Viterbo Speaks Up

 

Reasons You May Choose to Make a Report

There are many reasons why you may choose to make a report. Some of these are:

  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Sexual harassment
  • Rape
  • Stalking
  • Cyberbullying
  • Dating/domestic violence
  • Gender-based harassment
  • Gender-based violence
  • Nonconsensual sexual contact
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Retaliation

Don’t Be Afraid to Report

Sometimes individuals are afraid to report sexual violence because alcohol or drugs are involved. Viterbo University’s highest priority is the safety of all on campus. Any other rule violations will be handled separately from the sexual violence or harassment complaint. The use of alcohol or drugs never makes the person who was victimized at fault for sexual violence.

Every Complaint is Taken Seriously

Viterbo University takes any complaint about sexual violence or sexual harassment very seriously. The university follows the guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights. Every complaint is immediately assessed to determine imminent danger and duty to warn others. A preliminary investigation is conducted to determine reasonable cause that a violation has occurred, and if so, an investigation is conducted. Once an outcome has been determined based on the preponderance of evidence, the complainant and respondent are informed of appropriate actions taken based on the outcome.

Confidentiality

Students, faculty, and staff may report incidents to any trusted university faculty or staff member. To make informed choices when utilizing campus resources, one should be aware of this information related to confidentiality and mandatory reporting.

Some resources may maintain your complete confidentiality, offering you options and advice with no obligation to tell anyone, unless you wish to have the information shared.  For complete confidential assistance, contact the individuals below. Privacy laws prohibit these individuals from disclosing your conversation without permission.

  • Justin McKnight, Director, Counseling Services, Murphy Center room 370,  608-796-3808, jsmcknight@viterbo.edu.
    • Additionally, ALL staff members in our Counseling Services area are confidential support resources
  • Fr. Conrad Targonski, Director, Campus Ministry and Chaplain, Student Development Center, 936 Franciscan Way, 608-796-3804, catargonsk@viterbo.edu

All other campus employees are required to report allegations and/or violations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking.

Reporting at Viterbo

You may also choose to make a report of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking directly to the Title IX Coordinator.  If the Title IX Coordinator is not available, please reach out to the deputy Title IX Coordinator, or director of Campus Safety. 

  • Emily Weaver, Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator, Murphy Center 200, 608-796-3173, titleix@viterbo.edu
  • Alyson Graef, Director of Campus Safety, NRC 413, 608-796-3913, 608-796-3911, akgraef@viterbo.edu

Students, employees, and family members can make a report through our online Viterbo Speaks Up form. Viterbo University is committed to providing a safe, educational environment for all members of our community, and by speaking up, you're helping make that happen. If this is an emergency, please contact Viterbo Campus Safety and Security (on-campus ext. 3911, off-campus 608-780-1582) or dial 911.

Reporting to the Police

If a sexual misconduct complaint is filed with Viterbo University authorities, the involvement of local police department does not necessarily follow. Viterbo University may encourage the person making the complaint to involve the local police in order to preserve the safety of the community and support the complainant's wishes to seek criminal charges.

To report to the local police, call 911 or 608-785-5962.

Be Aware
  • The sooner you call, the more likely the police will be able to collect important evidence.
  • Prompt calls can also strengthen a case for prosecution. Yet, it's never too late.
  • Sometimes, advocates can accompany you when you make a police report.
Reasons to Make a Police Report
  • Regain personal sense of command.
  • Document the crime committed against you.
  • Preserve evidence of the assault.
  • Protect others from sexual assault—most rapists are repeat offenders.
  • Help the police identify a pattern or an assailant who has attacked others.
  • It is okay to call back later with further details. Many people recall more details days and weeks after the assault.