Report Sexual Misconduct

Remember, no matter what, the rape/sexual misconduct was not your fault.

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Reporting Options

1. Formal Report to the Police

A report to the police can empower the survivor in exercising legal rights and aid in the protection of others. If a report is to be made to the police, the survivor is encouraged not to destroy evidence by bathing, douching, changing clothes or cleaning up in any way. 

NDSCS Police
Phone Number: 701-671-2233
Location: NDSCS Hektner Student Center, 800 6th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58075

  • Survivors are welcome to bring a trusted, supportive individual with them to file a report.
  • The first step in a sexual assault report is an initial interview with the officer on duty. Survivors should be aware that they will be asked a variety of questions intended to gently draw out the details of what happened.
  • Survivors will then likely have a subsequent, in-depth interview. This interview will most likely be with an officer who is highly experienced in sexual assault interviews. Again, survivors will be asked a series of questions regarding details of the case.
  • Police officers will collect evidence to be used in a potential, future trial. They will ask to take the clothes the survivor was wearing at the time of the attack, as well as sheets or any other materials that could potentially provide evidence to be used in a trial.

Wahpeton Police Department
Phone Number: 911
Available 24 hours a day

2. Formal Report to NDSCS Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Regardless of whether a survivor has or has not reported a sexual misconduct to the police, and no matter how much time has passed since the conduct occurred, survivors still have the option to directly report the crime to NDSCS and file a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator can provide information on how to initiate a formal complaint (if the perpetrator is, or was at the time of the occurrence, an NDSCS student) and also put the survivor in touch with a variety of resources available on campus.

A survivor can formally report a sexual assault to the following NDSCS staff:

Melissa Johnson

Melissa Johnson
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Executive Director of Student and Residential Life
701-671-2520

 

 


Sandi Gilbertson

Sandi Gilbertson
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Executive Director of Human Resources
​701-671-2904

 

 


3. File an Anonymous Report 

An anonymous report is a way to inform College administration that a sexual misconduct event has occurred. Anonymous reports are accepted under Title IX. However, the ability of NDSCS to investigate and resolve anonymous complaints will be limited if the information contained in the anonymous report cannot be verified by independent facts.

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What does confidentiality mean?

Students may request confidentiality at the time they disclose the sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator, or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the request and determine the extent to which confidentiality may be maintained. NDSCS will make every attempt to safeguard the privacy of the complainant and/or recipient of the behavior; however, NDSCS cannot ensure confidentiality in all cases. NDSCS must weigh the request for confidentiality against its obligation to protect the safety and security of the entire campus. As is the case with anonymous reports, the College’s ability to conduct a meaningful investigation of the incident and pursue disciplinary action against alleged perpetrators may be limited when confidentiality has been requested. 

Depending on the circumstances of the offense (the severity of the offense, the number of victims involved, etc.), NDSCS may be required to respond to an incident, even if confidentiality has been requested. Therefore, NDSCS employees cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. Individuals desiring confidentiality should be encouraged to contact a confidential clinic or counseling service.

Disclosure to employees of NDSCS Health & Counseling Services will not initiate an investigation by the College against the student’s wishes. These employees are required to report that an incident occurred without revealing any of the victim’s personally identifying information. In some circumstances, NDSCS Student Health Service is required by state law to report cases involving physical trauma to law enforcement. 

Before a student reveals information that he or she may wish to keep confidential, any responsible employee at NDSCS is required to make every effort to ensure that the student understands: (i) the employee’s obligation to report the names of the alleged perpetrator and student involved in the alleged sexual violence, as well as relevant facts regarding the alleged incident (including the date, time and location), to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator, (ii) the student’s option to request that the school maintain his or her confidentiality, which the school will consider, and (iii) the student’s ability to share the information confidentially with counseling, advocacy, health, mental health or sexual-assault related services (e.g., sexual assault resource centers, campus health center and pastoral counselors).

Confidential Contacts
NDSCS Counseling Services

Phone Number: 701-671-2286/2319 | 701-298-4500 (after hours)
Address: Riley Hall, Room 113 – 800 6th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58076
Website: www.ndscs.edu/counseling

Three Rivers Crisis Center

Phone Number: 701-642-2115
The crisis line is available 24 hours a day.

Someplace Safe

Phone Number: 218-643-3109
Address: 115 5th St. N. #4, Breckenridge, MN 56520

F-M Rape & Abuse Crisis Center

Phone Number: 701-293-7273
Website: www.raccfm.com
Available 24 hours.