Title IX | Sexual Assault Resources
What is Title IX?
Title IX protects people from sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
It is important because it requires schools like Bethel to have processes, procedures, and personnel to respond to complaints of discrimination, harassment, and violence.
The Title IX Coordinator’s role is to:
- Receive reports of sex-based discrimination.
- Oversee compliance with Title IX.
- Provide education on Title IX topics.
Below are listed high-level definitions of what may be reported through Title IX. For more detailed descriptions and examples, please reference the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy (pdf).
- Title IX Quid Pro Quo Harassment occurs when an employee of the University, including a student-employee, conditions the provision of aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
- Title IX Hostile Environment Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on sex determined to be so severe or pervasive that it substantially and unreasonably interferes with an individual’s employment or education, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.
- Sexual Exploitation occurs when a person takes sexual advantage of another person for the benefit of anyone other than the one being exploited without that person’s consent.
- Sexual Assault is any actual or attempted sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent.
- Domestic Violence includes a felony or misdemeanor crime committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim.
- Dating Violence is violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.
- Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Confidential Resources
Counseling Resources
Wellness Center Counseling Services
1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545
Phone: 574-807-7123
Family Justice Center
533 North Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617
Office Phone: 574-234-6900
24/7 SOS Crisis Hotline 574-289-HELP(4357)
Email: familyjusticecenter@fjcsjc.org
Medical Resources
Unity Physicians Hospital
4455 Edison Lakes Pkwy, Mishawaka, IN 46545
Phone: 574-231-6800
Non-Confidential Resources
The Title IX Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact on campus for students seeking information or wanting to report sexual harassment/sexual misconduct (including sexual assault), dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, and is available to meet with those who believe they have been victimized and can provide information as well as refer to sources of support. Sharing information with the Title IX Coordinator will result in a response from the University and an investigation when appropriate.
Title IX Coordinator
1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545
Huffman Admin. Building Rm 106
Office Phone: 574-807-7875
Email: TitleIX@BethelUniversity.edu
Paul Neel, Campus Safety
1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545
Campus Safety Building Rm 102
Office Phone: 574-807-7035
Email: Paul.Neel@BethelUniversity.edu
Identifying the Signs
Individuals who have been affected by forms of harassment, discrimination, and interpersonal violence may experience the following:
- Physical: trouble sleeping, nightmares, headaches, loss of appetite, overeating, stomach problems, muscle tension
- Emotional: denial, fear, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, embarrassment, crying spells, flashbacks, irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts
- Social: fear of being in public, withdrawing from friends, difficulty trusting others, trouble with physical intimacy in relationships
- Academic: lack of concentration, impaired memory, missing classes, lack of motivation
The Immediate Need for Safety
The need for feeling “safe” is crucial for a student who has been traumatized.
- Physical: Is there somewhere safe and private your friend can go?
- Emotional: Does your friend need to speak confidentially with a counselor or pastor?
- Medical: Does your friend need medical attention?
Dos and Don’ts
- DO ask the student for permission before reporting the incident or discussing details with others.
- DO believe the student. The psychological damages of not being believed can be as damaging as the incident itself.
- DO be clear that the incident was not the student’s fault.
- DO offer non-judgmental support.
- DO express your compassion.
- DO encourage the student to seek professional help.
- DO follow up with the student and encourage them to use their resources.
- DO NOT confront the person who is accused of creating the harm.
- DO NOT pass judgment.
- DO NOT question or judge what the student had to do to survive.
- DO NOT make promises that you cannot keep.
- DO NOT try to resolve the situation. Before you share information with others, ask for the student’s permission first.
What to Say
- “Would you like me to help you talk to someone?”
- “I’m sorry this happened to you.”
- “Thank you for telling me.”
- “What kind of help do you need?”
- “When you’re ready, there is help available.”
Talisha Barham
Title IX Coordinator
Emails:
Talisha.Barham@BethelUniversity.edu
TitleIX@BethelUniversity.edu
Phone: 574.807.7875
Office Location: Huffman Administration Building (Floor 1) – ADMI104
Training: Title IX Training (PDF)