Annual security report
1. Preparation of the Annual Security Report
Washington State University Vancouver prepares this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as well as the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, using information obtained by the WSU Clery Compliance Committee comprised of representatives from various WSU offices, including, but not limited to, the WSU Police Department (WSU PD), WSU Vancouver Police Department (WSUV PD), WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Center for Community Standards (CCS), Cougar Health Services (CHS) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
Additionally, information is gathered from Campus Security Authorities CSAs), local law enforcement agencies (including the Clark County Sheriff’s Office) and other surrounding law enforcement agencies regarding crimes that occurred at relevant locations.
The report also includes statistics for the previous three calendar years (2021, 2022, 2023) concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, and in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by WSU Vancouver. In accordance with the Clery Act, the statistics contained in this report are limited to specific crimes occurring within a designated geographic area.
The statistics in this report may vary from statistics maintained within other WSU offices authorized to receive reports of incidents implicating laws and WSU policies, such as the WSU Police Department, Compliance and Civil Rights, the Center for Community Standards and/or Cougar Health Services.
The Clery Act promotes campus safety by providing information to students, parents, employees and the WSU community about public safety, crime prevention, and response efforts by WSU Vancouver. It also promotes transparency about crimes that occur on campus and other threats to health and safety. To further those efforts, this report provides information on education, prevention, and awareness efforts undertaken by WSU to empower the WSU community to take a more active role in their personal safety and security.
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2. WSU's Non-discrimination Policy
In matters of admissions, employment, housing or services, and/or in the educational program or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of:
- Sex, including:
- Sex stereotypes
- Sex characteristics
- Pregnancy or related conditions
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity/expression
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Age
- Creed
- National or ethnic origin
- Marital status
- Genetic information
- Status as a protected veteran, an honorably discharged veteran, or member of the military
- Physical, mental, or sensory disability, including the use of a trained service animal
- Immigration or citizenship status, except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract
WSU policies comply with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, including, but not limited to:
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC 1681);
- Title IX implementing regulations (34 CFR 106);
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (42 USC 2000e et seq);
- Title I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112) and 45 CFR Part 84;
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq);
- Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq), RCW Chapter 49.60; and
- Gender Equality in Higher Education (RCW Chapter 28B.110).
Inquiries about the application of these laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment, may be made to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, and/or both:
French Administration Bldg., Room 220
Pullman, WA 99164
P: 509-335-8288
F: 509-335-5483
Online Reporting Form
ccr@wsu.edu
TitleIX.Coordinator@wsu.edu
ADA.Coordinator@wsu.edu Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
P: 800-421-3481
F: 202-453-6012
TDD: 800-877-8339
Website
OCR@ed.gov
Local OCR Office
Reports and complaints about conduct that may constitute discrimination (including sex discrimination under Title IX) may be made verbally or in writing to CCR and the University’s Title IX Coordinators or designees at the contact information above.
Relevant procedural guidelines and disciplinary procedures are available here:
- Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15)
- CCR Procedural Guidelines
- Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (Executive Policy 12)
- WSU Standards of Conduct for Students (WAC 504-26)
- Employee manuals:
- WSU Faculty Manual
- Administrative Professional Handbook
- Civil service code (WAC 357)
- Collective bargaining agreements
- Employee Title IX Hearing Process
Contact HRS for information about the employee Title IX hearing process; telephone 509-335-4521; e-mail hrs@wsu.edu. See also Sections 9.0, 10.0, and 12.0.
WSU provides equal access to the Boy Scouts (Scouting America) and other designated youth groups.
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3. Support Resources On and Off Campus
WSU students and employees have access to a number of support and reporting options. The below list includes a brief description of the relevant offices and agencies. Several of the below resources are available to students across the WSU system. Where a resource is site-specific, it is identified as such.
Human Resource Services is committed to providing effective, high quality human resource management to the University community. Working collaboratively, Human Resource Services provides expertise and best practices in all areas of human resource management including recruitment and retention, employee relations, training, benefits management, labor relations, disability services, records administration, and employee recognition.
