Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Gillian Cutshaw <>]

Hi All, 

My institution is dealing with a very complicated case of sexual misconduct involving two students and I'm hoping to get some help from you on next steps. A student reported an act of sexual misconduct to her RA and then to Public Safety. When officers interviewed the other student, he reported that he had experienced an act of sexual misconduct. Now we have two complainants and two respondents and aren't sure how to proceed in offering them both support. 

I am the go to advocate/adviser and since I'm already working with one student, I feel it is a conflict of interest to offer support to the other, however Title IX mandates that we offer both students support. I want to refer the other student to our Counseling Center but am concerned that it won't be seen as offering "equal" support. Any thoughts? I'd be very appreciate to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar situation and/or has policy around this. 

Thanks so much!

Best,

Gillian 

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Gillian Cutshaw

Coordinator of Sexual Assault Awareness, Outreach, and Education

Women's Resource Center 

Saint Mary's College of California

925-631-4193