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Help is Available

If you or someone you know experiences sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation or sexual violence) or interpersonal misconduct (e.g., domestic violence, dating violence or stalking), self-care should be a first priority.

At Drake, we have resources and support available to help you or someone you know obtain necessary self-care and access to institutional and community resources.

Each survivor reacts to sexual and interpersonal misconduct in their own unique way. Past experiences, culture, and context of the survivor’s life may affect these reactions. Some express their emotions while others prefer to keep their feelings inside. Some may tell others right away what happened, others may wait weeks, months, or even years before discussing the assault, if they ever choose to do so. It is important to respect each person’s choices and style of coping with this traumatic event.

Reactions may include

  • Guilt, shame, self-blame
  • Embarrassment
  • Fear, distrust
  • Sadness
  • Vulnerability
  • Isolation
  • Lack of control
  • Anger
  • Numbness
  • Confusion
  • Shock
  • Disbelief

  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use or abuse
  • Phobias
  • Low self esteem
  • Post-Traumatic Stress
  • Disorder
  • Panic attacks

  • Changes in eating or sleeping
  • Concerns over physical safety
  • Physical injury
  • Concerns about pregnancy or contracting an STI or HIV

Impact on Significant Others

Sexual and interpersonal violence can affect parents, friends, roommates, partners, children, spouses, and/or coworkers of the survivor. As they try to make sense of what happened, significant others may experience similar reactions and feelings to those of the survivor. Fear, guilt, self-blame, and anger are but a few reactions they may experience. In order to best support the survivor, it is important for those close to them to get support. Local social services providers offer free confidential services to those affected by sexual violence.

*Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Supportive Measures

The University will work cooperatively with any student to promote their health, well-being, and physical safety, and to make available accommodations within the educational, living, and/or work environment. These supportive measures can be requested regardless of whether an individual makes a formal University complaint or contacts law enforcement. The Title IX Coordinator can assist with providing supportive measures once they are notified of the situation.

For example, changes to academic, living, transportation, and/or working situations may be requested and will be arranged if reasonably available. In addition, counseling, advocacy, health services, referral for disability services, and assistance in notifying appropriate local law enforcement can be coordinated, if desired. Finally, safety planning can be discussed, including University no-contact or no-trespass orders.

These measures may be available through the Title IX Coordinator under any of the following circumstances:

  • While you are considering your options
  • When you have decided not to file a University complaint or criminal charges, but still could use assistance
  • While a University or criminal investigation is ongoing
  • After a University or criminal adjudication has occurred and you continue to be a Drake student

Supportive measures are not sanctions. Sanctions can only be issued through the Student Code of Conduct or other formal University complaint resolution process. 

Iowa Crime Victim Compensation

Iowa law offers financial compensation for individuals who have experienced physical or emotional injury from a violent crime such as sexual assault or domestic/dating violence.  The program may help you with some out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the crime and assist in finding other resources to help you.

Apply for Assistance

Some of the expenses that an individual may seek to cover through the Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program include (but are not limited to):

  • Lost wages due to injuries or judicial proceedings
  • Medical or dental expenses (without notification of family for insurance purposes)
  • Counseling expenses (through a counselor of your choice)
  • Child or dependent care expenses
  • Transportation or mileage (to court proceedings or medical and counseling appointments, for example)
  • Emergency relocation
  • Replacement of clothes or bedding held as evidence

When applying for assistance, you will be asked whether you filed a report—please do not let this prevent you from completing the application. Filing a report with either Drake Public Safety or the police is sufficient; otherwise, if you do not feel safe or prepared to file a report, you can still apply and will have the opportunity to explain your situation.