Respond with Care

Listen

• Listen openly and without judgment. Be supportive and don’t allow myths or personal to biases shape your perception.
• Encourage the individual to consider accessing supportive measures. Both confidential and non-confidential resources are available on campus and in the community.
• If the individual appears to be in immediate danger, offer to help them access emergency services if that is the safest and most appropriate option.

Support

You can say something like:

"Thank you for trusting me. I value your safety and your experience. I’d like to connect you with supportive resources. As a staff member of Kent State University, I’m required to report situations like this to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX to help ensure your safety. Their office can connect you with people who can listen, offer support, and talk with you about your options. I can’t guarantee a specific outcome, but I can assure you that support and resources are available to you. If you need anything to feel safer on campus, the Title IX staff can help." 

Report

• Submit a report to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX via the online report form or by emailing titleix@kent.edu.
• Include as much detail as possible: full names and contact information (if known), date/time/location of the incident, a description of what happened, and how you became aware of it. Please respond promptly if the Title IX staff contacts you for additional information.
• Survivors of sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence are strongly encouraged to report to law enforcement, though it is their choice.
• Ensure the individual is aware of supportive measures, campus resources, and the procedures the university has in place to assist them.