Faculty and Staff Resources

As a staff or faculty member of the Catholic University community, you are trusted by many students.

You are seen as a teacher, mentor, and an advisor. As a result, you are in the position of being able to offer help and advice to those who approach you. Support is absolutely crucial to help a student regain confidence and heal from trauma. Sometimes survivors take a long time to tell someone about what happened, sometime they want to talk right away. No matter how long ago the incident occurred, the survivor may still feel afraid, sad, or angry about the assault. What you say and how you say it can profoundly affect a survivor's healing process, and their willingness to accept help.

In the event that a student reaches out to you for support here are some tips and resources to be aware of.

• Listen without judgment - there is a specific reason, no matter what it is, this individual chose to open up to you as a faculty or staff member.
• Encourage the student to seek medical attention immediately.
• Help connect the student with University and /or community resources.
• Offer to go with the student to DPS to file a report, to the Dean of Students Office, to the Title IX Coordinator or to the Counseling Center.
• If you are a Mandatory Reporter you cannot promise confidentiality. To determine if you are a Mandatory Reporter, please refer to the list of mandatory reporters or contact the Title IX Coordinator: Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance, Ethics, and Privacy and Title IX Coordinator, mejial@cua.edu, tel. 202-319-6104.
• If a student desires confidentiality they can speak to the following individuals in legally protected roles:
  • Professional mental health counselors (including those in the Counseling Center)
  • Physicians and Nurse Practitioners (including those in Student Health Services)
  • Priests (in their professional capacity of giving religious or spiritual advice, including those in the Office of Campus Ministry)
  • Licensed rape crisis/ sexual assault counselors
• Be understanding. A student who has experienced sexual assault may miss classes for medical procedures, investigation meetings, or stress. Encourage students to communicate with the necessary parties about absences.

Sexual Violence Booklet

This yearly publication provides an overview of sexual violence, what to do if you or a friend is in need of support related to sexual or relationship violence and provides tips on how to be an empowered bystander and create a safer community.