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Sexual Misconduct Abroad

Ohio State is committed to providing a living and study environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Other countries’ cultural norms surrounding gender roles and expectations are often different than those in the United States, and harassment may be particularly difficult to identify abroad. However, cultural sensitivity does not mean that you need to submit to behaviors that make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Educating yourself about sexual harassment, violence and gender dynamics abroad can empower you to engage in a safe international experience. Follow these guidelines:

  • Become educated beforehand about gender roles in the country you will be visiting.
  • Practice situational awareness and avoid traveling alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
  • Avoid meeting people you do not know in a non-public place or leaving a public place with someone you just recently met.
  • Consider the ways that friendship and dating might be understood differently in your host country; some cultures tend to mistake the friendliness of Americans as aggressive or romantic interest.
  • Do not accept drinks from people you do not know or trust; do not leave a drink unattended; stop drinking if there are sudden changes to the way your body feels.
  • Practice bystander intervention, if something does not look right or a travel companion appears at risk, step in.
  • Know your emergency resources including local 911 and hospital resources.

Though the above are helpful guidelines, sexual misconduct can still occur and is never the fault of those who are impacted. The university encourages those impacted by sexual misconduct to report to the Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRCO) even if the other individual is not affiliated with Ohio State. You can report three ways: 

  1. Online reporting form
  2. Email civilrights@osu.edu
  3. Call 614-247-5838

CRCO can provide options for support and resolutions as well as connecting you to law enforcement or other community-based resources. Visit the CRCO website for additional resources and view the Reporting and Resources Brochure for additional information. 

If you are encountering an environment of sexual harassment:

  • If the unwanted behavior is from a stranger, you should remove yourself from the environment, if possible.
  • If from a known acquaintance, you should be assertive and let the individual concerned know that his or her conduct is unwelcome and offensive to you.
  • Document what has happened in writing.
  • Report the situation to your program resident director or in-country contact. If you are uncomfortable discussing the situation with your resident director or host, contact your study abroad coordinator or the international risk manager.

Ohio State is committed to taking prompt and appropriate action in your support. 

You may also report to your program resident director or in-country staff and contact Global Health and Safety via the 24/7 International Emergency Phone Line at +1-614-292-6677. 

If you report an assault to Ohio State faculty or staff they should:

  • Inquire if you feel safe right now. If not, measures can be taken for your continued safety.
  • Inquire if you feel safe in the program or location. If not, measures can be taken for your continued safety.
  • Inquire if you need medical attention. The choice to seek medical assistance is entirely the decision of the survivor.
  • Inquire if you would like to call the police or local authorities.
  • Submit a report to CRCO. Faculty and staff have a duty to report sexual assault and may also be required to report other sexual misconduct to the Civil Rights Compliance Office. 

Three important considerations:

  • In some countries local program or medical staff may be legally obligated to notify local legal authorities of a known sexual assault.
  • If you plan to visit a hospital or legal authority, evidence may be collected. To preserve evidence, you are advised not to shower, douche, brush teeth, eat or drink. Do not wash any clothes you were wearing, the sheets or any other material that might contain evidence of the assault.
  • Some countries have laws against sexual intercourse outside of marriage that can even be applied to victims of sexual assault (U.S. Department of State resource can be consulted to determine if such laws are a concern.)

Under the university’s Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy, any Ohio State faculty or staff member that knows of a sexual assault is required to report the assault to the Civil Rights Compliance Office. Learn more about the employee duty to report on CRCO’s website. Although the employee may be required to report, the impacted party is not required to engage with CRCO unless they would like to learn more about reporting options, supportive measures, or resources.