Email360-546-9094
509-335-4521
Immigration Law Clinic represents clients in immigration proceedings and provides legal consultations to members of the University of Idaho and Washington State University communities. Services related to adjustment of status, asylum applications, consular processing, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), employment authorization, family-based petitions, naturalization/citizenship, special immigrant juvenile status, T visas, temporary protected status (TPS), U visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions.
Email208-885-6541
1-877-200-4455
International Student Services provides orientation and mentorship programs for international students and helps students with maintaining their visa status.
Email509-335-4508
Northwest Justice Project provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more. Northwest Justice Project also compiles self-help legal resources at Washington Law Help.
Eviction help: 1-855-657-8387Foreclosure help: 1-800-606-4819
Apply online for free legal help
Legal issues outside of King County: Call the CLEAR Hotline at 1-888-201-1014, weekdays, 9:15am-12:15pm
P: 360-693-6130 (Vancouver)
1-855-657-8384
1-888-201-1012
360-693-6130
The Office of Emergency Management develops and administers a comprehensive emergency management program to encompass the WSU Pullman campus, as well as regional campuses, research stations and sites throughout the state. This program works in partnership with academic colleges and departments, operating divisions and units, and the staff, faculty and students of WSU in conjunction with federal, state and local jurisdictions to protect lives and safety of students, faculty staff, visitors and animals; safeguard critical infrastructure, facilities, environment, essential records & research; and resume operations as soon as practicable.
Email509-335-7471
The Office of the Dean of Students are your partners in navigating the WSU experience. This might include working through a complex process, answering questions, or connecting students to a much-needed resource.
Email509-335-5757
The Student Care Network is dedicated to supporting student success across the WSU system through early intervention and is a resource through which individuals can share concerns about a student’s emotional or psychological well-being, physical health, or academic performance with university administrators who can help. Anyone can submit a Student Care referral including students, faculty, staff, family members, and community members. Information submitted through the Student Care Network will be reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students Student Care Case Management team for appropriate follow-up. The Student Care Team responds to referrals about students who are exhibiting behavior of concern and/or have received a Student Care or other report of a concern for a student. The multi-disciplinary Student Care team intervenes with care and support to protect the safety and well-being of the involved student, as well as the WSU community, by working directly with the student, and/or connecting students with others with appropriate resources and services.
Email509-335-5757
Provides information and support to students with regards to loans, scholarships, and cost of attendance, as well as emergency assistance programs.
Email360-546-9559
CCS contributes to a community which encourages and educates everyone to make positive choices and share messages of our values. Occasionally, students make choices that put those values at risk. The community standards process is designed to support students, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and hold students and recognized or registered student organizations accountable for behaviors that conflict with our community standards.
Email509-335-4532
Provides information online on free and reduced cost legal help available to Washington residents.
Email206-443-9722
1-800-945-9722
Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD), in partnership with the campus community, works to cultivate an atmosphere which supports the educational process and promotes academic and personal achievement, and community prosperity.
Email911
CCR is WSU’s central intake and referral office for reports or formal complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct from students, staff, faculty, and visitors or guests. CCR is a resource for the university community for training and technical guidance relating to compliance, including, but not limited to, civil rights laws and regulations, health sciences laws, equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, Clery Act, and ADA/Section 504.
Email509-335-8288
The WSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential and private counseling to WSU employees and can provide information about referrals and service provider options in the local community.
Email1-877-313-4455
The primary purpose of the office is to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty at all levels of university operations and programs. The ombudsman is designated by the university to function as an impartial and neutral resource to assist all members of the university community. The ombudsman provides information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation.
Email509-335-1195
WSU Vancouver Wellness Center offers a range of health services for students on campus, including confidential and private Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Promotion, and Medical Clinic.
Email360-546-9238
The SafeChoice Program advocates for, educates, and supports those affected by domestic violence. In addition to operating the only domestic violence shelter serving Clark County, SafeChoice offers a wide array of services to respond to the immediate needs of survivors.
Email360-696-0167
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4. Campus Law Enforcement
The WSU Vancouver Police Department is the primary police agency for the Washington State University Vancouver campus. Individuals may also contact external agencies, including the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol or other law enforcement agencies.
