Non-confidential
Campus Resources
Non-confidential resources include the
supports listed below, as well as RAs, RDs,
faculty, and staff not listed above. These
individuals are required to report any known
instances of sexual violence to University
administrators.
Office of the Dean of Students
(202) 885-3300 / dos@american.edu
A survivor can seek assistance with housing
relocation, academic schedule changes, obtaining
a no contact order against the alleged perpetrator,
and filing a complaint with the University.
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
(202) 885-3328 / conduct@american.edu
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Services
resolves alleged violations of the Student Conduct
Code.
Public Safety
Emergencies: (202) 885-3636
Non-emergencies: (202) 885-2527
Public Safety responds to immediate threats to
health and safety on campus and investigates
crimes that occur on campus. Public Safety can
also provide walking escorts on campus property
and can assist a survivor with court processes to
include filing charges in the Superior Court and
with Student Conduct.
What is Advocacy?
As part of the Wellness Center, OASIS employs
confidential victim advocates. An advocate is a
confidential support and resource who can help
survivors in the aftermath of an incident or
during an ongoing event, such as dating violence
or stalking.
For example, an advocate can help a survivor
develop a safety plan designed to maximize
their safety, regardless of whether they are
ready to leave an abusive partner. An advocate
can also help survivors develop strategies to
cope with the impact of stalking.
Confiding in an advocate does not mean you
must report an incident to University
administrators or the police. If you have any
questions or concerns about confidentiality, an
advocate can provide clarifying examples.
Email us at OASIS@american.edu.
Helping a Friend
or Loved One
It’s important to know how to help someone in
need. If you are trying to help a friend:
Believe them. Statements such as “I believe you”
and “It wasn’t your fault” can be extremely helpful.
Make sure they feel safe in their current location.
Listen and be available.
Don’t judge or blame your friend for deciding to stay
with their partner. The decision to stay or leave is
very difficult and takes time.
Be patient. The average survivor may try to leave
their partner numerous times before fully ending
the relationship. Continue to offer your support to
your friend throughout the coming weeks and
months, or even longer.
Encourage action but allow your friend to decide
what actions to take. For example, encourage your
friend to contact an advocate, but do not demand
that they do so. Making choices can help survivors
regain their sense of control.
Get support for yourself. Supporting a friend can
produce stress in your own life. You can also use the
resources in this brochure.
Whether your friend is experiencing
interpersonal violence, sexual harassment,
or stalking, remember: it is not their fault.
Off-Campus Resources
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or other local
jurisdiction police departments: 9-1-1
MPD Sexual Assault Unit: (202) 727-3700
PHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT
Break the Cycle
(202) 824-0707 / www.breakthecycle.org
Break the Cycle provides legal services and other advocacy
programs for survivors ages 12-24. Chat services are
available through their affiliate site www.loveisrespect.org.
Resources for
Interpersonal
Violence, Stalking,
and Sexual
Harassment
My Sister’s Place
(202) 529-5991 / www.mysistersplacedc.org
My Sister’s Place provides 24/7 hotline and support
services.
DC Rape Crisis Center
(202) 333-7273 / www.dcrcc.org
DCRCC provides a 24/7 crisis hotline and free counseling
services for survivors. All services are provided free of
charge.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) / www.rainn.org
Call or chat anonymously online. RAINN’s services include
crisis intervention, resource referrals, what to expect if you
report the crime to the police, and information for family
and friends of survivors.
LEGAL HELP
Network for Victim Recovery of DC
(202) 742-1727 / www.nvrdc.org
NVRDC provides lawyers and advocates for survivors, free
of charge.
Break the Cycle
(202) 824-0707 / www.breakthecycle.org
Break the Cycle provides legal services and other advocacy
programs for survivors ages 12-24. Chat services are
available through their affiliate site www.loveisrespect.org.
MEDICAL HELP
Washington Hospital Center (SANE)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
1-800-641-4028 / www.dcfne.org
The SANE Program provides free medical examinations to
collect and preserve evidence. Additionally, SANE provides
free STI/HIV testing and preventative treatment for
STI/HIV and pregnancy. To arrange free transportation, call
the number above. Law Enforcement will not be involved
unless requested.
Please visit the AU Sexual
Violence Website:
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS
American University does not tolerate
interpersonal
violence,
stalking,
or
harassment of any kind, in any context. We
are committed to empowering survivors to
pursue options for disciplinary, criminal,
and civil action, if they choose to do so.
Complaints may be filed through the
University disciplinary process, with law
enforcement, or with the civil system. These
are each separate actions.
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS
Definitions
From AU’s Student Conduct Code
Dating Violence: Violence or abusive
behavior against an intimate partner
(romantic, dating, or sexual partner) that
seeks to control the partner or has caused
harm to the partner (the harm may be
physical, verbal, emotional, economic, or
sexual in nature).
Domestic Violence: Violent or abusive
behavior against a roommate, family member,
or intimate partner that causes physical or
psychological injury, pain, or illness.
Stalking: Repeated, unwanted contact with
any person, including contact by electronic
means or by proxy—meaning through a third
party; or the credible threat of repeated
contact with the intent to place a reasonable
person in fear for their safety or the safety of
their family or close acquaintances or to inflict
substantial emotional distress.
Sexual Exploitation: Taking sexual
advantage of another, for one’s own advantage
or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone
other than the one being exploited (see the
Student Conduct Code for examples).
