Civil
Protective order – An emergency or protective order shall be based on a showing
of an apparent case of violence.
• Assistance can be provided in completion of order
• Emergency order is valid for no more than 72 hours, at which time a temporary order can be sought
• Temporary order is valid for no more than 15 days, during which time a hearing will be held to prove case of violence in effort to extend the order
Legal representation
• Court appointed attorney
o Right to seek assistance from courts, if you are not financially able to pay cost
o Right to file criminal charges for threats, assaults, or other related crimes
o Right to seek restitution against offender for harm to yourself or your property
o Right to request officer remain present at the scene until yours and others safety is ensured.
o Right to request officer remain present to assist with obtaining transportation to the nearest hospital for medical treatment, or assist you with getting there
While reporting to the police does not require a victim to file criminal charges against an alleged offender, it does allow an immediate report of events to be taken and to be on file in case charges are filed at a later date.
Since some types of sexual misconduct and violent offenses are criminal acts, individuals who are made aware of sexual misconduct or acts of violence are strongly encouraged to contact law enforcement:
(a) If the incident occurred on University of Iowa property, call the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety at (319) 335-5022.
(b) If the incident occurred in Iowa City, call the Iowa City Police Department at (319) 356-5275.
(c) If the incident occurred in Coralville, call the Coralville Police Department at (319) 248-1800.
(d) If the incident occurred in another area of Johnson County, call the Johnson County Sheriff's Department at (319) 356-6020.
A student can make a formal complaint about sexual misconduct to the
University administration by contacting the UI Sexual Misconduct Response
Coordinator at (319) 335-6200.
(a) Students may make a complaint about sexual misconduct by another student, a faculty member, or a staff member by contacting the UI Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator (335-6200).
(b) A student may need support when talking with law enforcement or University administrators. Students are entitled to be assisted by a certified victim advocate at every stage of the process and are encouraged to consult with the victim advocate and bring the victim advocate to meetings.
(c) There is no time limit on making a complaint to University administration. However, students are strongly encouraged to report incidents of, or share information about, sexual misconduct as soon as possible after the incident occurred. The University may ultimately be unable to adequately investigate if too much time has passed or if an accused individual has left the University. Other factors that could negatively affect the University's ability to investigate include the loss of physical evidence (e.g., prompt medical examinations are critical to preserving the physical evidence of sexual assault), the potential departure of witnesses, or loss of memory.
Confidentiality/Protection
Confidential assistance and advocacy is available for students who have experienced sexual misconduct, unwelcome sexual behavior or other acts of physical violence.
A student may receive assistance from a certified victim advocate by calling RVAP at (319) 335-6000 or DVIP (319) 351-1043. Trained advocates staff this phone number 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Although RVAP's formal name is the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, a student does not need to be a rape victim to use its services, and those services are available to men and women alike. Certified victim advocates are trained to assist victims of sexual misconduct and will speak with the student confidentially as the student considers options. They can help a student identify other sources of emotional and physical support. They can provide counseling and also assist the student in understanding the student's rights and reporting options. The University encourages all students who believe they may have been victims of sexual misconduct to contact RVAP and seek the assistance of an advocate.
Victim advocates have special training in working with law enforcement. The advocates at RVAP (24-hour crisis line, 335-6000) or DVIP (319) 351-1043 can help a student make an appointment with a law enforcement officer to discuss options, and a student can request that a victim advocate accompany him or her at the meeting. At a student's request, the Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator will also assist students in reporting to or filing a complaint with law enforcement.
Protection against retaliation. The University of Iowa prohibits retaliatory action against any person filing a complaint of sexual misconduct or against any person cooperating in the investigation of any charge of sexual misconduct (see II-11 Anti-Retaliation). This includes any form of intimidation, threats, or harassment. Acts of retaliation constitute a violation of University policy and of the Code of Student Life and will result in disciplinary action. Retaliation should be reported to the Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator.