Individuals can also contact their Campus Security Authority to make a report for inclusion in the annual crime statistics in this report or other relevant law enforcement agencies, as needed.
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4.1. Reporting to Law Enforcement
For incidents that are currently occurring, have recently occurred, or need immediate assistance at WSU Vancouver, please dial 911.
For incidents of a non-emergency nature, call the Public Safety office at 360-546-9001 or email wsuvcops@wsu.edu.
All 911 calls will be answered by CRESA, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire, and EMS units for multiple counties, including Clark County. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire and/or medical aid required.
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4.2. Commitment to Safety
The WSU Vancouver Police Department strives to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment on campus. WSU Vancouver encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and to the appropriate police agencies (including Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department), by the victim of a crime when he or she elects to do so, or by a witness or another informed person when the victim is unable to make such a report.
WSU Vancouver Police personnel provide educational and prevention-driven programs to the WSU Vancouver community. Although the campus police department takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role, and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when working or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement by calling 911.
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4.3. Enforcement Authority and Jurisdiction of Security Personnel
The WSU Vancouver Police Department is empowered through Chapter 43.101 of the Revised Code of Washington and has the enforcement authority and jurisdiction to arrest. Each WSU Vancouver police officer receives the same basic training as city and county peace officers throughout Washington State, in addition to training specific to the unique needs of a campus environment. The WSU Vancouver campus represents the primary jurisdiction of the WSU Vancouver Police Department. WSU Vancouver Police Officers and security staff enforce the law through arrests, citations, and warnings. Public safety staff handle a majority of patrol, investigation, crime prevention education, and related law enforcement duties for the campus community. The department manages the patrol, investigation, crime prevention education and related law enforcement duties for the campus community. The department is assisted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office after campus business hours and when WSU Vancouver Police Department officers are unavailable.
The WSU Vancouver Police Department is comprised of:
- 2 Sworn Officers
- 3 Campus Security Officers (CSO’s)
- 3-4 part-time Student Security Officers (SSO’s)
All recognized WSU student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct implicates the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.
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4.4. Relationship Between Campus Security Personnel and State or Local Police Agencies
The WSU Vancouver Police Department maintains a collaborative and close relationship with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, especially when addressing matters that impact the WSU Vancouver campus and community. Local collaboration includes inter-operative radio capability, a joint police records computer system (with the city and county), training programs and, at times, investigation of incidents. Additionally, the WSU Vancouver Police Department also collaborates with the Vancouver Police Department, the Washington State Patrol and various state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Generally, WSU Vancouver Police Department does not provide law enforcement services to off-campus residences or properties. WSU Vancouver relies on the close working relationship with Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Vancouver Police Department to receive information about incidents involving WSU Vancouver students and recognized student organizations.
All recognized WSU Vancouver student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct is determined to affect a substantial university interest, as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.
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5. Procedures for Pastoral and Professional Counselors
Campus “pastoral counselors” and campus “professional counselors,” when acting as such, are not considered to be a Campus Security Authority, and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. However, professional counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.
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5.1. Professional Counselor definition
An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution's community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.
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5.2. Pastoral Counselor definition
An employee of an institution who is associated with a religious order or denomination recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.
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6. Reporting Crimes or Emergencies
There are various ways for students, faculty, staff and WSU Vancouver community members to report crimes, incidents and other emergencies to law enforcement, appropriate WSU Vancouver officials, or confidentially to crime victim advocates, medical providers or mental health providers. In addition, there are options for reporting anonymously for the purpose of inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure. This chapter will describe the various reporting options. Please note, reporting regarding dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking will be covered more thoroughly below.
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6.1. Reporting criminal actions or other emergencies to Law Enforcement
Individuals can report in progress crimes and other emergencies by dialing 911 or crimes that are not in progress by dialing WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety and Parking Services at 360-546-9001 or 311.
