If an Incident of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking Has Occurred

The first priority of a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence is to get to a place of safety, then to obtain necessary medical attention as soon as possible. Area hospitals have staff members that are authorized to perform medical/legal examinations.

An assault should be reported directly to:

  • Walsh University Campus Police, 330.490.7474;
  • 911;
  • The Police Department who has jurisdiction where the assault occurred;
  • The Dean of Students, 330.490.7417;
  • The Student Health Center, 330.490.7030;
  • The Assistant Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator, 330.490.7417; or if applicable
  • The Hall Director of the student's residence hall.

Walsh University strongly advocates that a victim of a sexual assault or domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking reports the incident to the Walsh University Police Department in a timely manner, it is the victim’s choice to make such a report, and the victim as the right to decline involvement with the police.

Confidentiality may not be guaranteed in instances involving:

  • A weapon
  • Physical force or violence
  • When the victim is a minor
  • Pattern by same perpetrator
  • Significant threat to University

The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system and Walsh University’s Judicial Affairs office (or only the latter). Victims also have the option of contacting those charged with upholding Title IX responsibilities for Walsh University or one of the other Camus Security Authorities to discuss reporting options. One of these University representatives will guide the victims through the available options and support the victim in his/her decisions. A victim may also choose to speak confidentially to a Walsh University counselor located in the Counseling Services office in the David Student Center.

Evidence

As time passes, evidence may dissipate or become lost or unavailable, thereby making investigation, possible prosecution, disciplinary proceedings, or obtaining orders of protection related to the incident more difficult. If a victim chooses not to make a complaint regarding an incident, he/she nevertheless should consider speaking with Walsh University Police or other law enforcement agencies to preserve evidence in the event that the victim changes his/her mind at a later date.

Preserving Evidence for Sexual Assaults - Physical evidence is crucial in helping to prosecute assailants in cases of rape or sexual assault. Physical evidence must be collected in a timely manner by a certified medical facility. Prior to a medical/legal exam, victims of rape or assault should not bathe, change clothes, douche, use the toilet (if possible), smoke or clean the bed/linen/area where they were assaulted if the offense occurred within the past 96 hours so that the evidence may be preserved. If victims do not opt for forensic evidence collection, health care providers can still treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases.

Preserving Evidence for Victims of Violence - Victims of violence should not bathe or change clothes prior to documentation of physical evidence. Preserving evidence may be necessary to prove criminal domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or in obtaining a protection order. If victims do not opt for forensic evidence collection, health care providers can still treat injuries.

Preserving Evidence for Victims of Stalking - Victims of stalking should save evidence such as any letters, notes, emails, phone calls, videos, photos, texts, social media postings (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), computer screenshots, voicemails, or any other form of evidence that would be helpful.

Walsh University is obligated by law to make Timely Warning Notices to protect the campus. The statistical information and Timely Warnings will not contain any names or specific locations to maintain the confidentiality of a victim.