What to do After a Disclosure
Under Northwestern’s policy, faculty are required to report instances of sexual misconduct.
- Make a report to the Title IX Office. Information on reporting to the university can be found by clicking here.
- Keep what you know about the student private. If others must know that the student is experiencing distress, say only that they are having a difficult time and need support, not why.
- Check in with the student to make sure they are doing alright, or are getting in contact with other resources. An email might look like: “I was thinking about our talk the other day. How are you doing?”
- Do not try to take matters into your own hands, with respect to investigating an allegation or carrying out punishment.
- Find support if you are having difficulty dealing with your emotional health after the disclosure.
- Northwestern's Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
- Resilience Programs & Services
- YWCA-Evanston
- RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network Hotline at (800)656-HOPE (4673) or their online hotline
- Evanston Domestic Violence Line (YWCA) at (877)718-1868
- If you have questions on how to support a student, please contact CARE. If you would like to learn more about how to support survivors, request CARE’s Support Starts Here training.