{"id":820,"date":"2022-11-01T09:26:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T13:26:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/?page_id=820"},"modified":"2025-01-14T15:00:47","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T20:00:47","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Below are commonly asked questions about support, resources, and resolution processes available through the Title IX Office. If you have additional questions, please reach out<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may also be helpful to review our Glossary of Title IX Terms<\/a> for definitions of words used throughout our policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going to the Hospital<\/h3>
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Seeking medical support is an important and sometimes time-sensitive step following sexual assault or physical violence. This section includes information on SAFE exams, local hospitals, and what to expect if you seek medical care following an assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Why would someone need to go to the hospital?<\/a><\/h5>
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Instances of sexual violence or intimate partner violence may require medical attention. In many cases, it\u2019s important to seek some level of medical attention in order to be checked and treated for possible injuries, as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Health care providers can also provide emergency contraceptives. When seeking support outside of the hours of Bates Health Services, (9am-5pm during the academic year), students may consider visiting the Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) or St Mary\u2019s Regional Medical Center Emergency Departments. Note that Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners are available at CMMC to perform forensic exams and collect physical evidence for future use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Which hospital should I go to? How will I get there?<\/a><\/h5>
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Bates College is located within a 1 mile distance from both Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) and St. Mary\u2019s Regional Medical Center. While both hospitals can provide appropriate medical treatment, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners are more readily available at CMMC to perform forensic exams and collect physical evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campus Safety can provide transportation to students to either emergency department upon request for a SAFE exam.  The ResLife Coordinator on Call can also help you request a ride to the hospital. To contact Campus Safety or a Reslife Coordinator on Call, call Campus Safety at 207-786-6254. Please note that disclosure to a staff member of the college will trigger a report to the Title IX Coordinator. In response, the only thing that will happen is you will receive an email from the Title IX Coordinator offering support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What do I ask for when I get to the ER?<\/a><\/h5>
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Disclosure of sexual violence or intimate partner violence can be made at any point during treatment and whenever the patient feels comfortable enough to do so. It\u2019s also okay to say you aren\u2019t sure what treatment you need. If you want a physical exam that documents and records evidence of a sexual assault, you should ask for a SAFE exam (more information below).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What is a SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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Sexual Assault Forensic Exams, or SAFE Exams, are used for the medical diagnosis and  treatment of someone who has experienced sexual assault. SAFE exams also collect DNA samples from your body, clothing, or other personal belongings that can be later used as evidence. Consenting to a SAFE exam does not mean you have to report your assault. SAFE exams are also free of cost and are not billed to insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are considering a SAFE exam, you should not shower, change your clothing, brush your teeth, or do anything else that may compromise physical evidence before going to the hospital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Who performs my SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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SAFE exams can be performed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who have been specially trained to administer SAFE exams and interact with patients who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. These providers are also competent in serving as expert or fact witnesses in court. In addition to the medical provide performing the exam, an advocate from Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services<\/a> (SAPARS) will also be called to accompany and support the patient throughout the process. This person is confidential, and patients always have the option to use them or not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How long will a SAFE exam take?<\/a><\/h5>
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They can be as short as a patient wants, or as extensive as the patient will allow. Patients can refuse any part of the exam, and are in no way required to do any parts of it. The exam can be very intrusive and difficult to do. But, providers are aware of how difficult the exams are and work with the patient to provide compassionate care. The average length of a comprehensive exam is about three hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What if some parts of the SAFE exam make me uncomfortable?<\/a><\/h5>
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A patient may consent to some, all, or any parts of a SAFE Exam. In addition, consent can be revoked at any point during the exam. The exam can be done in almost any order to accommodate the patient\u2019s comfort as much as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Will there be a police presence at my SAFE exam? Do I need to talk to them?<\/a><\/h5>
