Support Groups at the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center WE CARE ABOUT YOU. Therapy and Support Groups To learn more about The CARE Center individual therapy services, Call Us Email Us Whether your experience happened recently, years ago, or as a child, it’s never too late to get the help and support you need. Therapy can be a helpful resource and a tool for healing. Individual Therapy The CARE Center therapists provide trauma-informed , specialized support to people of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse. All services are completely free-of-charge and confidential . Since everyone’s experience is unique and everyone needs something different, The CARE Center therapy services are flexible and individualized. When working with The CARE Center therapists, the following options are available: You can learn about how trauma affects the brain and the body. You can learn about symptoms and gain coping skills for managing them. Therapists offer a safe and understanding place for you to process your feelings, whatever they may be. Therapy can be short term crisis intervention or you can choose to continue therapy for up to a year. You are allowed to bring a support person along. Therapists often coordinate with other mental health providers to make sure you are getting wrap-around services. Individual therapy is also available to the friends, family, and loved ones of victims and survivors. Child and Family Therapy The CARE Center provides therapy to children and adolescents. Often a child or youth feels anxious about starting therapy and it is helpful to inform them that they have the choice to decide whether they want therapy, and if it is the right fit. Child clients will not be expected to recount details of the abuse; instead, therapy often focuses on addressing emotional and psychological distress through increased ability to identify and communicate feelings, development of coping skills, increase in self-esteem, and strengthening family cohesion. The treatment plan and goals for therapy are developed based on the youth’s specific symptoms and needs, as the focus. A few therapeutic modalities utilized are Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art, and Bibliotherapy. Also, youth typically receive education around the neurobiology of trauma, boundaries, and consent- among other topics. When a child or teen discloses sexual abuse it is typically quite distressing to the adult caregiver in their life. Any connected loved ones are considered a ‘secondary survivor’ and are also eligible to receive therapy through the CARE Center. Secondary survivors’ best method of support for child clients is to listen in a non-judgmental manner, without pushing for details. Each person has their own individual perceptions and needs regarding who to disclose to, and how much information to share- respecting this boundary is key to helping child clients gain a sense of control. Support Groups The CARE Center currently offers support groups in Douglas, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties. Groups are free and confidential. Facilitated by the Support Group Coordinator, groups focus on cultivating a trauma-informed safe space for peers to support and believe one another and to develop anxiety soothing skills. To learn more about joining a support group, please call 785-843-8985 . Open Support Groups: The CARE Center is not currently hosting in-person support groups. Updates will be provided as soon as they are available. Therapy and Support Group FAQs What can therapy or support groups offer me? Counseling and support groups can help in a variety of ways. It can help to reduce shame and guilt by understanding that the assault or abuse was not your fault. Our counselors can help process your feelings of confusion or anxiety. Counseling and support groups also offer education on how trauma affects the brain and the body. You can learn about your symptoms and gain coping skills for managing them. Many people find a benefit in having a dedicated, private place to talk to someone about their experiences that is separate from their workplace or home life. Will I have to relive or retell my experiences? No. At The Care Center, you will NOT be asked to relive the assault during the counseling process, as that is unnecessary and can be re-traumatizing. Instead, your counselor will teach you skills designed to help you stabilize and heal. For those filling out intake forms for counseling, there are some questions related to your experience, but they are completely optional. Are the CARE Center therapists mandated reporters? While our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, our Counseling staff are mandated reporters for instances of abuse or neglect with children under the age of 18, adults over the age of 60, or a person with a disability. This is typical of licensed mental health professionals and is always discussed within the first meeting. It is important to note that while our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, there are certain circumstances in which we may feel the need to make a report. This is always communicated before a report of any kind is made however. The Care Center Advocates and Therapists are not Title IX mandated reporters for schools or universities.

