Complainants

A Complainant is a person who has experienced harm, or identifies as a victim or survivor of prohibited conduct under the university policies. Under Title IX, the following prohibited conduct includes: 

• Sex discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation) 
• Sexual assault 
• Interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence)  
• Sexual harassment 
• Sexual misconduct
• Stalking 

Not everyone who experiences harm will report their experience or identify with the term “Complainant.” Other terms/identities include “survivor”, “victim,” or a person may not identify with any of these terms. OSU uses “Complainant” to be as clear and objective as possible in the Title IX process. 

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• Safety

  If you feel you are in immediate danger of harm by another person or yourself, call 911. It is important that physical and emotional needs are met first. For mental health crisis support, call the OSU EAP at 855.850.2397.

• Medical Attention

  Medical attention may be needed after an incident to treat possible injuries and check for unseen injuries, pregnancy prevention, or to test for sexually transmitted infections.  Students have access to these services free or low cost through University Health Services.

• Support and Assistance

  Support looks different for each person. It is important for Complainants to be aware of what resources and options are available, and to choose the support and assistance that meets their needs. The university has various offices available to address mental, physical, emotional, and academic needs including:  

  • Emotional support and processing after an incident. 
  • Course load reductions or full withdrawals.  
  • Absence notifications. 
  • Requests for flexibility/ alternative participation to faculty and supervisors. 
  • Safety planning. 
  • Emergency funds. 
  • Short-term emergency housing accommodations or housing changes. 
  • Services for food insecurity. 
  • Address questions and concerns about institutional policy and procedure. 
  • Conflict resolution and dispute management. 
  • Support and referrals for concerns friends, family, partners, and faculty/staff members.   
• Confidentiality and Privacy

  It is important that those who experience harm are in control of their information and informed about both confidential and non-confidential resources.   

   

  Confidential and private support options provide space to discuss the situation and options without filing an official report with the university. This is a good option if you do not know how to label your experience, do not know if it falls under Title IX, or if you are only interested in emotional support or medical assistance without pursuing an investigation.  

   

  Confidential resources are confidential by federal and state law. OSU also offers private resources who are not confidential but are non-mandatory reporters of Title IX incidents. These services will not share any identifiable information with Title IX, the police, parents, or anyone else without permission first, except in cases where there is concern of imminent harm to yourself, someone else, or the campus community.

     

  Even if a resource is not confidential, all student information will be handled in accordance with the regulations established by FERPA and maintained on a need-to-know basis.

Reporting

Complainants report to Title IX for many reasons. If you are interested in filing an official report to OSU, please visit the File a Report page. 

 

Investigation

The investigation and resolution process is different for students, faculty or staff members. You can learn more by reviewing the Investigation Process page.

 

Mandatory Reporters : A mandatory reporter, also known as a “Responsible Employee,” is an OSU employee who is required to report Incidents of sexual misconduct to the university.