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Hospitals are required to inform police when a SAFE exam is requested, and an officer will respond to the ER in case the patient would like to file a police report. Patients should never be forced to interact with police if they have not explicitly asked or agreed to speak with them, and law enforcement should not be present in the exam room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Can someone come with me? Can I have someone there during a SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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An advocate from Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services can be called to accompany and support the patient throughout the process. This person is confidential, and patients always have the option to utilize them or not. If you would like an advocate present, please ask for one! You can also call Campus Safety and ask to speak to the Coordinators on Call. They can contact the SAVA, who may be available to attend the SAFE exam with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to bring a friend, you should also ask the person checking you in at the hospital. You may be permitted one person in the room with you during the exam, but please note that any individual present in the room during a SAFE exam may be called as a witness during legal proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that hospital policies around visitors may differ depending on the hospital and current public health conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Who can guide me through this process? Why would I want an advocate present for a SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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An advocate from a local advocacy group like SAPARS (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services) can listen compassionately, provide emotional support, and talk about options. They can also assist with navigating complex systems and can answer questions about the SAFE exam process, as well as provide support throughout the exam experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>I don\u2019t think I want a SAFE exam, should I still go to the hospital?<\/a><\/h5>
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Sexual assault and violence can affect affect your physical health, and it\u2019s possible that you could have trauma or injuries that aren\u2019t immediately visible. Seeking medical treatment after an assault is important and can help you access necessary treatment for any injuries, as well as preventative treatments for STIs and emergency contraception.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Is there a time limit on how soon I need to get to an ER?<\/a><\/h5>
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The sooner the better. In most cases, DNA evidence needs to be collected within 72 hours in order to be analyzed by a crime lab. However, a SAFE exam can reveal other forms of evidence beyond this time frame that can be useful if you decide to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For emergent medical concerns, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is true for SAFE exams as well, and it\u2019s best to seek an exam within 72 hours of the incident. However, new recommendations for modified exams allow for exams up to 5-7 days post assault. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How long will the visit to the ER take?<\/a><\/h5>
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Your ER visit may vary based on your medical needs, as well as the status of the ER in the moment. Some visits may be shorter, while others may take a few hours. On average, SAFE Exams take three hours to complete in full \u2013 not including time you may need to wait before beginning the exam.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How will I pay for a SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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Whether or not the assault is reported, the patient and their insurance companies cannot <\/strong>be billed for the sexual assault forensic exam (it is against the law). The Violence Against Women Act requires states to provide sexual assault forensic exams free of charge if they wish to remain eligible for critical anti-crime grant funding. If you are charged for the exam, immediately contact your local sexual assault service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have concerns about your insurance being charged, or about payment for additional services (ex: x-rays or CT scans), you should share these concerns with the individual checking you in at the hospital. The Maine Crime Victims\u2019 Compensation Fund<\/a> can assist with paying for additional costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Does this show up on my health insurance?<\/a><\/h5>
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SAFE Exams are never billed to insurance and will be logged on paper records. Anything in addition to what is included in the SAFE Exam box will be done separately from the kit, and will use an electronic medical record. Billing will use standard protocols for each specific injury, and should never <\/strong>mention a forensic kit whatsoever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What can I expect in terms of future medical care?<\/a><\/h5>
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Follow up for any medical issues that were addressed outside of the SAFE Exam kit will be done via standard protocol for that specific injury. There will be no notation of a kit in any electronic medical records, so the injuries will be treated and followed up on according to the specific injury, and completely independent from the kit. Any follow-up from the SAFE Exam will be done by the SAFE examiner who worked with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also consider sharing basic information regarding your assault with future medical providers. This may allow you to have conversations with your provider about your needs during physical exams, such as announcing what they are doing before they do it, proceeding slowly, or taking breaks. Recognizing that there can be long-term physical and mental health needs associated with sexual assault or violence, it may be helpful for your physician to know about your history, so that they can better diagnose and and treat other symptoms or conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Filing a Police Report<\/h3>