Reporting and Protection Orders - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center Reporting and Protection Orders Kinds of Reporting It is your decision whether or not you want to make a police report. You know what is best for you. The CARE Center can be there every step of the way no matter what you decide to do. If you want to make a police report, there are two different options: criminal and informational. A criminal report opens an investigation and a forensic evidence collection exam can be part of this process. Law enforcement will want to interview you and you may have to repeat your story several times. This can be very difficult and re-traumatizing for anyone, but a CARE Center Advocate can be there to support you during a law enforcement interview upon request. An informational report is a written report made to law enforcement that does not open a criminal investigation. Not every incident is eligible for an informational report. For more information on informational reporting, please call our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985 . It’s normal for survivors to worry about reporting to law enforcement. Many people have questions and serious concerns about issues related to their assault, such as alcohol, drug use or immigration status. If you would like someone to talk to about these concerns, Advocates are always available and provide nonjudgmental supportive counseling on our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985 . Protection Orders Protection orders, more commonly referred to as ‘restraining orders,’ are for individuals who want to prevent further harm from their abuser/perpetrator/attacker/stalker/etc. They are a civil order which is free to file, but requires at least one court appearance. It is possible to file a protection order on behalf of your minor child/children. It is important to note that it is up to the discretion of judges as to whether or not protection orders will be granted. In Kansas, if granted, protection orders provide one year of protection and there are situations in which they can be extended. In Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, there are two different types of protection orders which you may file: Protection from Abuse (PFA) : Protection against an individual with whom you may have either lived with, have a child in common with, or are/have been in a dating relationship with. Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking (PFSSAHT) : protection against an individual who does not meet the criteria of a PFA (e.g. a neighbor, co-worker, friend, acquaintance, etc.), but whom has been causing harm to you or your minor child/children. You can access the online applications for a PFA or PFSSAHT by clicking here to visit the Kansas Judicial Council website . You can also access these forms at the Clerk’s Office at the district courthouse in your county. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or confused about this paperwork and you may have questions about which protection order fits your situation best. While not able to give legal advice, Advocates at The CARE Center are available to provide support and assistance with protection orders and answer questions about the process. To contact an Advocate please call our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985 . Can I make a report at my school, college, or university? Yes. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and it offers protections for female, male, and gender non-conforming students, faculty, and staff who have experienced sexual violence. Each school, college, and university has its own reporting process and campus-specific services. What is Title IX? Title IX in High School Title IX in Colleges/Universities Are The CARE Center Advocates mandated reporters? While our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, our Counseling staff are mandated reporters. This is typical of licensed mental health professionals and is always discussed within the first meeting. It is important to note that while our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, there are certain circumstances in which we may feel the need to make a report. This is always communicated before a report of any kind is made. WE CAN HELP. The CARE Center offers 24/7 Support. Email Us Call Us

Learn how to contact the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. WE'RE ONLY A CLICK AWAY. Contact Us Call Us Email Us This agency, along with the Office of the Attorney General, is interested in improving services to victims in the state of Kansas. If you have any suggestions or complaints about the services provided to you and wish to share them with the Office of the Attorney General, please call 1-800-828-9745 . The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you feel you have been discriminated against while receiving services from The CARE Center please contact one of the following to file a complaint: Kansas Governor’s Grant Program 900 SW Jackson St Landon State Office Building, Room 304N Topeka, KS 66612 785.291.3205 Fax: 785.291.3204 Kansas Human Rights Commission 900 Jackson Topeka, KS 66612 785.296.3206 Fax: 785.296.0589 US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 4th & State Avenue, 9th floor Kansas City, KS 66101 800.669.4000 Fax: 913.551.6957

Learn about the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center in Lawrence, KS ANSWERING THE CALL SINCE 1972. The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center Started in 1972 as the first rape crisis center in Kansas, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center promotes a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to people of all ages and genders affected by sexual trauma & abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. We are Always Here. The CARE Center is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to our clients. Call us for 24/7 support at 785-843-8985 . Learn More Our Services All of our services, including counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education are 100% free of charge. No proof of insurance or documentation status is required. Services can also be accessed at any time in a survivor’s life, regardless of when a traumatic event has occurred. We’re always here. THERAPY AND SUPPORT GROUPS Learn More 24/7 ADVOCACY AND RESPONSE Learn More LAWRENCE ORDINANCE AND SAFE BAR ALLIANCE TRAINING Learn More PREVENTION AND EDUCATION Learn More After experiencing sexual trauma or abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do. There are many options available and you get to make the decision that feels best to you. You are not alone and The CARE Center is here to help. You can explore our website for more information and resources and an Advocate is always available at 785-843-8985 . Safely Exit OUR MISSION About Us The mission of The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center is to promote a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. The CARE Center envisions a community free of sexual trauma & abuse while supporting healing for survivors. Learn More WE BELIEVE YOU. Your Healing Comes First We are rooted in the community. Since 1972, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center has provided support for victims and survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. We were born out of grassroots efforts as the first rape crisis center in Kansas and one of the first centers in the U.S. The CARE Center is dedicated to serving people of all ages and genders, being an innovative leader in the field of sexual assault support and prevention, and continuing to promote a culture of consent here in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties and beyond. We envision a community free of sexual trauma & abuse. Our work is grounded in a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. We’re dedicated to ensuring both the safety and agency of our clients. We take our clients’ lead and are prepared to provide a range of services to meet an individual’s needs. Since everyone’s experience is unique, our services are flexible and individualized to best serve our clients. We are dedicated to providing free, confidential, and accessible services. The CARE Center is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to our clients. All of our services, including counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education are 100% free of charge. No proof of insurance or documentation status is required. Services can also be accessed at any time in a survivor’s life, regardless of when a traumatic event has occurred. We’re always here.

