Sexual & Relationship Violence Disclosure 

Office of the Dean of Student Life & the Office of Equity and Compliance 

Faculty members are often in a position to learn about challenges students are facing in their personal lives. It is important to know where to refer students for support and information. If a student begins to or does disclose to you that they are struggling with relationship problems, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or assault, or any other gender based violence (which all constitute matters under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972), there are a number of issues you should be aware of when planning a response. 

First, emphatically inform the student that you can offer privacy but not confidentiality. Only a few people on campus with a need to know will be informed. Second, let the student know that you are concerned for their safety and well-being and that there are campus services that can support them. Then if the student wants to continue disclosing information, be an empathetic listener but do not ask additional questions or make any statements that could be perceived as victim blaming, such as why didn’t you call the police or how much were you drinking. Provide the student with a copy of the resource page, as required by state law. 

As a faculty or staff member, you are required to report any disclosures of sexual assault and harassment or any other form of interpersonal violence to the Title IX Coordinator, the Dean of Student Life Office or the Office of Equity and Compliance. We are federally mandated to take action in cases such as these and work to maintain the rights and privacy of all students involved. Many students will be concerned about having the incident reported. 

You should inform the student of their legal right to confidential advocacy, which can be accessed through the Center for Student Health and Counseling. Students may schedule a meeting with a confidential advocate at psuca.youcanbook.me or by calling the confidential advocacy direct line at 503-894-7982. Due to confidentiality and privilege laws, confidential advocates will not be able to report back to you any information about meeting with the student or outcomes of any meetings.

Such reports should be made to the Dean of Student Life Office at 503-725-4422 or the Office of Equity and Compliance at 503-725-5919, where the Title IX Coordinator is located.

Also, please note that a confidential advocate, a Title IX Coordinator, or an administrator from the Dean of Student Life Office may contact you to request assistance with providing a student academic accommodations or classroom arrangement. Title IX requires the University to provide students with adjustments in their academics or other interim measure. For more information see the faculty and staff resources webpage for sexual misconduct. 

Student Legal Services (SLS)

Students affected by domestic or sexual violence may be eligible for assistance through Student Legal Services. Student Legal Services attorneys are experienced in representing students in restraining order and stalking hearings. Student Legal Services is also available to advise on the myriad of other legal issues that can arise as a result of sexual assault. Unfortunately, Student Legal Services cannot assist if the assault or violence was perpetrated by another Portland State student, faculty, or staff. However, Student Legal Services has a number of referral resources that may be available in this situation.

For more information, please visit the SLS website at www.pdx.edu/sls or contact us directly at 503-725-4556.

After hours referrals should be made to the Portland Women’s Crisis Line. The Portland Women’s Crisis Line can be contacted at any time. They can be reached at 503-235-5333 or toll free at: 1-888-235-5333.