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
behavior or communication of a sexual
nature when:
a) submission to or rejection of such conduct is
made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of education, employment, or
participation in other University activities;
b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by
an individual is used as the basis for
evaluation in making academic or personnel
decisions affecting that individual;
c) or such conduct has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
work or academic performance, or creating an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
for working, learning, or living on campus.
For additional information and examples,
students should visit the Student Conduct &
Conflict Resolution Services website:
www.american.edu/ocl/sccrs.
Qualities of
Healthy Relationships
Equality: Partners share decision making roles.
Honesty: Partners are open and communicate
needs and desires.
Support: Partners encourage each other.
Comfort: Partners are free to be themselves.
Intimidation: One partner may attempt to
coerce the other into doing things they do not
feel comfortable doing.
Lack of privacy: One partner examines the
other’s phone, email, or social media discussions
without permission or consent.
Dependence: Partners are over-reliant on one
another.
Physical Abuse: Partners use force to exert
their will (i.e. slapping, pushing, hitting).
Sexual Abuse: Force or coercion is used during
sexual activity.
Common Reactions
to Trauma
Individuals who have experienced a recent or
ongoing trauma may experience a range of
cognitive, physical, and emotional reactions:
Boundaries: Respect is given to each partner’s
privacy.
fatigue
Independence: Partners function as
individuals.
changes in appetite
Physical Safety: Partners feel safe when
together and in the space that they may share.
digestion problems or stomach aches
Sexual Respect: There is active and
enthusiastic consent before any sexual activity.
difficulty sleeping
headaches and dizziness
difficulty making decisions
flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
memory disturbances
numbness
Relationship Red Flags
hypersensitivity
Control: One partner consistently makes
decisions for the other.
anger or guilt
Dishonesty: One partner lies to the other.
hypo- or hyper-sexuality
Disrespect: One partner often insults,
demeans, or otherwise puts the other down.
an increase in risk-taking behavior
moodiness, crying, or depression
isolation
difficulty being alone
Confidential
Campus Resources
The following campus resources are
confidential. These individuals are not required
to report the incident to Public Safety or
University administrators.
OASIS: Office of Advocacy Services
for Interpersonal and Sexual Violence
at the Wellness Center
(202) 885-7070 / OASIS@american.edu
AU’s victim advocates can provide information
on University and local resources, help
survivors access these resources, and provide
support and guidance to survivors or to friends
and family members needing help supporting a
loved one.
Counseling Center
(202) 885-3500
The Counseling Center offers confidential
counseling, group therapy, support, and
referrals for survivors of sexual violence.
Ordained Clergy at Kay Spiritual
Life Center
(202) 885-3320
A faith community can offer support to students
affected by trauma. Ordained clergy are
confidential resources.
Student Health Center
(202) 885-3380
The Student Health Center provides free
screening for sexually transmitted infections
and other medical services. Medical staff
include physician assistants, general nurse
practitioners, a physician, and a psychiatric
nurse practitioner.
Victims’ Rights
Students who identify as victims of sexual
misconduct have the following rights:
You do not have to identify the alleged perpetrator.
You can choose whether or not to file a complaint
with the appropriate University department or with law
enforcement.
You can request information about University
policies and procedures for releasing personally
identifiable information.
Public Safety can assist you with the criminal
investigation to include coordinating with other
members of the Criminal Justice System.
You can access medical care without consenting to
a criminal investigation.
You can access confidential physical and mental
health care at the Student Health Center and the
Counseling Center, respectively.
You can request a No Contact Order, campus
housing reassignment, a change in your class
schedule, or a new email address through the
Office of the Dean of Students.
You will be informed of the outcome of any related
disciplinary proceeding.
As a complainant in a disciplinary hearing, the
Student Conduct Code guarantees you the
following rights:
To receive procedural information about disciplinary
proceedings prior to and after submitting a complaint;
To have a barrier placed between you and the respondent
during the hearing;
To have witnesses provide statements regarding the case;
To have an advisor of your choice present during the
disciplinary process;
To challenge the persons conducting the hearing with
regard to personal bias;
To appeal a decision;
To file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education's Office of Civil Rights if you believe the
University did not handle your complaint appropriately.
The sexual history or character of a party will not be
admissible in disciplinary proceedings unless such
information is deemed relevant by the hearing administrator.
For additional information, students should visit
the Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
Services website: www.american.edu/ocl/sccrs
Filing a Complaint
Prior to filing a complaint, consider contacting OASIS:
Office of Advocacy Services for Interpersonal and
Sexual Violence. A confidential advocate can provide
support, referrals, and explain the adjudication process to
you. Email OASIS@american.edu.
If the alleged perpetrator is a student, a complaint may
be filed with the Office of the Dean of Students at
(202) 885-3300 or dos@american.edu.
If the alleged perpetrator is staff or faculty, the student is
encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students
who can act as an advisor and liaison to either Human
Resources or Academic Affairs.
Filing a report does not obligate an individual to
participate in an investigation. However, if the University
deems that an investigation is necessary to provide for a
safe campus environment, a University representative may
investigate the case.
The survivor may then choose to participate in Conduct
proceedings as the complainant, as a witness, or not at all.
For details, students, staff, and faculty may refer to the
University’s Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy.
Criminal or
Civil Complaints
A survivor has legal recourse outside of the University.
Public Safety can assist the student in filing a criminal
complaint or temporary protection order and will
coordinate with other law enforcement agencies as needed.
Call (202) 885-2527.
The survivor may also contact the Network for Victim
Recovery Center of DC, an organization that provides
free legal support to survivors in the DC area.
Call (202) 742-1720.
www.american.edu/ocl/OASIS