medical treatment, and/or counseling services. Reporters are urged to preserve any evidence and to also seek medical and counseling services. Law enforcement can assist with filing criminal charges or pursuing a no contact order. To make a report of sexual violence to law enforcement, call 911 for immediate emergency assistance, or contact WSU Everett Security at 425-405-1715, EvCC Security at 425-388-9998, or the Everett Police Department (Everett PD) at 425-257-8400.

Washington State University Amnesty Policy

During a CCR process, when a student voluntarily shares information about the possession or use of alcohol or drugs, CCR does not refer the student to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for alcohol or drug-related conduct proceedings, except where drugs or alcohol were used to gain advantage, incapacitation, or exploitation over another individual. CCS also uses discretion under WAC 504-26-510, the Good Samaritan Policy, and may refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students.

For more information, see:

WSU Amnesty Statement when Reporting Sexual Violence

WSU encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of consequences for having possessed or consumed alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident. WSU’s primary concern is to ensure the safety of the students involved and gather relevant information, so the University can address the student(s)’ concerns. Generally, WSU will refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and/or possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students for victims and potential witnesses involved in situations of sexual violence in order to facilitate reporting and resolution of sexual violence concerns.

This practice will not provide relief from disciplinary action for other alleged violations of the Standards of Conduct (e.g., hazing, theft, drug/alcohol manufacturing or distribution).

Moreover, students who distribute alcohol and/or drugs that intentionally, or through negligence, contribute to the sexual violence will not be granted the same consideration.

In rare circumstances where the Center for Community Standards (CCS) has concerns that a student’s repeated or severe misuse of alcohol or drugs will result in additional harm if unaddressed, the University may assign care-driven educational sanctions to address those concerns.

Protective and Support Measures

WSU can take individualized and appropriate supportive steps to support and protect the students involved in the matter. Some support measures may be available regardless of whether a victim/survivor wishes to pursue a complaint or notify law enforcement. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate and as reasonably available, without fee or charge to a reporting party/complainant or respondent. Supportive measures may be offered before and/or after a formal complaint is filed, or where no formal complaint is filed. WSU provides written notice of these and other available assistance options (such as how to request changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations, and protective measures) to victims/survivors, and, as applicable, to respondents. WSU may deliver a “no-contact” directive that informs parties to refrain from having contact with one another either directly or through third parties. Other supportive measures include, but are not limited to, altering academic schedules, WSU dining arrangements, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties. When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on either party. Violations of such protective measures may lead to disciplinary action. The Office of the Dean of Students and Everett Student Affairs is available to assist in implementing assistance measures to support victims/survivors.

Academic Measures

  • Request consideration or flexibility from a faculty member regarding assignments, classroom attendance, deadlines, or other academic needs
  • Contact individual faculty members for specific requests
  • Independent study
  • Additional tutoring
  • Withdrawal, withdrawal without penalty, medical withdrawal
  • Incompletes on classes
  • Transfer assistance
  • Classroom management plans
  • Remote attendance / recording classes
  • Academic schedule changes
  • Access Center / reasonable accommodations
  • Enrollment in Global Campus

Referrals to Care Providers

  • Local victim advocacy agencies for access to counseling, crisis lines, support groups, shelters, etc.
  • Counseling Services – WSU and community referrals, as available
  • Medical Providers, in particular hospitals with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)
  • Referrals to off-campus counselors
  • National and state resources to locate additional advocates or care providers, including:
    • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
    • Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
    • Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)

Services for Employees

  • Employee Assistance Program (counseling, financial, legal)
  • Workplace management / safety plans
  • Work schedule adjustments, as needed, to obtain medical or mental health care, legal assistance, and/or confidential secure shelter
  • Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking leave (RCW 49.76.010)
  • Change reporting lines in consultation with HRS
  • Identify alternate work in consultation with supervisors/HRS
  • Work from home options in consultation with supervisors/HRS
  • Work schedule changes in consultation with supervisors/HRS
  • Work accommodations / reasonable accommodations through HRS Disability Services

Safety Measures

  • Report to law enforcement
  • Police or security safety assessment of home or campus areas
  • Providing information on seeking a Protection Order for anti-harassment, stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault
  • No-contact directive from the University
  • Emergency removal or administrative leave, in consultation with DOS, Center for Community Standards, HRS, and/or CCR
  • Safety planning with a community victim advocate
  • Cadet, police, security, or escort services, where available
  • Local taxi and bus information
  • Local domestic violence shelter information
  • Blue phones

Miscellaneous Support

  • Emergency funding
  • Support for tuition adjustment petitions (considered in appropriate cases)
  • Campus involvement (student organizations, Women’s Center, Diversity Centers, etc.)

Legal Resources and Referrals