Sexual misconduct prevention and response is a priority at the UW School of Public Health. We do not tolerate any form of assault, harassment, or discrimination and we stand by survivors of these behaviors and actions. We recognize the immense impact sexual harassment and assault can have on an individual’s mental health, physical wellbeing, and academic performance. At academic institutions across the United States, preventing sexual misconduct has clearly been a challenge:
- 58% of female-identifying academic faculty and staff have experienced sexual harassment (Ilies et al., 2003)
- Academia has the second highest incidence rate of sexual misconduct (just under the military) (NASEM, 2018)
- 40.6% of female-identifying graduate students and nearly 50% of female-identifying medical students have experienced sexual harassment (Rosenthal, Smidt, & Freyd, 2016)
With these statistics in mind, the SPH is taking a novel approach to prevention and response of sexual misconduct. We recognize that reporting sexual misconduct may be a difficult decision and undertaking for survivors. We are here to provide support to our students, staff, and faculty, regardless of their decision to report. Listed on this page are reporting options and resources, all of which you or other SPH community members can use to inform the University of a transgression. You can also read Dean Hilary Godwin’s statement on sexual harassment in the School of Public Health here.
With love and support,
Erin Dwyer
Victoria Gardner
Whether you are a student, staff, or faculty, there are several reporting options available. However, the out-come of your cases greatly depends on the reporting option you choose. To talk through these options, feel free to reach out to Victoria Gardner (Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity) or Erin Dwyer (SPH graduate student assistant in sexual misconduct prevention and response).
Title IX:
To file a complaint with the Title IX office, you make contact one of the following offices. Title IX recommends you first contact an advocate to fully understand your options:
- Livewell Survivor Support and Advocacy | lwadvoc@uw.edu
- If your compliant involves a UW student, please contact the Title IX Investigation Office: 206-616-5334, tixinv@uw.edu
- If your complaint involves a UW faculty, please contact the University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office: 206-616-2028, UCIRO@uw.edu
Academic Student Employee (ASE) Union:
If you are an RA, TA, or GA and opted into the ASE union, you may utilize the union’s independent reporting system. For more information, contact your union representative or the union directly:
UAW Local 4121
Phone: 206-633-6080
Email: uaw4121@uaw4121.org
SPH Reporting
If you would like to inform the School of Public Health of a transgression, you may either confidentially contact Victoria Gardner at dcinfo@uw.edu or anonymously fill out the bias complaint form.
Regardless of an individual’s interest in reporting, referral to community and mental health resources is incredibly important. Here are some campus and community-based options:
| Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center | Livewell/ UWPD Advocates | SafeCampus | UW Counseling Center | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Off-campus center providing expert care for individuals who have experienced sexual or gender-based trauma, misconduct, or offenses. Services are not limited to support post-sexual assault. | Provide guidance on re-porting mechanismsContacting an advocate does not trigger a formal reportTwo advocates (Brittney at Livewell and Tori at UWPD) serve all UW students | UW’s main violence prevention and response center24/7 resource | On-campus mental health support primarily in the form of talk therapyWalk-ins or Zoom appointments during Covid-19 shut-down are available |
| Services Provided | Trauma-informed therapy (CBT) or referral to appropriate trauma-informed mental health support (accept most insurances, will work with uninsured individuals to provide free or low-cost options) Sexual Assault Medical Exams |
Provide accurate and legally-verified information on Title IX reporting processes Trauma-informed support (limited time period) Referral to UW mental health resources (counseling center) |
Safety planning Referral to UWPD/ Live-well Victim Advocates, UW Counseling/ Hall Health Center Advice on difficult, concerning situations around campus |
Talk therapy for developing coping strategies and an action plan for next steps Referral to external therapists and psychologists Support groups available for Women of Color |
| Who can use these services | Anyone | UW Seattle students | UW community members | UW Seattle students |
| When should you refer a student here? Always pro-vide the student all three options |
Sexual assault Trauma-inducing event Individual is struggling to cope with any (distant past or recent) sexual misconduct incident |
If a student is considering pursuing legal action or would like guidance on accessing UW mental health resources. | Provide as an option for students who are experiencing or have experienced stalking, IPV, sexual misconduct, or other safety concerns. | If the student would prefer to speak to a trained mental health supporter on-campus Advocates will refer a student here automatically |
- In fall 2019, the SPH implemented a novel, evidence-based workshop called Positionality Training: Community-Based Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response. We thank everyone who participated this past year. Due to high demand, more workshops will be offered during the 2020-2021 academic year.
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If you are an incoming SPH student in Fall 2020, you can register for a workshop here:
If you are a returning SPH student, you may register for a workshop here:
- If you are a student, faculty, or staff who is interested in sexual misconduct prevention work and would like to get involved, please contact Erin Dwyer at erdwyer@uw.edu.
- If you are in the School of Nursing or Pharmacy, we organize trainings specific to your school. Please contact Erin Dwyer for more information.