If you have experienced or think you have experienced sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct, help is available. What happened is not your fault. Where to go from here can seem unclear, but you have options. How you choose to handle what happened to you or receive help is your decision. There is no wrong way to take care of yourself.
Talking to someone could be a good start in taking that first step forward. The agencies referenced can provide the resources, advocacy, and support to help you through this, no matter how long that might take. Remember, you are not alone.
Types of Support
If you choose to speak to someone about sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct there are two types of resources available: confidential and other.
What Does This Mean?
Confidential resources, like counseling or victim advocacy services, are not required to report the incident to the police or the University. There are legal protections for the discussions you have with confidential resources. Other resources, such as professors, academic advisors, resident advisors, coaches, and supervisors, are legally obligated to report incidents of prohibited conduct to the University. Neither type of resource is better than the other. There is no right or wrong way to handle this.
If you do choose to speak to a UF-employee, what does that mean?
Professors, academic advisors, resident advisors, coaches, supervisors, and all of the non-confidential sources listed below must report prohibited conduct to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will then contact you offering a discussion of your options and the availability of support services and accommodations. It is your choice whether to discuss the incident with the Title IX Coordinator.
Whether or not you discuss the incident with the Title IX Coordinator, you still have the choice of whether or not to report to the police for criminal proceedings or to participate in the University's investigation. (For more information on the reporting process, see
I Want to Report an Incident.)