Sexual Misconduct Abroad
Florida Atlantic University’s Title IX Policy Statement prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, whether on-campus or off-campus. Students studying abroad are covered under this policy and the procedures it provides. The University has resources and advocacy services available to students abroad. As the accessibility of resources and applicable local laws and policies vary abroad, Florida Atlantic University will work closely with the student to create a safe environment and prioritize supportive measures.
Florida Atlantic University is concerned about the safety and well-being of its students and about incident of sexual misconduct whether on- or off-campus. If you experience any type of sexual misconduct, please know that you have rights and support is available to you. If you are a survivor of sexual misconduct that occurred abroad, what happened was not your fault. We want you to know that you have options regarding how to respond, as well as how to begin the healing process.
Experiencing and processing sexual misconduct is difficult. It can be even more confusing and complicated if it occurs in another country or culture. Survivors often experience a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, and embarrassment. There is no one way to respond. Whatever you feel is the right response is normal. Determining what steps to take after a traumatic experience can be challenging, especially when you are far from home. The options listed below are just that: options.
Remember, you should control your own healing process. It should be your choice whether to seek help or share your experience with others (please see Sexual Misconduct Resources). Please read each option carefully and consider reaching to the FAU Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) or Candace Harrinarine, Victim Advocate at FAU at VictimServices@fau.edu. You may also reach out Florida Atlantic University’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) or call (561) 297-3004.
The resources below are listed for survivors who wish to learn about or utilize them. However, not all survivors of sexual misconduct need or seek immediate medical attention or are interested in reporting. Some survivors choose to conclude their abroad experience while others feel returning home is most beneficial to their recovery. The information and resources listed on this page are here to help you learn about all your options. If you have questions, please consider reaching out to discuss them further.
Assessing Safety
If your immediate safety is being threatened, please consider calling 911, your designated local emergency contact or the FAU University Police Department at (561) 297-3500. If you do not wish to notify the University Police or other law enforcement agencies, you may contact the Victim Advocate at (561) 297-0500 (24-hour line). You may report any sexual misconduct confidentially to the Victim Advocate and still receive assistance.
A safety plan, particularly in cases of relationship violence and stalking, can also be an important step towards safety. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. More information is available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Medical Attention
Go for immediate medical attention if you are injured. If you report a sexual assault to emergency medical personnel, they will call law enforcement. If you are the victim of sexual assault and go to the hospital, the local law enforcement agency will be called. A victim advocate should also be called in these circumstances.
Additional medical attention can be made available for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. This attention can be for physical, emotional, and sexual health needs, as well as to complete a forensic exam. Access to a forensic exam will vary depending on local resources.
Support from Florida Atlantic University
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident of sexual misconduct or the individuals involved, FAU has counselors and advocates to help you in the healing process. Support can be provided in a variety of ways, including connecting you to local resources abroad, Florida-based resources or FAU campus-based resources.
Under FAU’s Title IX Policy Statement, the University does not tolerate sexual misconduct of any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Such conduct violates the community values and principals of our institution and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and other community members. The FAU Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) exists to help students understand this policy, as well as their rights and options. Speaking with the CAPS staff is confidential. CAPS is not obligated to report your assault to FAU. CAPS staff can support you as you navigate the healing process.
Learn more about support resources
FAU’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) supports students, faculty, and staff who are impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Specifically, the OEI can help students who experience sexual misconduct:
- Connect with on-campus and off-campus resources, including medical, counseling, immigration, student financial aid, and legal resources;
- Request interim measures such as no-contact directives from the University, or housing, academic, working, or transportation accommodations
- File a report with the University and access the University’s Complaint Resolution Process, if desired.
File a report online using the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form or call OEI at (561) 297-3004.
If the person who may have engaged in sexual misconduct is a member of the Florida Atlantic community, then FAU has the ability to investigate and impose sanctions for any violations of our Title IX Policy Statement. Regardless of their identity, all survivors have access to the support of CAPS. However, FAU’s ability to investigate or adjudicate a complaint may be limited by the level of control it has over the learning environment and the person(s) involved. For example, if they are a member of the host university’s student body, enrolled in another school’s study abroad program or a third-party provider, FAU’s ability to investigate a situation or sanction an individual is limited, although we will work with the program provider or the host university to act. Furthermore, local laws and/or the policies of a host organization may further govern your legal options.
Florida Atlantic University encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the University Police or local law enforcement officials. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence crimes, and may lead to the arrest of an offender or aid in the investigation of other incidents. FAU can assist students in reporting sexual misconduct to the University Police, local law enforcement or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.