Employee Support Information

There are a variety of methods someone may use to exert control and power over you.

Jealousy & Possessiveness

Examples: following you or showing up uninvited, sexting, extreme jealousy, seeing you as property or “less than”

Emotional Abuse & Humiliation

Examples: making fun of your weight or clothes, telling you that you deserve abuse, constantly criticizing

Manipulation & Limiting Independence

Examples: using anger or silent treatment as punishment, controlling your finances, monitoring your alcohol intake

Sexual Abuse

Examples: using drugs to get sex, comparing you to past partners

Threats & Intimidation

Examples: threatening you with harm, warning you they will commit suicide if relationship ends

Isolation

Examples: controlling what you do and who you spend time with, pressuring you to choose between them and family or friends

Physical Abuse

Examples: punching, hitting, throwing objects

Experiencing violence such as sexual assault or an abusive relationship can be a traumatic event, and we all handle trauma and stress differently. Though each person and situation is unique, the following list provides some examples of possible reactions. You may experience one, more, or none of these.

There is no right or wrong way to act or feel

• Diminished capacity to cope with the demands of daily life
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Inability to concentrate and focus on the tasks at hand; slower recall and organization or information
• Lack of energy; fatigue
• Sleeping and eating disturbances
• Depression; anxiety
• Very calm or very upset
• Flashbacks (feelings of reliving the event), intrusive memories, and nightmares
• Changes in your relationship with your partner
• Hyper-vigilance

You do not have to navigate this experience alone. If you are unsure about what you are feeling or what you should do, you may want to speak with a confidential support resource. Confidential resources are available  to help you make an informed choice about what is right for you.

On-Campus Confidential Resources

Employee Assistance Office (available to UW employees only)

610 Langdon Street
Lowell Center, Room 226, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 263-2987 or toll-free (877) 260-0281
The EAO can assist those who are finding it difficult to successfully cope with personal or work related issues or concerns. Email eao@ mailplus.wisc.edu for more.

Ombuds Office (available to UW employees only)

Rooms 223-225, Lowell Hall
610 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-265-9992

Sexual Violence Resource Center

Sexual Violence Resource Center | (24-hour line: 608–251-RAPE (7273)) | (608) 265-6389 (Campus Office) |  info@danecountyrcc.org | 333 East Campus Mall, #7901 Madison, WI

Works within Dane County to promote hope, help and healing for those harmed by sexual violence and strive through education and outreach to create social change to end sexual violence

Off-Campus Confidential Resources

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services | (DAIS) 24-hour line: (608) 251-4445 | toll-free (800)747-4045

Works to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors and their families, and to change societal attitudes that perpetuate violence and the abuse of power

Deaf Unity

Deaf Unity | Text helpline: 608-466-2881 | M-F 9am-10pm | PO Box 8713, Madison, WI 53708 | help@deafunitywi.org

Provides victim advocacy for victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking provided by staff who are Deaf and use American Sign Language (including text helpline) and provide emotional support, and accompaniment to medical appointments and court dates.

Unidos of Wisconsin

UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence | (Toll Free 1-800-510-9195)

Provides victim advocacy services for Latina and non-Latina survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Freedom, Inc.

Freedom, Inc. | (608-661-4089 |  M-F 9am-5pm | 601 Bay View, Madison, WI 53715 | refugeeproject@hotmail.com

Victim advocacy services for victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence that are language/gender/generation and culture-specific to women, gender non-conforming, and youth in African American and Southeast Asian families.

Room to Be Safe

Room to be Safe | (Resource Line –Not 24-hours: 414-856-5428)

This is a collaborative anti-violence program that provides support and resources to LGBTQ people who are experiencing or have experienced dating, long-term or intimate partner violence. Room to be Safe also provides support and resources for family members of LGBTQ people who are experiencing or have experienced dating, long-term or intimate partner violence.

Physical Health

Forensic Nurse Exams

Victims of sexual assault may obtain a medical forensic examination without incurring full out of pocket costs for that exam. This is regardless of their decision to report to law enforcement. Exams can be conducted by forensic nurses at the Emergency Department at UnityPoint Health-Meriter and are available 24/7.

If you believe someone gave you drugs in order to facilitate a sexual assault, you can also request a drug testing.