This allows the appropriate Police Department to take actions to address the concern. Reports to WSU Vancouver PD (including those crimes reported to WSU Vancouver PD from Campus Security Authorities) will be considered for issuing a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification if there is an ongoing threat to the safety of the campus community or an immediate threat occurring on campus.
WSU Vancouver encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to campus public safety officials and the appropriate police agencies, even when the victim of a crime elects not to, or is unable to, make such a report. Reports can be made to the WSU Vancouver Police Department or one of the local or state police agencies, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Vancouver Police Department.
For incidents that are currently occurring, recently occurred, or need immediate assistance, please dial 911. For incidents of a non-emergency nature, call 360-546-9001 or dial 311. All 911 and 311 calls will be answered by CRESA, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire and EMS units for multiple counties, including Clark County. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire and/or medical aid required.
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6.1.1. Reporting a Property Crime
- Report your loss or damages to the police department as soon as possible.
- Don’t touch anything until police are able to examine the area.
- Be prepared to provide serial numbers or identifying marks or characteristics of the items taken.
- Be alert for more damage or items missing that may come to your attention.
- Itemize your valuables and write down serial numbers.
- Mark your items for identification with your driver’s license number.
- If you have unique or valuable items, photograph them and keep the pictures or video with your list of serial numbers.
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6.1.2. Reporting an Assault (Physical and/or Sexual)
- Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
- You may also report sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence to the university’s central intake office for complaints of this nature, Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), at 1-509-335-8288 to seek university support, resources, reporting options, and referrals.
- You may also report other forms of student misconduct, including physical assaults, to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) at 1-509-335-4532 for consideration under the Standards of Conduct for Students.
- If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention. When you call to report, tell the communications center you’ve been hurt. They will assist you in getting aid.
- If you are reporting a sexual assault, refrain from showering, washing your hands, or washing your clothes. This will help preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense.
- Support and counseling resources are available, including confidential services. The Directory of Services lists contact information if you don’t know who to call or where to start, or you can ask the police officer for help. WSU CCR can also provide you with an intake consultation to help identify appropriate resources for you, no matter where you are located.
- Confidential resources may be available in your area from a victim advocacy agency or counseling/medical providers. You can access confidential services through WSU Vancouver Wellness Center (Counseling and Psychological Services). They can be contacted at 360-546-9238 and are located on the 1st floor of the Classroom Building (VCLS). For a complete list of available confidential resources in your community, contact WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), 1-509-335-8288 or visit the CCR resources page, CCR Resources.
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6.2. Reporting to Campus Security Authorities
Individuals may report to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) for the purpose of making a timely warning report or for inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure. WSU’s protocol for designating CSAs is documented in the Campus Security Authority Designation and Communication policy (BPPM 50.70). CSAs include:
- Campus police department or campus security department;
- Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g. an individual who has security job responsibilities and is responsible for monitoring the entrance into institutional property);
- Any individual or organization specified in an institution’s statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses; and
- An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings.
The CSAs report incidents for the purpose of inclusion in the statistics provided in this report to the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety directly or by submitting them online, which are then distributed to the appropriate office.
A pastoral or professional counselor within the institution is not considered a Campus Security Authority when “acting as a pastoral or professional counselor,” and is not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.
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6.2.1. Campus Security Authority List
Although there are many CSAs; WSU and WSU Vancouver officially designates the following key departments and/or titles as locations where individuals should report crimes for the purpose of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure.
Preferred CSA’s for the WSU Vancouver campus include:
- WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety | VCLS (Classroom Building) Room 120 | Emergency – 911 | Non-Emergency – | 360-546-9001
- Title IX Coordinator | VSS (Student Services Building) | Dr. Domanic Thomas | domanic.thomas@wsu.edu | 360-546-9788
- Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation | (Located on Pullman Campus) French Administration 225, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288
- Center for Community Standards | (Located on Pullman Campus) French Administration 130, PO Box 641040 | 509-335-4532
- Student Wellness Center Manager | VCLS (Classroom Building) | | 360-546-9238
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6.3. Voluntary, Confidential Reporting
WSU Vancouver provides a number of ways individuals can report crimes, serious incidents, and other emergencies. However, in the event that you or someone you know decides not to report the incident to the university or law enforcement for investigation, you still have the option of filing a voluntary, confidential report.
