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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Police Department

Committed to Excellence

Reporting a Sexual Assault

Victims

Any University of Nebraska student or employee who has been sexually assaulted or physically harmed is strongly encouraged to contact the police department from the location where the assault occurred or a safe location.

Victims are also encouraged to contact the local victim service office and/or counseling and health care services. Voices of Hope at 475-7273 or the University Health Care Center at 472-5000.

Victims are also encouraged to contact University officials for appropriate action. As a guide University housing residents should contact any Housing/Residential Life staff.

University Employees and Students (when informed of an incident of assault)

  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to police, and to contact the area victim survivor service office.
  • If you are a Unviersity employee with supervisory or advising responsibilities, contact the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action office for guidance on the next step.

University Offices Receiving a Report

Victim support services will:

  • Maintain the contacts as strictly confidential.
  • Provide crisis intervention and advocacy, in some cases including assisting Victims in seeking restraining orders.
  • Assist and support the vicitm/survivor in contacting police and/or reporting to other University offices, if the victim consents.
  • Assist the victim in obtaining medical assistance and counseling, changing academic programs or housing, etc.

Counseling and health care services will:

  • Maintain the contact as confidential
  • Encourage, assist (as needed) and support the victim in reporting the incident to the police
  • Provide appropriate counseling and medical services.

Police departments will:

  • The University of Nebraska Police Department will contact the University Victim Assistance Program.
  • Investigate and refer for prosecution when warranted.

Housing/Residential Life Offices will:

  • Contact, or encourage contact with, the local victim service office, and assist in obtaining medical care if needed.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and assist in making the report if requested by the victim. Housing/Residential Life may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • If the person accused is a student, the incident will be reported to the campus office responsible for administering the Student Conduct Code.
  • Report for appropriate investigation by University Police.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action will:

  • Contact victim service office and assist in obtaining medical care if needed.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and assist in making the report if requested by the victim. EOAA may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • Allow the victim and the person accused to have a non-participating support person present for interviews.
  • If the person accused is a student, the incident will be reported to the campus office responsible for administering the Student Conduct Code.
  • If the person accused is an employee, investigate, and make recommendations for action, as appropriate (in many cases the police may conduct the investigation).

Student Affairs will:

  • Respond to the allegations and discipline if needed, consistent with the Student Conduct Code and the Procedures for Disciplinary Proceedings. Student Judicial Affairs office will conduct investigations when needed.
  • Assist the victim in contacting victim service office if desired.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and will assist in making the report if requested by the victim. Student Affairs may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • Permit the victim and the person to have a support person or advisor present at any interview or hearing, in a manner consistent with the governing student conduct procedures.