Reporting Options
If you are a survivor of an act of sexual misconduct, you have control over what happens next.
As a survivor you can choose if, when, and to whom you report an incident of sexual misconduct. There is a wide array of responses, from a conversation with a Confidential Advocate to a full investigation by the College or by the Portland Police Bureau, which a survivor can activate with the help of the College. The entirety of Lewis & Clark services are in place to help you in reaching recovery and justice, no matter what form that process may take. The specifics of each level of response are outlined below.
- A conversation with a Confidential Advocate (CA) is confidential and any documentation will be kept secure by the CA. CAs are not obligated to report to the Title IX Coordinator.
- Speaking with a CA does not constitute an official report to the college. However, for the purposes of data collection, the incident will be included, without any identifying information, in the annual Crime Awareness, Security, and Fire Safety Report.
- If a survivor wishes to pursue disciplinary action through the College, a Confidential Advocate will direct them to meet with the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator. A survivor can have a Confidential Advocate with them for any meeting or part of a resolution process through the College.
- Reports can also be made through an online system. In this system, survivors or witnesses can choose to remain anonymous by not including their name in the report. The ability of the college to respond in any way to an anonymous report, however, is extremely limited. If the survivor chooses to identify themselves, a Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator will reach out to them to discuss options and resources.
- The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator will outline the investigation and hearing process. If the survivor decides to file a formal complaint, they can schedule a time to provide a written or recorded statement of the survivor’s account of the incident.
- The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator will also assist with any housing or academic changes the survivor wishes to initiate. These interactions are voluntary and private, and a CA may accompany the survivor to these meetings.
- In addition to a CA or other support person, a survivor may also have an advisor of their choice accompany them to any meeting or part of an investigation, hearing, or other resolution process. The college maintains a list of trained advisors who are available to students at no cost.
- Campus Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will initiate an investigation into an act of sexual misconduct solely at the request of the survivor.
- At the discretion of the survivor, Campus Safety may assist in filing a report with the Portland Police Bureau.
- If survivors would like to contact the police directly, they should file a report in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. In an emergency situation, please call 911. The Portland Police Bureau may also be contacted 24-hours a day through their non-emergency number: 503-823-3333.
- The Portland Police Bureau is required by law to maintain the confidentiality of all survivors of sexual assault and rape. The survivor may request that the Portland Police Bureau investigate the crime and gather evidence at the time of the incident. If it has been some time since the incident, evidence may be harder to obtain.
- The survivor may request that the Police Bureau not investigate the crime itself, but rather maintain the information of the crime and its particulars in its regular reservoir of crime data. A CA, or other community advocate may remain with the survivor during all interactions with the Police Bureau.
- A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) can be an integral piece of evidence in a case involving sexual offenses. A CA can explain the SAFE procedure and help you obtain the exam if you choose.
- Overview of criminal justice procedure
email mcallahan@lclark.edu
voice x7107
Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219