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Report an Incident

Filing a report will not obligate prosecution, but it will help the university take steps to provide a safer campus for everyone. With a filed report, the university can keep a more accurate record of the number of incidents; determine whether there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant; alert the campus community to potential danger; and better provide training and preventive education programs.

Students and employees are expected to comply with 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s policies that prohibit unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking both on-campus and off-campus. Any student who witnesses or experiences such conduct on- campus or off-campus by someone who is a member of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University community is encouraged to report the matter to the Title IX Administrator. Students reporting potential violations have the option of remaining anonymous. Please note: reporting anonymously may limit the University's ability to investigate the incident or provide resources to the involved parties.


There are multiple ways to report an Incident:

1. ONLINE

CLICK HERE TO FILE A REPORT: 

This report goes directly to the Title IX Office.

 

2. Contact the Title IX Administrator Directly:


Justin Lawrence, J.D./M.B.A./M.Div
Title IX Administrator
Phone:  806-291-1173
Email:  lawrencej@wbu.edu
Office:  Gates Hall 311


 

3. CONTACT A CONFIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATOR

If you wish to obtain confidential assistance without making a report to WBU may do so by speaking confidentially with professionals who are obligated by law to maintain confidentiality, subject to the stated terms of confidentiality by that office. At WBU, students may speak confidentially with any of the professionals listed below.

There are resources on campus for students who would like to talk to someone and get assistance, without making a report to the university. These staff members can assist students in accessing resources and filing a report only when specifically requested.

Office of Counseling Services                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
University Center 208                                                                                                                         
Phone: 806-291-3765                                                                                                                          


 

If you need immediate help

Contact the University Police Department or 911.

Go to your local Medical Emergency Room. ­Medical personnel can help you with a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) and information related to victim’s services. A SAFE is conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who is trained in the collection of evidence and can check for both injuries and evidence. (You may receive a SAFE even if you do not wish to report the incident to the police at this time.


AMNESTY FOR STUDENTS REPORTING CERTAIN INCIDENTS

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University community encourages the reporting of misconduct and crimes by Complainants and witnesses. Sometimes, Complainants or witnesses are hesitant to report to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University officials or participate in grievance processes because they fear that they themselves may be in violation of certain policies, such as underage drinking or use of illicit drugs at the time of the incident. Respondents may hesitate to be forthcoming during the process for the same reasons.

It is in the best interests of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University community that Complainants choose to report misconduct to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University officials, that witnesses come forward to share what they know, and that all parties be forthcoming during the process.

To encourage reporting and participation in the process, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University maintains a policy of offering parties and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations – such as underage consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs – related to the incident.

Amnesty does not apply to more serious allegations such as physical abuse of another or illicit drug distribution. The decision not to offer amnesty to a Respondent is based on neither sex nor gender, but on the fact that collateral misconduct is typically addressed for all students within a progressive discipline system, and the rationale for amnesty – the incentive to report serious misconduct – is rarely applicable to Respondent with respect to a Complainant.


Preserve Evidence

Preserve any physical evidence of violence, such as sheets, towels, clothing, etc. Because evidence of an assault can deteriorate quickly, you may want to seek a medical exam as soon as possible. Even if you have no immediate intention to report the incident to the police, preserving evidence will be important in case you later decide to press criminal charges or pursue university disciplinary action against another person. Physical evidence may also help you obtain an order from a court or the university requiring the other person involved to stay away from you.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it is better if you DO NOT shower or bathe, douche, wash hands, use the toilet, brush your teeth, change clothing, or wash clothing or bedding. If you change clothes, carefully place all clothing worn at the time (or bedding) into a paper bag.

At a hospital, a sexual assault examination (also known as a forensic examination) can be conducted to gather evidence, whether or not you intend to press criminal charges. This procedure includes a physical exam where a doctor or a trained nurse collects the evidence of the assault. You will need to bring an extra set of clothing. The clothing worn during the assault may be collected as evidence.

If you believe you have been drugged, traces of the drug may still be detected for up to 96 hours after ingestion (depending on dosage, and individual metabolism). The chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained quickly. In general, evidence collection is best if done immediately following an assault. The more time that passes between the sexual assault and medical collection of evidence, the less likely it is that the evidence will be useful in the prosecution of a criminal case.

It may be helpful for you to immediately write down everything you can remember about the incident, including what the assailant(s) looked like (e.g., height, weight, scars, tattoos, hair color, clothes); any unusual odor; any noticeable signs of intoxication; anything the assailant(s) said during the assault; what kinds of sexual activities were demanded and/or carried out; if weapons, threats, or physical force were used; and any special traits noticed (e.g., limp, speech impediments, use of slang, lack of erection, etc.). Writing it down will not only aid you in recalling details should you choose to report, it also can be empowering as it allows you an element of control in a situation where control had previously been taken away.

Remember to preserve electronic evidence. Text messages, emails, voicemails, records of recent phone calls, and posts on social media may all provide critical evidence and should not be deleted from your cellphone, computer, or other device. Police or university investigators can help you document and preserve electronic evidence.


Seek Counseling

The local Rape Crisis Hotline and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University Counseling Center are staffed with well trained and compassionate counselors. They can assist you in dealing with the emotional trauma and pain associated with sexual assault. University officials will also help you change academic and living situations if that is your choice and such options are reasonably available. In addition you can contact the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) which offers national anonymous hotline support to survivors and allies at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673). If you would rather chat with someone online, RAINN also operates the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, a live, secure, anonymous crisis chat support. To access help 24 hours a day, visit: .

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