Violence Prevention
Domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault are prohibited at Southeastern Louisiana University and satellite campuses.
Southeastern Louisiana University is committed to maintaining a safe environment that is conducive to learning in which no member of the University community is subjected to power based violence, sexual misconduct, or any form of abusive behavior.
The University will not ignore any act of power based violence, sexual misconduct, or abuse and encourages individuals who suspect that they have become subject or witness to such an act to contact the University Police Department (985-549-2222).
What is considered an act of violence?
Every member of the community should be aware that the University prohibits domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, cyberstalking, sexual misconduct, assault
and harassment as defined in the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
What do I do if I have been assaulted?
We encourage you to report the act of violence immediately; you may call:
University Police at 985-549-2222 or call 911, if off campus
- Receive help for physical injuries
- Screen for STDs/pregnancy.
- Hospital staff can collect evidence using a rape kit.
- If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected to preserve evidence.
- If you want to file a police report, you can call the police from the emergency room.
- Ask about the nearest rape crisis center.
- Recognize that healing from an act of violence takes time. Give yourself the time you need and know that it is never too late to get help.
- Know that what happened was not your fault.
- Recovery is an ongoing gradual process.
- Take care of your physical and emotional well-being.
- Talk to a counselor. The University Counseling Center is available for you at no charge for enrolled students. They are experienced in helping individuals who have been sexually assaulted. They are familiar with the physiological and psychological effects that traumatic events cause. They can help you work through your emotions and teach you coping skills.
- Try to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.
- Reach out to your personal support network of friends and family.
How do I file a complaint?
Complaints of misconduct against a student may be filed by any member of the University community.
It is important to know that you have the right to report or not report crimes of
violence; however, we strongly encourage you to report acts of violence and harassment
such as sexual assault, rape, physical assault, hazing, sexual harassment, and stalking
immediately.
This helps to provide a safe environment for you and others on campus.
Reporting Options:
- Call University Police, 985-549-2222 or call 911, if off-campus.
- All members of the University community are encouraged to contact the Title IX Officer, 985-549-5888, if they observe or encounter conduct that may be subject to this policy.
- Submit a complaint/report to the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability, Report It!.
- A complaint of sexual misconduct when a University employee is the accused
may be brought to the Human Resources Department,(985) 549-2001, which will promptly inform the Title IX Officer of the complaint.
- An individual may report alleged sexual misconduct to a Responsible Employee or any employee serving in an administrative role at the University. Responsible Employees must report the incident to the Title
IX Officer. No employee is authorized to investigate or resolve complaints
without the involvement of the Title IX Officer. Responsible employees shall
include all administrators, unclassified staff, and resident assistants.
- Individuals who choose to file anonymous reports are advised that it may be very difficult for the University to follow up and/or take action on anonymous reports, where corroborating information is limited.
- University Counseling Center is available for you at no charge for enrolled students. Confidential Advisors are
not be obligated to report crimes to the institution or law enforcement in a way that
identifies an alleged victim or an accused individual, unless otherwise required to
do so by law.
- For confidential help 24/7, Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.
If I file a complaint will it remain confidential?
Understanding Confidentiality:
When considering reporting options, complainants should be aware that certain
University personnel can maintain strict confidentiality, while others have mandatory
reporting and response obligations.
Not all campus reporting authorities, i.e. Resident Assistants, Area Coordinators, Faculty, Staff, UPD, Counselors, Healthcare Professionals, are equally confidential and fall under three categories; strictly confidential, mostly confidential, and anonymous.
Strictly Confidential. These resources offer services under the strictest of confidence; nothing will be shared without your written permission, except in extreme circumstances. An exception is when the health provider believes that you are a danger to yourself or others, i.e. suicidal or homicidal tendencies.
Strictly Confidential Resources on Campus: The following individuals are not required
to report information about an incident to the Title IX Officer without a complainant’s
permission. Non-reporters include physical and mental health professionals, including
licensed counselors who provide mental health counseling to members of the University
community and those who act under the supervision
of a health care employee.
