National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Supporting survivors and raising awareness on campus and in the community

Throughout the month of April, Baylor University is participating in National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. From hosting the national art installation “What Were You Wearing?” to lighting campus teal at the beginning and end of the month, the University is committed to supporting sexual violence survivors and raising awareness on campus and in the community.
One month isn’t enough to eradicate sexual violence. As Sexual Assault Awareness Month draws to a close, staff and faculty have a unique, ongoing role in guiding students toward reporting options at Baylor University.

Help students understand the purpose of the Title IX Office

The decision to report sexual misconduct is deeply personal and can be difficult. Fear of being blamed or not believed, concern of retaliation and not wanting others to know are a few of the reasons why sexual assault and harassment are among the most underreported crimes. This is not unique to Baylor; the U.S. Department of Justice estimates that only 15-35 percent of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement nationwide.

For students seeking legal recourse, such as a criminal investigation or a restraining order, they may wish to report to law enforcement. Guide them to the Waco Police Department or the Baylor Police Department.

If sexual or gender-based harassment or assault is interfering with a student’s participation in school activities, direct her or him to Title IX. Baylor’s Title IX Office helps students access accommodations, support and other resources that uphold their right to an education in an environment free from discrimination.

For students seeking spiritual and/or emotional support, consider suggesting a confidential source. At Baylor, confidential sources include the Baylor Counseling Center, Health Services Center and Burt Burleson, University chaplain. All other University employees are required to report immediately any information they know about suspected prohibited conduct to the Title IX Office.

Help students understand the Title IX process

Another reason some students may be hesitant to report to the Title IX Office is uncertainty about the process after a report is made. Upon receiving a report of prohibited conduct, the University provides support and assistance in obtaining University and community resources, such as counseling and academic support as interim measures.

Next, the University determines jurisdiction over the report. Because the Title IX Office oversees a University process, possible remedies are related to a student’s education at Baylor.

The person who makes the report can request a University resolution process, anonymity, no University action or to not participate. The Title IX Office seeks to honor these requests if possible while also protecting the safety of individuals and the Baylor community. When proceeding forward with a resolution process, the person who is said to have committed an act(s) of sexual misconduct is notified and given options to participate or not participate as well. Baylor University is committed to fairness and privacy for all parties involved.

The Title IX Office exists to ensure that harassment based on gender does not interfere with the right to an education. For more information on process, procedures or to access resources and reporting options, visitbaylor.edu/titleix.