Forensic nurses will provide a safe, compassionate exam and empower the patients to determine their plan of care. Services include emotional support, physical examination and wellness check, collection of medical forensic evidence, assistance with reporting to police (mandatory reporting for children), assistance with concerns about sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, assistance with safety planning, and development of a medical follow-up plan. If you believe someone gave you drugs in order to facilitate a sexual assault, you can also request a drug testing. A full drug panel testing may require additional cost.

Victims of sexual assault who seek emergency services at a hospital have the right to be provided with the option to receive emergency contraception at the hospital per Wisconsin Statute 50.375

Mental Health

THE RAINBOW PROJECT

(608-255-7356) | 831 East Washington, Madison, WI | info@therainbowproject.net

Provides counseling to children and families who experience trauma

Workplace Support

We also can advise and assist with communicating with your supervisor when you are dealing with a crisis or have ongoing safety concerns. Contact: Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program (608-890-3788) or Workforce Relations (608-265-2257)

Note: This resource is not confidential.

Housing Support

If you live in University Housing, we can provide help if you are unable to continue living in your current housing or if you would like someone who is unsafe removed from your living area. Contact: Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program (608-890-3788)

On-Campus:

Transportation

If your normal transportation options no longer feel safe, there are other options that might be available. SAFEwalk is one such option. All SAFEwalkers undergo training with UW Police and are able to assist in a variety of situations. Contact SAFEwalk at 608-262-5000 for a walk. Contact: Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program (608-890-3788) or Office of Student Assistance and Support (608-263-5700)

Office of International Faculty and Staff Services

(608-890-4586) | 702 Langdon Street, Suite 130, Madison, WI

The Office of International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) provides comprehensive assistance to the University of Wisconsin-Madison on all aspects of non-student immigration. The office acts as the liaison between the university and all government agencies involved in immigration matters, and assists both the institution and individuals in complying with immigration laws and regulations.

Off-Campus:

Pathways to Safety International

crisis@pathwaystosafety.org | Works with Americans in foreign countries who need domestic violence and child abuse advocacy and support, and provides resources and tools to navigate jurisdictional, legal and social international landscapes.

RISE Law Center

1245 E. Washington Ave #102, Madison, WI | A non-profit law office that provides culturally relevant legal representation in the following areas: family law, immigration law, civil injunctions/restraining orders, and immigration needs including U-Visas, T-Visas and VAWA self-petitions

UW-Madison does not provide legal assistance or attorneys, but there are legal resources available in the Madison community.

Legal Resources

Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic

(608-263-9574)

Offers legal services for survivors of intimate-partner violence in Dane, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk Counties.

Dane County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Unit

(608-266-9003) | 215 S. Hamilton St. #3000

Works with criminal cases that are referred to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Community Justice, Inc: Survivors Legal Program

(608-204-9642)

Offers pro bono, confidential legal services for those who have experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment. Survivors Legal Program is not associated with UW-Madison.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)

24-hour line: (608) 251-4445 or toll-free (800)747-4045

Works to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors and their families, and to change societal attitudes that perpetuate violence and the abuse of power. DAIS has a legal advocacy program for victims of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service

(800-362-9082)

Public service that helps identify the most appropriate resource for legal needs.

RISE Law Center

(608-256-1015) | 1245 E. Washington Ave #102, Madison, WI 53703 | info@riselawcenter.org 

A non-profit law office that provides culturally relevant legal representation in the following areas: family law, immigration law, civil injunctions/restraining orders, and immigration needs including U-Visas, T-Visas and VAWA self-petitions.

Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking are entitled to the following rights in UW-Madison Disciplinary Proceedings:

• Disciplinary proceedings that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and response
• Disciplinary proceedings that are conducted by panel members who receive annual training on the issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability
• The same opportunity to have others present throughout disciplinary proceedings as the accused, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by an advisor of their choice. UW-Madison will not limit the choice of advisor for either the victim or the accused in any meeting for disciplinary proceeding.
• Both parties shall be simultaneously informed, in writing, of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking; of the procedures for either party to appeal the outcome; of any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final; and of when such results become final. At no time can a victim be required to keep the outcome confidential, or be prohibited from discussing the case.
• Victims have equitable rights to the accused to appeal the outcome of a disciplinary proceeding
• Victims shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement
• Students and employees will be provided written notification about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services available to victims, both within the institution and in the community
• Victims shall be notified, in writing, of options for changing academic, transportation, work, living situations and protective measures
• Victims can obtain a free forensic exam from a Forensic Nurse Examiner without filing a police report or involving the police in any way. If additional treatment is sought, other hospital charges may apply
• For more information, visit UHS’s Rights for Victims webpage.

