There are multiple ways to report potential violations of the Interpersonal Misconduct Policy. The University of Lynchburg encourages all individuals to report potential violations to the director of Title IX compliance and equal opportunity officer and, when such potential violations might constitute a crime, to report such conduct to law enforcement. Responsible employees are required to report potential violations to the director of Title IX compliance and equal opportunity officer.
To encourage a culture of voluntary reporting of potential violations of the Interpersonal Misconduct Policy, the University will not take disciplinary action for the personal use of drugs or alcohol when such personal use is disclosed by someone who reports potential violations or assists an investigation.
To report potential Interpersonal Misconduct Policy violations to the University of Lynchburg, please contact one or both of following offices:
- Emergency: Campus Safety and Security, first floor, Hall Campus Center, 434.544.5555 (emergency), 434.544.8102 (nonemergency)
- Nonemergency: Director of Title IX Compliance and Equal Opportunity Officer, 107 Hundley Hal, 434.544.8482, titleix@lynchburg.edu
Students can obtain confidential support services at the following locations on campus:
- Counseling Center, Hundley Hall, terrace level, 434.544.8616 (students only)
- Health Center, Hundley Hall, terrace level, 434.544.8357 (students only)
- Spiritual Life Center, 500 Brevard St., 434.544.8348 (students and employees)
The University of Lynchburg encourages, but does not require, complainants to make a report of alleged Prohibited Conduct to the director of Title IX compliance and equal opportunity officer and, when such Prohibited Conduct might constitute a crime, to report such conduct to law enforcement. A complainant may make a report to the Title IX director to discuss supportive measures and receive information about the process and a complainant’s rights in the process without filing a Formal Complaint. The filing of a Formal Complaint by the complainant starts the Formal Complaint Grievance Resolution Process. Assistance and support will be made available regardless of whether a complainant files a Formal Complaint of Prohibited Conduct or makes a report to law enforcement.
Complainants are strongly encouraged to preserve evidence for use in potential legal proceedings or in the Title IX investigation. Complainants should document the dates, times, witnesses, and any other relevant information about the incident. Complainants should also preserve clothing that was worn at the time of the assault and any electronic or other communications, including text messages, emails, social media postings, photographs, videos, and any other evidence (including evidence located on smartphones or mobile devices). In addition to addressing urgent medical needs, consultation with a medical provider immediately following an incident of Prohibited Conduct may be necessary to document and photograph medical injuries.
Complainants who have experienced sexual assault are encouraged to avoid showering, douching, changing clothes, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, throwing away sheets, eating, drinking, or doing anything that might destroy or alter evidence before a forensic exam may be completed by a medical professional. Forensic exams can be completed and performed at no charge and with no obligation to file a criminal complaint.
The safety and well-being of the complainant should be the first priority following an incident of Prohibited Conduct. Individuals who have experienced Prohibited Conduct are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention through the following resources:
Students may seek medical attention on campus during regular business hours:
- University of Lynchburg Health Center, Hundley Hall, terrace level,
434.544.8357, lynchburg.edu/student-life/health-and-counseling/health-center
Students may seek medical attention through off campus medical providers and resources, including the following:
- Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department, 1901 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501, 434.200.5000 (Emergency medical and mental health treatment and forensic examinations)
- Free Clinic of Central Virginia, 1016 Main St., Lynchburg, VA 24504, 434.847.5866
- Free Clinic at the Community Health Center, 800 5th St. (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), Lynchburg, VA 24504, 434.847.5866
In addition to treating physical injuries, medical providers can also help document and preserve evidence that can be useful if a complainant later pursues legal action or remedies through Title IX.
Complainants or other persons may notify, or decline to notify, law enforcement authorities of Prohibited Conduct. The Lynchburg Police Department may be contacted at the following:
- Lynchburg Police Department
- 911 (emergency)
- 434.847.1602 (nonemergency)
- 905 Court St.
- Lynchburg, VA 24504
Reports of Prohibited Conduct may be made to law enforcement even if the complainant does not wish to pursue criminal charges (although an investigation might not proceed without participation by the complainant). Moreover, a report to law enforcement may be made instead of, in addition to, or simultaneously with a report to the director of Title IX compliance and equal opportunity officer.