Resources at The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center HELP IS HERE. Resources Local Resources A stronger, more resilient community that benefits everyone can be created by using the various resources of partner agencies. By working together, the duplication of effort can be avoided, resource allocation can be optimized, and adjustments can be made to changing conditions more effectively. Children's Advocacy Center The Willow Domestic Violence Center DCCCA,Inc. KSPHQ- Headquarters Counseling Center Heartland Community Health Center Kansas Resources Kansas 211 Have questions about community resources throughout Kansas? Call 2-1-1 or visit their website for quick, helpful answers on support with after-school programs, senior care, food pantries & much more. KCSDV.org Not in Douglas, Franklin or Jefferson County? This map from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence will get you connected to the sexual assault and domestic violence agencies in your area. National Resources National Sexual Assault Online Hotline /Línea de Ayuda Nacional Online del Asalto Sexual Online Support for Male Survivors: 1 in 6 StrongHearts Native Helpline Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline The National Domestic Violence Hotline Teen Dating Violence Online Support National Suicide Prevention Lifeline /Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio Online Support for LGBTQ Youth: Ask for Help Trans Lifeline

Resources at the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center HELP IS HERE. Resources Kansas Resources Kansas 211 Have questions about community resources throughout Kansas? Call 2-1-1 or visit their website for quick, helpful answers on support with after-school programs, senior care, food pantries & much more. KCSDV.org Not in Douglas, Franklin or Jefferson County? This map from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence will get you connected to the sexual assault and domestic violence agencies in your area. National Resources National Sexual Assault Online Hotline /Línea de Ayuda Nacional Online del Asalto Sexual Online Support for Male Survivors: 1 in 6 StrongHearts Native Helpline Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline The National Domestic Violence Hotline Teen Dating Violence Online Support National Suicide Prevention Lifeline /Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio Online Support for LGBTQ Youth: Ask for Help Trans Lifeline

Going to the Hospital - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Going to the Hospital One option that might be available is getting a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). Another name for the SAFE exam is a “kit”. The SAFE exam collects evidence for a potential investigation administered by specially trained nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. In Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, the SAFE exam is available to people of all genders and anyone aged 14 and up. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners are specially trained to collect and record evidence of sexual assault but also offer medical care, with special attention to injury, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease. Email Us Call Us Is the SAFE Exam Time Sensitive? Yes. The recommended time to do a SAFE exam is within 72 hours of the assault, but in some cases the SAFE exam can be done up to 5 days. Not sure if you qualify? Contact an Advocate from The Care Center at 785-843-8985 to explore your options. Do I need to make a police report if I go to the hospital? No. You have a couple of options. First, you can make a criminal report and your kit will be assigned a case number to go along with the investigation. Secondly, you can do an “anonymous kit”. Since the evidence collected in the kit is time-sensitive, the exam can be done and no police report has to be made. Even though there is no longer a statute of limitations for sexual assault (victim-survivors can make a police report at any time), the evidence will be kept at the KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigations) crime lab for up to 5 years. If you decide that you want to make a report within those 5 years, you can contact police and they can access your kit as part of their investigation. What do I need to know before going to the hospital? The CARE Center Advocates are available 24/7 to meet you at the hospital to be a support system during the SAFE exam and help answer any questions you might have. It’s recommended that before you go to the hospital you refrain from changing your clothes or brushing your teeth. Don’t worry, if you have done any of these things you can still get an exam. You can refuse any part of the exam or stop the exam all together at any point. The costs should be covered by the local District Attorney’s office, but if you have any questions about costs or insurance, contact The CARE Center to explore your options. For youth and teens younger than 18 who have been sexually assaulted, the incident MUST be reported to law enforcement under Kansas’ mandatory reporting laws. Additionally, if you are a survivor who is under 18, over 60, or a person with a disability, it is important to understand the hospital’s mandated reporting requirements. Please call The CARE Center to find out more. Where can I get a SAFE Exam? Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St. Lawrence, Kansas 66044 Phone: 785-505-5000 The CARE Center Advocates are always available 24/7 at LMH to offer comprehensive advocacy and support. What if my child is under the age of 14? Pediatric forensic evidence collection exams are not available at any hospitals within Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson Counties. However, Pediatric SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Programs are available at Children’s Mercy Hospital-South in nearby Overland Park and Stormont-Vail in Topeka. The CARE Center Advocates can be available to parents upon request. For more information about Pediatric forensic evidence collection exams, please call our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985 . You Are Not Alone. Contact Us Now. Email Us Call Us

