CASA 

Reporting Options and Confidentiality

What happens if I make a report to Public Safety or other campus authorities?

·     The primary concern of any staff member that you speak with will be to ensure that you are safe, and that your needs (physical, emotional, or other) are met.  Depending on your situation, we may recommend that you get medical care and/or speak with a counselor.  The choice is yours, however.  Should you choose to access these resources, a staff member can accompany you.

If you choose to make a report to Public Safety, you can either file an anonymous report, or you can file a formal complaint.

·     You can anonymously report a sexual assault to Public Safety (this means you never give your name).  Public Safety will review your rights and options so you can decide whether or not to make a formal complaint.  A full investigation of the assault will not be conducted if you file an anonymous report.  You can always choose to file a formal complaint at a later date.

·     You can choose to make a report, in which case an officer will take your statement.  The officer will also review your options, and you can choose to whether or not you would like to continue in the process.  If not, public safety will not investigate further and no more action will be taken.  However, should you choose to continue with the process of filing a formal complaint, either with Wentworth or the Boston Police Department, public safety and members of the Dean of Student’s office will walk you through the steps and provide support.

·     There is no time-limit for reporting; as long as you are a Wentworth student, you can file a report with Public Safety.  However, filing sooner may give you more options in the future.

How will my confidentiality be maintained?

·     We understand the importance of confidentiality in situations of sexual assault, and we take it very seriously.  We will work to ensure that only those staff members that can be most helpful to you will be informed.  It is important that you feel comfortable with the process, and that you have as much control as possible over what happens.

·     In instances where there is a risk of imminent harm to you or other members of the Wentworth community, the Institute has a legal and ethical responsibility to take steps to ensure the safety of the community.  Any and all actions taken by the Institute, including the release of a possible warning to the community will be designed to protect anonymity.