In addition to the rights given by federal and state law, UW-Madison is committed to ensuring that victims of violence also have the following rights:

• The right to a victim advocate of their choosing. (For additional information and resources about victim advocacy, services on campus, and in the community, see the UHS Victim Advocacy website.
• The right to access sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and pregnancy testing
• The right to be informed of and have access to their own medical, mental health, Forensic Nurse Examiner, campus disciplinary, and/or victim advocacy services
• The right to not be punished for underage drinking or personal drug use if reporting a sexual assault or other crime per UW–Madison’s Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence. Complainants and witnesses to incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence will not generally be issued citations or be subjected to disciplinary sanctions for conduct at or near the time of the incident that would violate University policies regarding alcohol or personal drug use unless the University determines that the violation of University policy exposed others to serious risks to their health and safety
• The right to have options for offering their testimony in a campus disciplinary hearing, including via phone or video conference
• UW-Madison will disclose to the victim of a crime of violence or sex-offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by UW-Madison against a student who is an alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, UW-Madison will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the next of kin of the victim, if requested in writing

When a student or employee victim reports to a university office or official who is not explicitly designated as confidential, UW-Madison takes every precaution to protect victim privacy and confidentiality by sharing information only with university officials who have a legitimate educational interest and/or those who need to know for the purposes of providing an institutional response.

In an effort to protect victim safety and privacy, UW-Madison maintains information about sexual violence in a secure manner. If the University has notice of an incident, UW-Madison will balance the victim’s request to keep identifying information confidential with Title IX’s mandate to investigate hostile environments.

To the extent permissible by law, UW-Madison will endeavor to keep victim and necessary party information private. However, once a report is made to the University, or the University has notice of an incident of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed unless that information is reported directly to one of the confidential resources listed.

UW-Madison will strive to maintain as confidential any supportive or protective measures provided to the victim, but keeping victim information confidential may limit UW-Madison’s ability to provide supportive or protective measures.

For victims aged 18 and older who report to non-confidential sources, reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking are directed to the Title IX Coordinator, who will share relevant information only with those who need to know, such as Deputy Title IX Coordinators, complaint investigators, and other individuals who are responsible for handling the school’s response to incidents, or as necessary to comply with the Wisconsin Public Records law, a valid subpoena, a lawful discovery request, or a governmental inquiry or investigation. UW-Madison follows applicable Title IX guidance and the requirements of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. s. 1232g, when evaluating whether to disclose student information. In the case of minors, UW-Madison employees must report child abuse to Child Protective Services or local law enforcement.

For Clery Act reporting and disclosures, a victim’s name or identifying information will never appear in a Crime Warning, on the Daily Crime Log or in the Annual Security Report. UW-Madison will redact a victim’s identifying information when responding to requests for information pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records law. The University also will not disclose identifiable information about research subjects if prohibited by an NIH-issued Certificate of Confidentiality, HIPAA regulations and state laws pertaining to the privacy of health information or promises of confidentiality made to research subjects pursuant to the federally required consent form and authorization form. UW-Madison must respond to valid subpoenas that are not prohibited by other applicable law, and may not be able to redact information when responding to a subpoena.

WHO Reports:

UW-Madison employees who have been identified as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) based on criteria provided by the U.S. Department of Education. CSAs are notified of their status.

WHAT to Report:

Certain crimes disclosed by anyone, regardless of when it occurred, if the crime occurred on-campus, on public property next to campus, on property owned or controlled by UW-Madison not near campus, or on property owned or controlled by a registered student organization

HOW to Report:

Use online report form and contact the Clery Program with questions

More Information:

UWPD: Clery Act webpage

WHO Reports:

All UW employees (no exceptions)

WHAT to Report:

A disclosure from a UW-Madison student that the student has been sexually assaulted; or witnessed a sexual assault of a student

HOW to Report:

Use online report form and the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program with questions

More Information:

Wisconsin Statues: Chapter 36

WHO Reports:

UW-Madison employees who have been identified as Responsible Employees (REs) in campus policy. REs are notified of their status

WHAT to Report:

A violation of the UW-Madison Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy (i.e. gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, related retaliation)

HOW to Report:

Use online report form and contact the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program with questions

More Information:

UW-Madison Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence