How do I help?
If someone you know has been accused of harming someone, either physically or emotionally, it is likely that you are struggling to understand what has happened and how you can support them. You may be experiencing a range of conflicting feelings and may be unsure how to respond to the situation. Here are some suggestions for how you can be supportive:
- Make sure they are safe.
- Listen and give them space to talk.
- Communicate free of judgement.
- Remember that at the beginning of the process, the complaint against the respondent is an allegation, and nothing has been decided as to the respondent’s responsibility.
- Suggest that they consider getting support and share resources with them, but allow them to make their own decision about what to do.
- Be honest with them about how much support you can give.
- Encourage them to practice good self-care during this difficult time.
- If they seem suicidal, learn how to help.
- Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Supporting someone who has been accused can be difficult. You may benefit from speaking to a counselor.
- Do not engage in actions that could be considered retaliation on behalf of the respondent. Allow the VSCS resolution processes to fairly and impartially adjudicate the complaint.
- Educate yourself on the process and look at the FAQ.
- Being supportive does not mean you have to approve with or agree with another person’s actions or choices.
Supporting a Friend or Family Member
If a loved one chooses to tell you about the incident, it is important to give them a space where they feel comfortable to talk openly. It can be difficult to hear that they have been accused, and even more difficult if long distance is preventing you from being physically present to support them. However, being a good 
listener, even from afar, is often the best way to offer support. If you believe they have been falsely accused, do not take matters into your own hands by directly confronting the complainant or engaging in retaliatory actions, this may result in a policy violation for you or your loved one. There is a process in place that gives both parties the opportunity to present their version of events. Encourage the respondent to participate in the process and to provide any evidence they might have (including text messages, videos, social media posts, etc) that would support their version of events. Seek outside help, if necessary.
How Can Faculty and Staff Provide Support?
As a faculty or staff member who may encounter individuals involved with incidents of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, it is important to understand your role within the VSCS. At the VSCS, EVERY employee is considered a “responsible employee,” unless acting within their role as a specifically-designated confidential resource (e.g., health center counselor).
As a “responsible employee,” you are a mandatory reporter and are required to promptly report allegations of harassment, discrimination sexual misconduct, domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to your institution’s Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students, the President, or, if the employee works in the Office of the Chancellor, to the Director of Human Resources. A “responsible employee” under Title IX is not the same as a “campus security authority” under Clery Act (although some employees may be both).
Gentle Interruption
If you are approached by a student or employee about an incident, it is best practice to gently interrupt them before they disclose their story to you and let them know that you may be required to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator, which may lead to an investigation by the institution. Inform them that you will keep their experience private, but that you cannot keep it confidential due to your reporting obligations. If they do choose to share their experience with you, do no share the information they gave you outside of a need-to-know basis.
Resources
Refer the individual to available campus and community resources. Although it is important to be supportive, the most helpful thing you can do as a staff or faculty member is to let them know how to get in contact with professionals who are trained to support individuals who have been accused of sexual assault or misconduct, dating/domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or discrimination.
Advisor Role
Parties are entitled to the same opportunity to have an advisor or support person of their choosing at any meeting or interview they have with investigators. As a VSCS employee, you may be asked by a complainant or respondent to be their advisor during the investigation process. As an advisor, you may advise the complainant privately, but cannot act as a speaking advocate. If you fail to comply with these requirements, an investigator may terminate the meeting and proceed with the investigation based on otherwise-available information. If you are selected as an advisor, your role is to provide support, but your status as a responsible employee does not change and your interactions with the parties are not considered confidential.