Luther College is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment where all members of its community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—are treated with respect and dignity. Therefore, the College will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form. Sexual Misconduct is not only an act against an individual; it is also an act that affects the entire Luther College community. Acts of sexual misconduct are inconsistent with our educational mission.
Many people who experience sexual and/or physical violence do not know where to turn for help or what steps to take. The choices about which options to explore rest with the victim, and those who experience sexual or physical violence should consider the following steps:
1. Contact local law enforcement (911). The Title IX Coordinator, Deans of Student Life, or another member of the Title IX Team can assist with contacting law enforcement if requested by the victim.
2. Seek immediate medical attention. Those who experience sexual and/or physical violence are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention at an area hospital or medical clinic, such as:
Winneshiek Medical Center (563) 382-2911
(SANE (Sexual Assault Nurses Exam) is free of charge within 5 days)
Riverview Center (sexual assault advocacy) (563) 380-3332
Helping Service (domestic and partner violence advocacy(563) 382-2988
Please be aware that hospital personnel may be obligated to contact proper authorities regarding reported violence. Although not obligated to do so, those who experience sexual and/or physical violence are highly encouraged to take advantage of victim’s services to help understand options for off-campus proceedings and receive additional support.
3. Preserve Evidence. In the event of a sexual assault, if at all possible, victims should not change clothes, shower, bathe, douche, defecate, or urinate prior to seeking medical attention. Emergency room personnel are trained to check for injuries and collect physical evidence. It is important to preserve evidence for the proof of a crime should victims decide to pursue charges through law enforcement. If victims have not changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with them to the hospital, if possible. A SANE nurse will likely keep the clothes victims are wearing as evidence. Do not disturb the scene—leave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear information for the police to collect. Victimsshould also consider preserving texts, emails, social media posts, or other documentation as evidence for either a College resolution process or law enforcement action.
4. Confidential Resources. If a Complainant would like support from confidential resources, the Complainant may speak with:
On-Campus Confidential Resources:
Health Service, X1045 located in Larsen Hall
Luther College Counseling Service, X1375 located in Larsen Hall
Campus Ministries, X1040 located in CFL
Off-Campus Confidential Resources:
Winneshiek Medical Center (563) 382-2911
(SANE exams covered free of charge within 5 days)
Riverview Center (sexual assault advocacy) (563) 380-3332
Helping Service (domestic and partner violence advocacy)(800-383-2988) 387-1720
National Confidential Helplines:
National Sexual Assault Helpline (800) 656-HOPE(4673)
National Resource Center for Domestic Violence (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386
Legal Resources:
Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence (515) 244-7424 Iowa Public Defender: (515) 242-6158
Iowa, through the office of the Crime Victims Assistance Division, recognizes how culture, language, race, trauma, and healing can intersect with victimization. Below you will find a list of cultural specific centers available in our state:
Amani Community Services
Services for African American Survivors
Crisis Line: (888) 983-2533
Office: (319) 232-5660
Website: www.amani-cs.org
Deaf Iowans Against Abuse (DIAA)
Services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind Survivors
Crisis Line - V/VP: (319 )531-7719
Crisis Line - Text ONLY: (515) 661-4015
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.diaaiowa.org
Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer (LUNA)
Bilingual services for Latina/o/x/e survivors.
Office: (515) 271-5060
Crisis Line: (866) 256-7668
Resources for Indigenous Survivors (RISE)
Services for Native women, children, and families
Crisis Line - Toll-Free: (855) 840-7362
Crisis Line - Call or Text: (641) 481-0334
Website: www.meskwaki.org/rise/
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
Services for Asian and Pacific Islander survivors
Crisis Line: (866) 881-4641
Iowa City Office: (319) 466-9000
Website: www.monsooniowa.org
Nisaa African Women's Project
Services for African Immigrants and Refugee communities
Crisis Line: (844) 269-6203
Iowa City Office: (319) 338-7617
Website: www.nisaa-afs.org
All of the above-listed organizations will maintain confidentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure, professional ethics, and/or professional credentials, except in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger or when required to disclose by law or court order.
Luther College Counseling Service (for students) and/or the Employee Assistance Program (for employees) are available to help free of charge and may be consulted on an emergency basis during normal business hours.