Who is a Complainant?
A Complainant is any University community member or visitor who files a formal complaint under the Discrimination Policy or Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
This guide provides a list of resources and information for Complainants. You may also download a printable PDF version for your reference.
Overview
A Complainant is a university community member or visitor who files a formal complaint under the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy (1008). For more information, please visit: www.odu.edu/equity
A Respondent is reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that may constitute sexual misconduct. A respondent may be a student, employee, affiliate of the university, or visitor.
A Witness has firsthand knowledge of an event or circumstance. Investigators do not interview character witnesses.
- Advisor: Complainants and Respondents have the right to an Advisor who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney. An advisor attends the hearing and assists their party. Their role and limitations are outlined in the Policy.
- Case Manager: The Case Manager provides parties with information about support and advocacy services, and schedules appointments with Investigators and the Title IX Coordinator.
- Investigators are neutral: Investigators are committed to providing a prompt, fair, and unbiased review. Investigations are focused on the information available.
- The Title IX Coordinator: The Title IX Coordinator provides oversight of the intake and investigation process and meets with parties to provide supportive measures and prepare them for hearings.
- Decision-Makers: The Decision-Makers are trained faculty/staff members who serve as unbiased Hearing officers at the conclusion of a formal investigation.
The allegation: Our first step is to understand the nature of any third-party report or formal complaint we receive. We gather information to help us determine if the allegation falls within the scope of our policy or should be referred to another office.
Meeting with the Complainant: The Case Manager and/or Title IX Coordinator meet with the Complainant to review their options, including formal investigation.
Interviewing the Complainant and Respondent: After the Complainant has chosen to proceed, they are interviewed. Then the Respondent is notified of the allegations and given a full and fair opportunity to respond and be interviewed. Both parties are asked to provide any evidence and identify Witnesses to be interviewed.
Interviewing the Witness: The Investigators reach out to request interviews with Witnesses. They are not required to participate, but doing so helps the university respond effectively to the complaint. The Investigators ask Witnesses to provide any relevant evidence. The interview is not recorded.
Investigative Report: The Investigators will include their notes from interviews in an investigative report, along with relevant evidence that was provided. Investigators include what is relevant to the allegations. The Complainant and Respondent will see this report.
Confidentiality: Parties frequently want to know if the Complainant or Respondent will know they participated in the investigation. Parties must be provided enough information about the allegations to allow them a fair opportunity to respond in a meaningful way. In most cases, they will know the identity of Witnesses.
Hearing: The Investigators will invite all parties, including Witnesses, to the Hearing. Witnesses are not required to attend but are strongly encouraged to do so. They may be asked to clarify details from their interview. They do not stay for the entire Hearing. Hearings are recorded.
Privacy: To the extent provided under applicable law, ODU will make reasonable efforts to ensure preservation of privacy, restricting the sharing of information to those with a legitimate need to know. Information collected in this process may be subpoenaed in criminal or civil proceedings.
Retaliation: ODU prohibits retaliation. Complainants, Respondents, and Witnesses are protected from any form of retaliation for engaging and/or participating in the complaint process.
Supportive Measures: Supportive measures are nondisciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge. Supportive measures for a Examples for a Witness might include referrals to counseling or academic support services, a No Contact Directive between a Witness and another party, or a note to excuse the Witness from class during the Hearing.
Responsibility of Witnesses: Witnesses are asked to keep information they learn during the investigation confidential. They are not permitted to share the information with third parties. This will protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the parties.
Time Commitment: Witnesses are asked to attend an interview with Investigators, who may reach out for a follow-up if they have any questions. Witnesses are asked to attend only the portion of the Hearing pertaining to their interview.
Decision to Participate: Information gathered by Investigators forms the foundation upon which allegations are substantiated and outcomes are decided. Witness testimony and evidence are critical to the outcome of investigations. We recognize that participation in an investigation can be difficult and impact our Witnesses. Please discuss any concerns with our staff so we can find ways to reduce any negative impacts and provide support.
