Policy Statement
Sexual assault and relationship misconduct are prohibited and will not be tolerated at Gonzaga University. The University will take action to foster the safety and security of the entire community. We do this by providing prevention education; support services for those who have been affected; and by holding offenders accountable. Students found responsible for any acts under this policy are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspension or dismissal from the University.
This section of the handbook includes information on all types of sexual and relationship misconduct including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.
WHAT TO DO/HOW TO REPORT
The University encourages you to report any incident of sexual and relationship misconduct. Trained professionals are available to assist you and anyone who has been impacted by these incidents. Multiple resources are available; you are encouraged to use both on and off campus resources (see resource list below).
If your feel you have experienced any type of sexual and relationship misconduct, 24 hr. assistance is available at 328-4220 or ext. 0 when calling from campus phones. Ask for SART First Responder or for a Campus Public Safety and Security Officer.
If you have any information about any type of sexual and relationship misconduct of another person, you are encouraged to report that information immediately to a SART First Responder, a Campus Public Safety and Security Officer, or by using the 3rd Party/Anonymous Report Form.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND CALL THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT – 911. It is important to preserve any evidence. Do not shower, douche, wash clothes, brush teeth, eat or drink after an assault. This evidence may be used by the police for a potential criminal investigation.
Reporting Options:
I. File an anonymous incident report on line
You can file an anonymous report via the Gonzaga University website. Third Party/Anonymous Report forms are available in the Student Life office, the Sexual Assault & Harm Prevention office or the Residence Life office.
II. Meet with a University official to file an anonymous incident report
If you contact a SART First Responder, Campus Security Officer or other Student Life official, your name and/or the name of the accused can be left off the report to maintain confidentiality. This way, you can receive personal assistance, support and resources without initiating a campus disciplinary action.
III. Meet with a University official to file an incident report
You can file an incident report to provide information for a preliminary inquiry by contacting any one of the following:
- SART First Responder through the University switchboard, 328-4220 or ext. 0
- Campus Safety and Security Officer at 329-3222, or ext. 3222
- The Office of Sexual Assault & Harm Prevention at 323-5566 or ext. 5566; or
- The Equal Opportunity Officer at 323-6910 or ext. 6910.
IV. File a criminal report with the Spokane Police Department
You can report directly to SPD by calling 911. A report made only to Gonzaga University is not the same as a report made to local police. The University process and the criminal justice process are two separate courses of action. If you wish to file a report with the Spokane Police Department, Gonzaga Student Life Professional Staff will assist upon your request. Only you as the person who experienced sexual misconduct may file the report. Notifying the Spokane Police Department will generally result in the reporting party being contacted by a police officer. The police department determines if a criminal investigation will occur and if the case will be referred for prosecution.
Alcohol Violations: It is our goal that students report all incidents of sexual and relationship misconduct so that those affected can receive the support and resources they need. Therefore, violations of the University’s alcohol policy by the reporting party may be exempt from disciplinary action in these circumstances. However, the University may initiate an educational discussion about the use of alcohol and its impact.
Campus and Community Resources
Gonzaga’s SART First Responders: SART First Responders are available to assist the reporting party with immediate and short-term needs. SART Responders are trained to respond to incidents of sexual and relationship misconduct and are available to meet with friends or family members of the reporting party.
Community Advocates: SAFeT (Sexual Assault and Family Trauma Center) community advocates offer crisis intervention, information and referrals, legal advocacy and support services for all crime victims and their friends and family members. They can be accessed both on and off campus. SAFeT Advocates can assist with Crime Victims Compensation which may pay for an ER visit and other testing. It is important to note that talking with a Community Advocate is not the same thing as making a report with the University. Community Advocates do not provide information disclosed to them to the University.
Medical Care: In the event of a sexual assault or rape, the following tests and procedures are highly recommended as soon as possible.
- Rape kit
- STD and HIV testing (at 3 month intervals, for up to one year after incident)
- Any pregnancy concerns may be discussed with the E.R. or with your primary care physician.
Academic and Living Arrangements: A reporting party may request a change in academic or living situations from the University after an allegation of rape or sexual assault. The University will inform the reporting party of the options upon request and will accommodate the request if those changes are reasonably available.
Gonzaga University Support Services:
SART First Responders 328-4220 or ext. 0
Campus Public Safety & Security 329-3222 or ext. 3222
Health Center 323-4052 or ext. 4052
Counseling Center 323-4054 or ext. 4054
Center for Equal Opportunity 323-6910 or ext. 6910
Office of Sexual Assault & Harm Prevention 323-5566 or ext. 5566
729 E. Desmet
Spokane Community Services:
Spokane Police Dept. 911 or 532-9266
SAFeT (advocacy & support) 624-RAPE
First Call for Help 838-4428
Sacred Heart Hospital 474-3344
Holy Family Hospital 482-2460
Deaconess Hospital 458-7100