Reporting

You Have Options

Reporting to St. Mary’s College of Maryland

The College is strongly interested in supporting community members who experience Sex Discrimination. We encourage all individuals or third-party witnesses to report any incident to the College.

Making a report means telling someone in authority what happened — in person, by telephone, in writing, or by email. When a report is made, you do not have to decide whether to request any particular course of action nor do you need to know how to label what happened. Choosing to make a report, and deciding how to proceed after making the report, can be a process that unfolds over time. You can make a report here.

When you make a report to a mandatory reporter, the person you are speaking with is obligated to share the details of the situation with Title IX Coordinator, Michelle Carter. As described above, you are still in control of how you want to proceed.

Once a report has been made, you will be contacted by the Title IX Coordinator to discuss the report and discuss the next steps and supportive measures. You may initiate a complaint without first filing a report. Complaint means an oral or written request to the College that objectively can be understood as a request to investigate and make a determination about alleged Sex Discrimination. One option for submitting a written complaint is to use the electronic Complaint form that can be found here.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

The College encourages all individuals or third-party witnesses to report any incident of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic, or stalking to the College and local law enforcement. Reporting options are not mutually exclusive; you may pursue criminal charges and a campus process simultaneously. The Title IX Coordinator can work with you to discuss law enforcement options. Additionally, you may take a confidential resource or advocate for support if you decide to meet with law enforcement officers.

• Public Safety (240) 895-4911
• St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (301) 475-8008
• Maryland State Police, Leonardtown Barracks (301) 475-8955

 

Seeking Medical Assistance and Evidence Collection

The College urges you to seek medical assistance/care directly following an instance of sexual violence. A medical provider can provide emergency and/or follow-up medical services. Additionally, you can get a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE Exam) from a compassionate medical provider.

The SAFE Exam has two goals:

• • Diagnose and treat any injury or physical effect (including identifying and addressing any sexually transmitted infections, HIV, or pregnancy)
  • Properly collect and preserve evidence.

The SMCM Counseling Services staff therapist and advocates from the Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy may accompany you to the hospital. Any evidence will be held until you decide whether or not to press charges, and any information will be kept confidential until you wish to notify the College and/or the police.
Learn more about SAFE Exams here.