Victim’s Rights
Victims of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking have the right to be treated with respect by college officials. A victim’s rights include:
- The right to report the incident anonymously.
- The right not to be discouraged from reporting.
- The right to be informed of the outcome and sanction of any disciplinary hearing without condition.
- The option to be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement authorities if the student so chooses. This also includes the right not to report an incident if this is the victim’s desire.
- The right not to be asked and/or have irrelevant prior sexual history admitted in a campus hearing.
- The right to inspect and review evidence.
- The right not to have incidents mediated (as opposed to adjudicated).
File a Complaint or Report
For more information on filing a complaint, please call the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity office at 757-683-3141.
Initiate criminal charges by contacting the police in the jurisdiction where the crime happened.
POLICE DEPARTMENT | PHONE |
---|---|
ODU | 757-683-4000 |
Norfolk | 757-441-5610 |
Virginia Beach | 757-385-4141 |
Chesapeake | 757-382-6161 |
Portsmouth | 757-393-8536 |
Military (on base) | 757-438-3504 |
In the case of IMMEDIATE DANGER | 911 |
Options & Actions
Responsible Employees are obligated to report incidents of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking to the Title IX Coordinator or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators. The report may lead to outreach from the Title IX Coordinator, where supportive measures, informal resolution, and formal investigation options will be offered.
If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, please contact Counseling Services, Student Health Services, or the Victim Advocate in the Women and Gender Equity Center. This will not result in an investigation unless you request one. You may also talk with the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.
The university can help address mental, physical, emotional, and academic needs, including:
- Emotional support and processing.
- Course load reductions or full withdrawals.
- Discreet absence notifications or assignment extensions.
- Requests for flexibility/ alternative participation to faculty and supervisors.
- Safety planning.
- No contact orders.
- Short-term emergency housing accommodations or housing changes.
- Connections to resources at the YWCA.
Contact the Case Manager or Title IX Coordinator!
A protective order is a legal order issued by a magistrate or judge to protect the health and safety of an abused person and his/her family or household members. To be eligible for a protective order, you must have been, within a reasonable period, subjected to an act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places you in a reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. To obtain a protective order, please contact the appropriate police department, the YWCA, or the general district court in the area the behavior occurred.
Responsible Employees are obligated to report incidents of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking to the Title IX Coordinator or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators. The report may lead to outreach from the Title IX Coordinator, where supportive measures, informal resolution, and formal investigation options will be offered.
If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, please contact Counseling Services, Student Health Services, or the Victim Advocate in the Women and Gender Equity Center. This will not result in an investigation unless you request one. You may also talk with the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.
The university can help address mental, physical, emotional, and academic needs, including:
- Emotional support and processing.
- Course load reductions or full withdrawals.
- Discreet absence notifications or assignment extensions.
- Requests for flexibility/ alternative participation to faculty and supervisors.
- Safety planning.
- No contact orders.
- Short-term emergency housing accommodations or housing changes.
- Connections to resources at the YWCA.
Contact the Case Manager or Title IX Coordinator!
A protective order is a legal order issued by a magistrate or judge to protect the health and safety of an abused person and his/her family or household members. To be eligible for a protective order, you must have been, within a reasonable period, subjected to an act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places you in a reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. To obtain a protective order, please contact the appropriate police department, the YWCA, or the general district court in the area the behavior occurred.
Immediate Actions After Assault
If you have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking:
- Get to a safe place.
- Get support. Call a friend, a relative, the Women and Gender Equity Center, Counseling Services, and/or the YWCA Crisis hotline (757-251-0144) to support you.
- Seek medical care. There may be injuries of which you are unaware. ODU Student Health Services (757-683-3132) can provide free testing for STIs and pregnancy. The YWCA of South Hampton Roads at 757-625-4248 can connect you to a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at Chesapeake Forensic Specialists (757-398-5105) at no charge. Transportation is available.
- Services are for all survivors including women, men, transgender people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and their friends/family.
- Police report not required: Seeking medical care or evidence collection does not mean that you must make a police report.
- Saving evidence in case you press charges: If you think you may want to press charges now or in the future, it is important to have evidence collected by a local Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Try not to wash, shower, brush your teeth/hair or urinate as this could destroy evidence. Clothing that was worn at the time of the incident will also be collected. Use a paper bag, if available, for any physical evidence.
Find Support and Resources
ODU-Affiliated Support Services & Programs
Student Outreach & Support (SOS)
767-683-3442 | ODUCares@odu.edu
Academic Success Center
757-683-3699, advisor@odu.edu
COVA Care and COVA HDHP
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Members: 1-855-223-9277
COVA HealthAware
Aetna 1-888-238-6232
Counseling Services
1526 Webb University Center | 757-683-4401 press OPTION 2 for urgent/crisis support
Educational Accessibility
757-683-4655 | oea@odu.edu | EA offers a wide variety of accommodations and supports to students based on their individual needs as related to a documented disability.
Employee Assistance Program
A counseling and referral service for employees and their families who are enrolled in a Commonwealth of Virginia health care plan. Contact Human Resources, 757-683-3042.
Housing and Residence Life
1208 Virginia House | 757-683-4283 | housing@odu.edu
ODU Police Emergency: 911, then 757-683-4000
Non-Emergency: 757-683-4003
SAFE Ride: 757-683-3477
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
2124 Monarch Hall | 757-683-3431
Student Health Services
1007 Webb University Center | 757-683-3132
Women and Gender Equity Center
1000 Webb Center | 757-683-4109
Community Helplines & Crisis Support
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
Army Sexual Harassment Assistance
1-800-267-9964
The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors (Peninsula)
757-236-5260
LGBT Life Center
757-200-9198
Navy Family Advocacy Program
877-995-5247 | Victim Advocate: 757-438-3504
Norfolk—Crisis Link- a 24/7 Crisis Hotline
757-622-1126
Norfolk Family Justice Center
757-330-0376
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-950-6264
Samaritan House
757-430-2120
United Way 211
Dial 211
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center
757-627-5433
Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-838-8238
YWCA
757-251-0144
For safety planning for yourself or a friend, visit www.myplanapp.org/home
ODU-Affiliated Support Services & Programs
Student Outreach & Support (SOS)
767-683-3442 | ODUCares@odu.edu
Academic Success Center
757-683-3699, advisor@odu.edu
COVA Care and COVA HDHP
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Members: 1-855-223-9277
COVA HealthAware
Aetna 1-888-238-6232
Counseling Services
1526 Webb University Center | 757-683-4401 press OPTION 2 for urgent/crisis support
Educational Accessibility
757-683-4655 | oea@odu.edu | EA offers a wide variety of accommodations and supports to students based on their individual needs as related to a documented disability.
Employee Assistance Program
A counseling and referral service for employees and their families who are enrolled in a Commonwealth of Virginia health care plan. Contact Human Resources, 757-683-3042.
Housing and Residence Life
1208 Virginia House | 757-683-4283 | housing@odu.edu
ODU Police Emergency: 911, then 757-683-4000
Non-Emergency: 757-683-4003
SAFE Ride: 757-683-3477
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
2124 Monarch Hall | 757-683-3431
Student Health Services
1007 Webb University Center | 757-683-3132
Women and Gender Equity Center
1000 Webb Center | 757-683-4109
Community Helplines & Crisis Support
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
Army Sexual Harassment Assistance
1-800-267-9964
The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors (Peninsula)
757-236-5260
LGBT Life Center
757-200-9198
Navy Family Advocacy Program
877-995-5247 | Victim Advocate: 757-438-3504
Norfolk—Crisis Link- a 24/7 Crisis Hotline
757-622-1126
Norfolk Family Justice Center
757-330-0376
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-950-6264
Samaritan House
757-430-2120
United Way 211
Dial 211
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center
757-627-5433
Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-838-8238
YWCA
757-251-0144
For safety planning for yourself or a friend, visit www.myplanapp.org/home