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

[Lauren Klein <>]

Hi Gillian,

I agree that it is a conflict of interest.  As you have a relationship with the first student, it makes sense to continue that support.  It is helpful to have two people who are based in different offices who could possibly serve as advocates for exactly this reason  I agree with referring the student to the Counseling Center, but it would also likely be quite helpful to ensure that the student also has an advocate or advisor who can accompany him through the process.  Providing service from different people is not the same as providing disproportionate support.  I agree that there is more to a role like yours than simply the counseling piece.  These kinds of situations are challenging, and it can also be a helpful leverage point for additional training for current staff (or the addition of new staff).  

My best, 

LB

On Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 7:18 PM, Gillian Cutshaw <> wrote:

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 

--

Gillian Cutshaw

Coordinator of Sexual Assault Awareness, Outreach, and Education

Women's Resource Center 

Saint Mary's College of California

925-631-4193

--

Lauren (LB) Klein, MSW

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Advocate & Consultant

Candidate, Master of Public Administration, Program on Gender-Based Violence; University of Colorado-Denver School of Public Affairs

314.578.8584