Supporting Someone Accused of Misconduct

If a friend, your student, or someone you know is accused of sexual misconduct, you may have questions and could be struggling to understand what has happened. You may be experiencing a range of emotions such as helplessness, anger, confusion, or betrayal.

If your student or friend has told you about the accusations, they may be turning to you for help and support.

Listening and Responding 

• Take time to listen in a non-judgmental manner. 
• Help direct them to resources. There are options both on and off campus.
• Recommend counseling. This may also be an option to consider for yourself as you work through your own emotions and find a need for continual support. This experience can be traumatic for everyone involved.
• Educate yourself about sexual misconduct.
• Familiarize yourself with the Sex and Gender Harassment/Discrimination Policy at St. Norbert College.
• Unless given permission, keep your conversations confidential.
• Do not share with others what you think may have happened. 

Things To Remember

• Being a support or friend does not mean that you are approving of any actions or choices the respondent may have made.
• It is not your job to determine if a crime or policy violation took place; that is up to the legal system or campus procedures for the Sex and Gender Harassment/Discrimination Policy. 
• Telling others about the accusations, or what may have happened, may violate the trust you have in the relationship with the accused.
• Retaliation of any form is not permitted. Harassing or threatening anyone will not be helpful to anyone involved, nor will it be tolerated by St. Norbert College. 

Need More Information?
The Title IX Coordinator is available to help answer your questions. The campus Sex and Gender Harassment/Discrimination Policy is also a good resource to help understand Title IX terminology and processes. 

• Get more information on Title IX and Resources
• Return to the parent and friends options page