Reporting anonymously allows WSU Vancouver to include the record of the report in the annual disclosure of crime statistics included in this report. Reporting anonymously also allows victims to gather information and learn about options available to them, before deciding on an appropriate option. Individuals may contact the relevant local agency (e.g., the WSU Vancouver Police Department at 360-546-9001, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911 or other local law enforcement agency) to determine the level of anonymity available prior to reporting a crime. Please note that some limitations may exist depending upon the circumstances of the crime. Reports of sexual assault may be made anonymously to the WSU Vancouver Police Department. Additionally, individuals may report discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, as defined by the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sex and Gender Based Violence, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15), anonymously to the WSU Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) by emailing ccr@wsu.edu, calling 509-335-8288 or through the Online Reporting form, for services and options, as well as inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.
Individuals can also seek confidential services from the WSU Vancouver Wellness Center or WSU Cougar Health Services, and/or from statewide advocacy groups.
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6.4. Reporting to a University Department
Anyone may submit a complaint that a student or recognized or registered student organization violated the standards of conduct to the Center for Community Standard (CCS).
Center for Community Standards(Pullman Campus) French Administration 130
PO Box 641040
Pullman, WA 99164
P: (509) 335-4532
Online Reporting Form
Individuals may report crimes implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15), to the Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation (CCR). More information on reporting:
Title IX CoordinatorVSS (Student Services Building)
Dr. Domanic Vanthom
domanic.vanthom@wsu.edu
P: (360) 546-9788 Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR)
(Pullman Campus) French Administration 225
PO Box 641022
Pullman, WA 99164
P: (509) 335-8288
Online Reporting Form
In addition, consistent with WSU's Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15), most WSU employees, with limited exceptions, are required to report an incident or situation involving sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) or to one of the designated Title IX Coordinators. Similarly, individuals with supervisory responsibilities are required to report incidents or situations involving discrimination to WSU CCR. Additional information on reporting requirements, including information on those who are exempt from reporting under EP 15, are posted on the CCR Reporting Requirements page.
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6.5. General Tips for Staying Safe
Most crime is committed as a result of opportunity. The best prevention is to eliminate opportunities.
- Keep your residence doors locked at all times.
- Lock up electronics and other valuables.
- Report suspicious persons or activities.
- Report safety hazards, unsafe lighting, and defective equipment.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Let people know where you are going.
- Plan your walk by choosing a safe, well-lighted, and populated route.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are and where you are going. Know what to expect.
- Get to know your roommates and neighbors. Encourage checking on each other often.
- If consuming alcohol or other substances, do so safely. Pour your own drinks and use the buddy system when going out with friends.
- Learn nonviolent intervention techniques to help your fellow VanCougs. Sign up for a bystander intervention training through Washington State University Vancouver Student Services and the Office of Student Involvement.
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7. Reporting Options and Response to Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
There are several options in seeking care for an individual impacted by sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. WSU provides access to both confidential and nonconfidential resources, as well as reporting for criminal or university investigation. Victims/survivors are encouraged to access whichever resource they feel most comfortable with. Victims/survivors can also seek support and referral information directly from WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) or a local law enforcement agency.
A current listing of resources for victims/survivors is maintained and posted by CCR. Victims/survivors can choose to seek medical care, even if they are unsure whether they want to make a police report or if they choose not to move forward with a criminal investigation. Victims/survivors can also seek support and referral information directly from the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights, or a local law enforcement agency.
A healthcare provider can help assess well-being and personal safety, provide any necessary medical treatment, and refer students to counseling and other resources. Trained healthcare providers can also collect forensic evidence.
Healthcare providers at local hospitals offer Sexual Assault Forensic Exams to collect physical evidence for use in a law enforcement investigation and possible prosecution. Victims/survivors do not have to speak to the police in order to receive a forensic exam. Healthcare providers will explain the exam process before beginning and can answer any questions about what will happen during the exam. It is important to preserve any evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense. Preservation includes refraining from showering or bathing and saving articles of clothing worn during the assault. Victims/survivors have the option to be accompanied by a support person, such as a friend or an advocate, during medical appointments and/or exams.
