Regrettably, cases of sexual violence will sometimes occur despite our best efforts to prevent them. Colby College strongly encourages individuals who have been subject to, or have witnessed sexual violence to prompltly report such behaviors to College officials and local law enforcement agencies. We urge individuals to seek immediate medical attention, support, and care.
- Campus Security at 207.859.5530/5911
- Health and Counseling Center at 207.859.4460
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- Campus Security at 207.859.5530/5911
- Dean on Call at 207.859.5530
Individuals who have been victims* of sexual violence will be supported in accessing health care, confidential counseling, advising and advocacy. Confidential support services are also available through the religious and spiritual life and/or the health and counseling centers. Support through confidential services does not constitute reporting. Colby College maintains and administers clear procedures for adjudicating sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and other sexual misconduct offenses.
*This document uses the term victim to describe a person who has been the target of an act of sexual violence, with recognition that individuals may also identify as survivors. It is the intent of this booklet to provide information that supports survivors, not only immediately following the incident, but also throughout the person's time on campus.
Call either 911 or 207.859.5911 if you need immediate assistance.
The health center can provide immediate medical care (examination and evaluation), will offer STI screening and provide access for the morning after pill. the Health Center staff will explain and discuss options including referral to MaineGeneral Medical Center for a forensic exam and what that entails.
Additionally, the health center provides follow up care and referrals to counseling services.
Preventing any form of sexual violence and fostering a respectful environment requires an ongoing commitment from all members of the College community. the following will provide a summary of the college's policies and procedures for accessing confidential support, formal reporting, campus sanctions, and options for requesting criminal charges
A. Support
Colby understands that a student who has been the victim of any form of sexual misconduct may which to talk about the incident with the assurance that the discussion will be confidential. If a student desires that the details of the incident be kept confidential, they should speak to professional staff members in the offices of:
- Health Services - 207.859-4460
- Counseling Services - 207.859.4460
- Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - 207.859.4272
Campus counseling is available free of charge, and a student can be seen on an emergency basis (207.859.5911). Counselors, health care practitioners and members of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life will keep reports made to them confidential.*
*Exceptions to maintaining confidentiality are established by law: for example, physicians and nurses who treat physical injury during sexual assault are required to report to law enforcement agencies. Also, physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers must report a sexual assault against person who is under 18 years of age to a child protective agency. It is also important to note that counselors are often the first witnesses to a case and, with the victims consent, may be called as a witness to a disciplinary hearing.
Some individual resources cannot offer you legal confidentiality, but do maintain privacy. to protect your rights as a student, the individuals on campus who are legally bound to report any crime, including sexual assault, to local law enforcement agencies, include individuals in positions of supervisor, manager, administrators, coach, and student organization advisers. These individuals share a special responsibility for taking prompt action, which includes notifying the appropriate campus resource personnel (Campus Security or Dean of Students Office), if they become aware of conduct that they reasonably believe may violate the College's sexual harassment and assault policies.
B. Filing a Formal Report
Students can file a formal report by contacting Campus Security or the Dean of Students Office. These departments will obtain statements and begin the process of investigation. It is important to note:
- That the use of alcohol or other drugs will never function as a defense to a violation of this policy.
- The sexual orientation and/or gender identity of individuals engaging in sexual activity is not relevant to allegations under this policy.
- The Dean of Students or the Department of Security staff members must notify the local police regarding any crime they are knowledgeable of, including sexual assault. this policy is designed to protect the well-being of students and other members of the Colby College community. The College will disclose details of the sexual assault case to the law enforcement agency; including the name of the victim(s), person suspected of criminal behavior, and the names of persons who may have information about the alleged crime. The local authorities will make contact (either on their own, or Colby College staff will be present if requested by individual), to provide information regarding an individual's rights. The aforementioned procedure of notifying local police doesn't constitute filing a formal on-campus report. The decision to file a formal report with Colby College is made by the student and can be submitted at a later date.
