FAQs

  • What if I am unsure if I am considered a mandatory reporter?

You may call the Office of Civil Rights Compliance – Title IX to consult about your mandatory reporter status.

 

  • What if I am unsure if I am obligated to report an incident because of the nature of how it was shared?

If you are unsure if you need to report an incident, you may call the Office of Civil Rights Compliance – Title IX to consult. A response coordinator will be able to speak with you about what was shared and how you became aware to help you determine if you are required to report it. 

 

  • How can I continue to support the impacted party after making a report?
  • Ask what would be most helpful for them or how they’d like you to support them going forward
  • Encourage self-care
  • Avoid becoming a sole support
  • Avoid making promises or predictions about things you don’t control
  • Respect their decision to share or not to share updates with you
  • Avoid gossip or sharing what was disclosed to you to others who do not have a business need to know, even if it comes from a place of caring. Respecting privacy is important for trust.

 

  • Is there language I should include in my syllabus that references making a report under the Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct as well as support and resources available?

Yes, instructors are strongly encouraged to include the following language in their syllabus: https://provost.uiowa.edu/course-syllabi-information#accordion-item-3426-1 

 

  • What if the disclosure comes from the accused/respondent?

The University still treats the information as a report and assesses it. OCRC-TIX may:

  • Conduct an initial assessment
  • Offer supportive measures to affected parties
  • Reach out to any identifiable impacted individual

A respondent’s disclosure does not automatically trigger discipline or an investigation, but it does place the University on notice of potential policy issues.

 

  • Will the accused party know if a report has been made?

Only in certain circumstances. This includes if the University implements supportive measures that affect them or initiates a formal process, then the accused will generally be informed of the nature of the concern. However, the reporter’s identity is shared only when necessary.

 

  • Will the police be contacted?

In most cases, OCRC is able to honor the impacted party’s decision on if they’d like to report to law enforcement. Exceptions include immediate safety threats and mandatory reporting laws (e.g., child abuse). Impacted parties are always informed of their option to self-report the incident to law enforcement for investigation or as an information only report.

 

  • Can parties be told not to have contact with one another?

Yes, the impacted party may request that OCRC-TIX issue a Mutual No-Contact Directive as a supportive measure. It’s important to note that this directive is mutual and non-disciplinary. If the parties are in the same workplace or have a class in common, language may be modified to permit contact that is necessary for both parties to fulfill their university-related responsibilities.