Within the local community, victim advocacy agencies provide support to victims/survivors, as well as support for friends and family of victims/survivors. Their services are free and confidential. They can be reached at the below telephone lines:
YWCA of Clark County: 1 (800) 696-0167 (24hr) or (360) 696-0167 (office)
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pathways to Healing: (360) 397-8228
Reports of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking may be made anonymously to the WSU Vancouver Police Department or another local police department where an individual is located. For anonymous reporting, please see section Voluntary, Confidential Reporting. Additionally, individuals may report or file a formal complaint or dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) by emailing ccr@wsu.edu, by calling 509-335-8288, or through CCR’s Online Reporting webpage.
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7.1. WSU Policy
WSU prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These crimes are defined in WSU Executive Policy 15 and in the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students. WSU community members are also subject to Washington State laws prohibiting these crimes. The various definitions are listed in the below sections. Please note, WSU’s policy is based on state and federal regulations, laws, and guidance, which are subject to change.
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7.1.1. WSU Policy Definitions
WSU is subject to multiple federal and state laws and regulations regarding sexual harassment and sex and gender-based violence, each with differing requirements. WSU Executive Policy 15 (EP 15) prohibits hostile environment harassment, quid pro quo harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972., ad its implementing regulations.
Definitions
WSU prohibits multiple forms of sex-based harassment, as defined in EP 15 Part B. WSU EP 15 applies to all students, faculty, staff, and others having an association with the University where the alleged incident:
- Occurs under WSU’s education program or activities in the United States
- Occurs in a building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by WSU
- Involves off-campus conduct that has the effect of, or the potential to:
- Unreasonably interfere with or limit an individual’s work, academic performance, living environment, personal security, or participation in any activity at WSU, or
- Materially and substantially interfere with the missions, functions, processes, and/or goals of the WSU community.
This may include situations where some of the conduct occurs outside the United States.
- Involves conduct which may be addressed under other university policies (or where WSU has disciplinary authority over the respondent).
In addition, the conduct must have been committed while the respondent was a WSU community member.
Prohibited conduct includes:
- Hostile Environment Harassment – a form of sex-based harassment involving unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from WSU’s education programs or activities (i.e., creates a hostile environment), or enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment. Hostile environment harassment may also include, but is not limited to:
- Sexual exploitation;
- Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person to gain sexual advantage of that person;
- Invading another person’s sexual privacy;
- Prostituting another person;
- Engaging in voyeurism;
- Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of sexually transmitted disease or infection;
- Exposing one’s intimate parts in nonconsensual circumstances; or
- Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying.
- Quid Pro Quo – a form of sex-based harassment in which an employee, agent, or other person authorized by WSU to provide an aid, benefit, or service under WSU’s education programs or activities explicitly or impliedly conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
- Sexual Assault – a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. NOTE: If the following sexual assault definitions are updated in the NIBRS User Manual (available online at FBI UCR Technical Specifications), the updated definitions are applied.
- Sex Offense: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
- Rape (except Statutory Rape): Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, or by a sex-related object, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Sexual assault with an object: To use an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Incest: Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
- Statutory Rape: Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
- Dating Violence – violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship is to be determined based on length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
- Domestic Violence – a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
- By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim or a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim;
- By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
- By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
- By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington, or
- By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s act under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington.
- Stalking – engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
- Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
- Suffer substantial emotional distress.
- For the purposes of this definition:
- Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
- Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
- Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
- Retaliation is defined as intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privileged secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. First amendment activities do not constitute retaliation.
- Interference includes actions that intentionally:
- Dissuade or attempt to dissuade reporting parties, responding parties, or witnesses from reporting or participating in an investigation;
- Attempt to influence a complainant, respondent, or witness to make an inaccurate statement in the investigation;
- Delay or disrupt, or attempt to delay or disrupt, any university processes related to this policy; and/or
- Alter or attempt to alter the evidence provided to or received by investigative or disciplinary processes.
