Procedure for Institutional Policy GA-15: Responding to Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this procedure is to outline WVSOM’s commitment to preventing and responding to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, in compliance with the Clery Act, as defined in Institutional Policy GA-15: Safety and Security, and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”).

2. Applicability

2.1

This procedure applies to all members of the WVSOM community.

2.2

WVSOM reserves the right to amend this procedure at any time, as necessary or appropriate.

3. Definitions

For purposes of these procedures, the defined terms used herein have the definitions assigned to them in Institutional Policy GA-15: Safety and Security. 

4. Reporting Procedures

4.1 Immediate Actions

4.1.1

Encourage victims to call 911 if in immediate danger. 

4.1.2

Provide victims with the option to report the incident to:

a.

Campus Security 

b.

Title IX Coordinator

c.

Local Law Enforcement

4.2 Confidential Reporting

4.2.1

Victims can access confidential support through:

a.

Counseling Services

b.

Health Services

c.

Designated Confidential Advocates (if available)

4.3 Mandatory Reporting

4.3.1

All Campus Security Authorities must report incidents of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to the Clery Compliance Officer or Title IX Coordinator. 

5. Institutional Response

5.1 Supportive Measures

5.1.1

Upon receipt of a report, WVSOM may offer:

a. 

Counseling and psychological services

b.

Academic accommodations

c.

Housing relocation

d.

No-contact orders

e.

Safety planning assistance

5.2 Investigation

5.2.1

WVSOM will initiate a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation.

5.2.2

Investigators and hearing officers will be trained on issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

5.2.3

Both parties have equal opportunity to present witnesses and evidence.

5.3 Disciplinary Procedures

5.3.1

If the accused is a student or employee, WVSOM will use its disciplinary procedures under Title IX or the WVSOM policies and procedures. 

5.3.2

Outcomes may include:

a.

Disciplinary warnings

b.

Suspension or expulsion

c.

Employment termination

5.3.3

Both parties will be simultaneously notified in writing of:

a.

The result of the disciplinary proceeding

b.

Any appeals process

c.

Any changes to the results

d.

When the results become final

6. Prevention and Education

6.1

WVSOM will provide:

6.1.1

Ongoing prevention and awareness programs for students and employees

6.1.2

Primary prevention training during orientation

6.1.3

Information on bystander intervention and risk reduction strategies

6.2

Topics will include:

6.2.1

Definitions of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

6.2.2

Consent and healthy relationships

6.2.3

Institutional policies and resources

7. Annual Report

7.1

All incidents that meet Clery Act definitions will be included in WVSOM’s ASR

7.2

Data will be reported in accordance with the Clery Act guidelines and definitions. 

7.3

The ASR will be published by October 1 each year and made available to all current and prospective students and employees. 

8. Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any individual for reporting or participating in an investigation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. 

9. Review and Updates

This procedure will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to incorporate best practices for prevention and response. 

10. References

The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act 20 U.S.C.A. § 1092(f)