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In addition to Bates support services, Bates community members also have the option to file a police report. This section includes information about reporting to law enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What are the steps of a law enforcement process?<\/a><\/h5>
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Law enforcement processes following assault or violence typically include an initial report, followed by a recorded interview, investigation, decisions regarding prosecution, and, if applicable, a trial. This process may take as long as two years. You may also file for a Protection Order, which is separate from criminal prosecution. Protection Orders require a hearing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>If I don\u2019t go to the police, should I still save any evidence that I have?<\/a><\/h5>
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Yes. Any evidence that is collected can be helpful in building a case or reporting evidence. Saving evidence also provides you with the flexibility to explore reporting options through Bates or through the police later on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How long do I have to make a police report?<\/a><\/h5>
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Time limits for reporting are often referred to as \u201cstatute of limitations.\u201d In the state of Maine, the statue of limitation for sexual assault can range from 3-20 years<\/a> depending on the type of assault or act of violence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Will I see police officers at the hospital if I get a SAFE exam?<\/a><\/h5>
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Probably. Hospitals are required to inform police when a SAFE exam is requested, and an officer will respond to the ER in case the patient would like to file a police report. Patients should never be forced to interact with police if they have not explicitly asked or agreed to speak with them, and law enforcement should not be present in the exam room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How long does the average criminal case take from start to finish?<\/a><\/h5>
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Working through a lawsuit may take weeks, months, or even years. The average criminal case may take up to two years to complete from start to finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Reporting<\/h3>
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Bates community members have access to a variety of resources provided by the college and within the community. When reporting, individuals may also be able to access information regarding the college\u2019s policies and procedures and other support services, including supportive measures or other remedies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Who do I speak to with questions about the Title IX process?<\/a><\/h5>
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With questions about anything related to the Title IX process, reach out to Gwen Lexow<\/a> or the CRA<\/a>. If you would like to speak confidentially, reach out to the CRA. If you wish, you can also ask questions or have a conversation with Gwen without submitting a formal report or identifying yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>How do I file a formal complaint with the College (a Title IX complaint)?<\/a><\/h5>
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To file a formal complaint, which triggers the start of the formal resolution process (described below), reach out to the Title IX Coordinator, Gwen Lexow<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Can I report something without the person who harmed me finding out? (What’s the difference between a report and a formal complaint?)<\/a><\/h5>
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If you only want to share what has happened to you with the Title IX Office, but not <\/em>begin a resolution process (which notifies the other person(s) involved), you can file a report. A report allows you to share your experience with the Title IX Office, and receive support. A formal complaint will trigger a resolution process to begin, which notifies the other person(s) involved that the process has been initiated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>What happens when a third party reports something to the Title IX Office?<\/a><\/h5>
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Whenever a report comes into the Title IX Office, the most important priority is ensuring the person who has experienced harm is getting support. If the report contains the name of this person, Gwen Lexow will reach out to them via email to offer support. The email will have the subject \u201cOffer of Assistance,\u201d and it is up to the recipient to respond to the email or not. The Title IX Office will not <\/em><\/strong>initiate an investigation or alert the alleged respondent unless there is a threat of extreme danger to the community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Can I report to just the college, just the police, or both?<\/a><\/h5>
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You can do any combination of these. You have the option to report to as many entities as you wish. The Lewiston Police Department and the Bates Title IX Office work independently, so you may choose to report to one or both. The Title IX Office will only involve law enforcement after receiving a report if there is a threat of extreme danger to the community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Can I report something anonymously?<\/a><\/h5>
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Yes, anonymous reporting is available through an outside portal, EthicsPoint. To access the Bates anonymous reporting form, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Support & Resources<\/h3>
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Support is available in many forms for any Bates community member who has experienced bias, harassment, discrimination, or violence. This section includes information about support on-campus and off-campus, in particular for those who have experienced sexual violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

+<\/span>Who can I speak with on campus for support?<\/a><\/h5>
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Confidential Resources <\/strong>(not required to report a disclosure to the TItle IX Office)<\/p>\n\n\n\n