- False Statements is defined as making a materially false statement in bad faith during any proceeding or process under this policy. No complaint is considered false solely because it cannot be corroborated.
Consent
Consent to any sexual activity must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. Anything less is equivalent to a "no." Clear, knowing, and voluntary consent to sexual activity requires that, at the time of the act, and throughout the sexual contact, all parties actively express words or conduct that a reasonable person would conclude demonstrates clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity and the conditions of such activity. Consent is active; silence or passivity is not consent. Even if words or conduct alone seem to imply consent, sexual activity is nonconsensual when:
- Force or coercion is threatened or used to procure compliance with the sexual activity.
- Force is the use of physical violence, physical force, threat, or intimidation to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
- Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. When an individual makes it clear through words or actions that the individual does not want to engage in sexual contact, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point may be coercive. Other examples of coercion may include using blackmail or extortion to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
- The person is asleep, unconscious, or physically unable to communicate his or her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity; or
- A reasonable person would or should know that the other person lacks the mental capacity at the time of the sexual activity to be able to understand the nature or consequences of the act, whether that incapacity is produced by illness, defect, the influence of alcohol or another substance, or some other cause. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a person is considered incapacitated or unable to give valid consent if the individual cannot fully understand the details of the sexual interaction (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how), and/or the individual lacks the capacity to reasonably understand the situation and to make rational, reasonable decisions.
CCR Amnesty Policy
During a CCR process, when a student voluntarily shares information about the possession or use of alcohol or drugs, CCR does not refer the student to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for alcohol or drug related conduct proceedings, except where drugs or alcohol were used to gain advantage, incapacitation, or exploitation over another individual. CCS also uses discretion under WAC 504-26-510, the Good Samaritan Policy, and may refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students.
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7.2. Preserving Evidence
When an incident of sexual violence occurs, it is important to preserve evidence to aid in a criminal prosecution, university response, and/or in obtaining a protection order. Evidence of physical harm, such as bruising or other visible injuries, should be documented by photographic evidence. Evidence of stalking including communication, such as text messages, voice mail, written notes, social media postings or any other electronic communication, should be saved and not altered in any way. In cases of sexual assault, avoid showering, using a toilet, or changing clothing prior to a medical examination. Any clothing removed should be placed in a bag.
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7.3. Protection Orders and No-Contact Orders
Victims/survivors have the right to seek legal protections such as orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or other lawful orders of criminal, civil, or tribal courts. WSU will comply with the lawful orders issued by such a court and will make modifications to educational and/or workplace environments to comply with the terms of such lawful orders.
In Washington, civil protection orders can be requested if an individual is experiencing domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking. Restraining orders can be requested as part of a family law action (e.g. a restraining order may be requested during divorce proceedings). Individuals do not need an attorney to request a protection order, although an advocate or an attorney can assist. WSU recommends that individuals seeking a protection order consult with a victim advocate, who will be familiar with the local court process and available to help with safety concerns. There is no fee to file for a protection order. The Northwest Justice Project provides a guide for individuals who would like to seek a protection order: “How to File for a Protection Order.” In general, District and Superior Courts statewide have a petition form that can be filled out and provided to the county clerk; supporting evidence may also be provided as part of this process. A judge will review the petition and determine whether it meets the requirements for the type of protection order. If so, the judge will issue a temporary order of protection. This determination typically happens within the same day or the day following the submission of a petition; at times, the petitioner may have to appear at the temporary order hearing. If the judge issues a temporary order of protection, law enforcement will serve the protection order documents onto the person. A full protection order hearing will be scheduled, and the judge will decide whether to issue a final protection order.
In addition to a court ordered protection order, WSU may also implement a no contact directive on any party as an interim or supportive measure, or as a sanction after a determination of responsibility, consistent with the WSU Code of Conduct for Students WAC-504-26-050, WSU BPPM 50.30 – Workplace Violence, and WA Governor’s Executive Order 96-05 – Domestic Violence in the workplace. WSU also provides for reasonable amounts of unpaid leave or use of any accrued leave to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, in accordance with RCW 49.76.100.
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