If you or someone you know has experienced dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, UNI has options to help.

JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE / VAWA ACT

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a Federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013 amended the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) by adding requirements to distribute written notifications that explain the rights, options, and resources for victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This document provides that information.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF WHERE TO START

You may want to talk to someone confidentially as you decide what you would like to do moving forward. You can access crisis counseling, information, and support, by connecting with the resources listed below. These locations are only confidential if you are over the age of 18 and there are no threats of harm to yourself or others.

LEGAL /JUDICIAL SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

ADVOCACY / EDUCATION

VISA / IMMIGRATION

FINANCIAL SERVICES

IF ARE YOU IN DANGER

CALL 911

The UNI Police provide support by calling 319-273-2712. They can work with you to make plans for your next steps.

IF YOU NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION

You can receive medical treatment at any medical facility; however, certain providers have specially-trained staff to help survivors of sexual assault and/or can offer a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE). Completing a sexual assault medical exam is recommended in order to identify and address physical injuries and to obtain medication for prevention of pregnancy, HIV, or other infections

The following locations have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE

Preserving evidence in all cases of sexual assault is imperative. For example, because it could destroy evidence, avoid showering, douching, eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth if at all possible after a sexual assault.  Bedding or clothing worn during or after the assault should be preserved and collected by law enforcement even if you elect not to pursue a criminal investigation at the time. A forensic sexual assault exam may be conducted by a SANE and the evidence stored in case you wish to pursue an investigation in the future.

ORDERS OF PROTECTION

You may be able to obtain orders of protection within the state of Iowa.  For more information, contact the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office at 315 E 5th St., Waterloo, IA  50702 or call 319-833-3001.

Depending on the nature of the incident, the University may be able to issue a campus-based no contact order to prevent contact between two individuals. A victim who does NOT have a protective order can still seek supportive measures coordinated by the Title IX Coordinator.  For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator at leah.gutknecht@uni.edu or call 319-273-2846.

COMPLAINT OPTIONS

1. To initiate a University (non-criminal) investigation (students and employees):  Contact the Title IX Coordinator at: 117 Gilchrist Hall /email: leah.gutknecht@uni.edu  / Phone: 319-273-2846 or visit safety.uni.edu.   
2. To initiate a criminal investigation:  The UNI Police (UNI PD) staff will take the report for on campus incidents.  If the incident did not occur on campus, UNI PD can connect you with the appropriate jurisdictional law enforcement agency.
3. You also have the option NOT to notify law enforcement directly.
4. Filing a police report does not equal filing a complaint with the University and vice versa.

Victims have the option to notify police or decline police involvement. If the victim chooses to notify the local police, UNI PD can assist with that notification. Law enforcement can collect and store evidence (even if the victim wishes not to involve police) so that it’s available should the victim change their mind at a later time.

CAMPUS INVESTIGATION PROCESS

The complaint will be reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator to determine if the reported violation initiates the Title IX grievance process. If it does, an investigation is launched. The investigators will either be UNI trained staff members or, if necessary, outside investigators may be utilized. An investigation will determine if the respondent has violated campus policy and is, therefore, subject to disciplinary action.  

ACADEMIC, LIVING, TRANSPORTATION, AND WORKING ASSISTANCE

Victims may request assistance in academic, living, transportation, and/or working conditions.  Upon the victim’s request and to the extent of the victim’s cooperation and consent, University offices will work cooperatively to assist the victim with their health, physical safety, work, and academic status if reasonably available.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Personally identifiable information about the victim will be treated as confidential and only shared with persons with a specific need to know, e.g., persons who are investigating/adjudicating the complaint or delivering resources or support services to the victim.  Furthermore, the University will maintain as confidential any supportive measures provided to the victim to the extent that maintaining such as confidential will not impair the ability of the University to provide supportive measures.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Victims may choose to file conduct charges for violation of University policy.  The Title IX Coordinator is available to guide you through the process and answer any questions.  UNI’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy is available at: https://policies.uni.edu/1302.