• The University Counseling Center is available for you at no charge for enrolled students, call 985-549-3894, located
in the Student Union Annex, North Entrance.
• University Health Center, 985-549-5718, located in the Student Union Annex, South Entrance.
• For confidential help 24/7, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.
Mostly Confidential. Employees Who Must Report – Responsible Employees. A responsible employee who receives a report of sexual misconduct must report to the Title IX Officer all relevant details about the alleged sexual misconduct shared by the complainant. A responsible employee should not share information with law enforcement without the complainant’s consent, or unless the complainant has also reported the misconduct to law enforcement. These resources are kept confidential, but may be required to share information to specific campus authorities; i.e. UPD, Housing, OSC, so that they may perform their duties, offer resources, accommodations, and/or take action to provide a safe campus environment. If you are concerned about confidentiality, ask the person you want to talk to first about his/her obligation to disclose information you share.
Anonymous. Anonymous reporting is an option through the University Police Department, but should not be used in emergency situations. Learn more about Anonymous Reporting.
What happens after I file an official complaint with the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability?
Order of Conduct Process:
1. Complaint received
2. Conference with complainant/victim
3. Notice of Charge sent to respondent
4. Disciplinary Conference with respondent
5. Formal Hearing conducted
6. Notice of Hearing Outcome*
*In cases of sexual assault and/or physical violence, the complainant shall also be informed simultaneously of the determination.
7. Option to Appeal
What are my rights as a victim?
In disciplinary proceedings, the University affords additional rights to student victims of acts of violence and
harassment such as sexual assault, rape, physical assault, hazing, sexual harassment,
and stalking/cyberstalking:
1. To be informed of available accommodations both on and off campus (i.e. notified
of available counseling, changing academic and living arrangements);
2. To have a campus no contact order against the alleged student;
3. To have a hearing board comprised of representatives of both genders;
4. To have unrelated past behavior excluded from the hearing (i.e. irrelevant prior
sexual history);
5. To testify with special accommodations (i.e. by phone, behind a screen, video,
etc.);
6. To have no direct contact with the accused student during the hearing (i.e. questions
from the accused student would be posed through the Board Chairperson and then relayed
to the victim or an appointed Confidential Advisor may speak on the student's behalf);
7. To provide questions to the Board Chairperson prior to or during the hearing that
she/he may incorporate those into questioning the accused student;
8. To be informed of the names of all witnesses who will be called to give testimony;
9. To have an advisor present at all proceedings; in cases of Title IX offenses, a
Confidential Advisor is required.
10. To request a recess during the hearing;
11. To be informed of outcome of the discipline process, simultaneously with the responding
party;
12. To appeal the Hearing Board's decision as defined in Article VII, Section A of
the Code of Student Conduct.
Do I have the right to request accommodations?
- Change in academic classes
- Change in residential living arrangement/assignment
- Transport or escort on campus
- Counseling/Advocacy Services/Confidential Advisor
- Academic Advising
- Health Services
Please contact the Dean of Students office or the Title IX coordinator.
How can I help someone?
Friends and family can offer support by listening, keeping the victim company, walking to class, or going to appointments.
Campus health centers can provide health services and help find additional health resources.
The University Counseling Center provides free counseling services to enrolled students.
Local rape crisis center staff is experienced with how to help you. They can help you make choices about reporting an assault, joining a support group or finding a counselor.
Bystander Intervention:
Anyone witnessing an act of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or
stalking should take safe, positive action to prevent harm or otherwise intervene.
Examples of safe, positive action include, but are not limited to contacting the police
(such reports may be made confidentially) and assisting the victim to a safe location
away from the harmful person or event. Because situations vary from one incident to
the next, no comprehensive list of actions can be provided, but bystanders are encouraged
to act in a manner which is not likely to escalate a situation or bring harm upon
the bystander.
Additional Resources:
2RAINN, ©. (2009). Help a Loved One. Washington, DC. Retrieved from https://rainn.org/get-help/help-a-loved-one
3University, S. L. (2014). Southeastern Student Handbook. Hammond, Louisiana, USA. Retrieved from www.southeastern.edu/code