Learn about the services provided by The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center WE STAND WITH YOU. Our Services The CARE Center is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to our clients. All of our services, including counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education are 100% free of charge. No proof of insurance or documentation status is required. Services can also be accessed at any time in a survivor’s life, regardless of when a traumatic event has occurred. We’re always here. Call Now THERAPY AND SUPPORT GROUPS Learn More 24/7 ADVOCACY AND RESPONSE Learn More LAWRENCE ORDINANCE AND SAFE BAR ALLIANCE TRAINING Learn More PREVENTION AND EDUCATION Learn More

After an Assault - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center YOU ARE NOT ALONE. After an Assault What is Sexual Assault? Sexual trauma can be many things and we use this as an umbrella term to describe any sexual act that is imposed on another person without their consent. Oftentimes the word “abuse” is used to indicate that the violence was ongoing or long-term. This can be a one-time event or an ongoing experience and does not have to be physically violent. Everyone reacts to sexual trauma in their own way and everyone’s response afterwards is different, too. Examples of sexual trauma and abuse could be sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, street harassment, childhood sexual abuse, familial sexual abuse, sex trafficking, online sexual harassment, and sexual violence in relationships. You can reach out to The CARE Center at any point in your life, no matter when the trauma occurred. What Are My Options? Talk to an Advocate Go to the Hospital Make a Police Report Talk to a Counselor or Therapist After experiencing sexual trauma or abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do. There are many options available and you get to make the decision that feels best to you. You are not alone and The CARE Center is here to help. You can explore our website for more information and resources and an Advocate is always available at 785-843-8985 .

Campus Sexual Assault The CARE Center is available to support students, staff, and faculty on college and university campuses throughout Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. Each college and university is unique with its own culture, climate, and services. The CARE Center 24/7 Advocacy program is here to support those who have been affected by sexual trauma and abuse and help survivors understand and explore their options. Our Advocates can help answer the question, “What’s next?” and can help you navigate campus and community services. All services are free and confidential and available to people of all ages and genders. The CARE Center is a community-based organization that provides confidential services, meaning that we do not report any identifying or personal information to colleges or universities. Information specific to your college and university can be found below. You can contact The CARE Center Advocates 24/7 by calling 785-843-8985 or email our Campus Response Liaison Vincent Hampton. College Campus Resources I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Meet The Team Executive Director Sarah Bariya As Executive Director of The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center, Sarah Bariya, LLB, leads with a survivor-centered approach, a commitment to justice, and a deep belief in the power of advocacy to transform lives. Sarah brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in the anti-violence movement. She oversees the strategic direction of the organization, ensures the delivery of trauma-informed services, and fosters a culture of compassion, accountability, and equity. Her core strengths include developing effective programs, building resilient teams, and expanding access to care for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Data & Grant Manager Jessica Moyer Jessica Moyer is the Grant & Data Manager at the CARE Center, where she supports the team through behind the scenes work that helps strengthen services for survivors in our community and surrounding areas. . She is passionate about connecting people with community and has intentionally followed work that aligns with these values. She studied psychology at Kansas State University, where she deepened her interest in understanding people and what helps them thrive. Jessica believes the best way to support individuals is by layering tools, resources, and access. Coming from a nonprofit background, Jessica is proud to support the CARE Center’s mission by managing grants and ensuring the systems behind the work run smoothly. Associate Director Christina Gentry Christina Gentry brings over 15 years of dedicated experience as an educator, where they championed the implementation and development of dynamic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curricula, fostering innovation and critical thinking in students. Beyond the classroom, they have actively contributed to public service, lending their expertise to various city and county boards, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and civic engagement. Currently, Christina serves as the Associate Director the CARE Center, focused on providing vital support and resources to survivors of sexual violence. In this role, they leverage their leadership and strategic planning skills to ensure comprehensive services and advocate for positive change within the community. Lead Advocate Siena Vance My name is Siena, and I am the Lead Advocate here at The CARE Center. I joined CARE nearly two years ago as a volunteer and have remained committed to supporting survivors with compassion and integrity ever since. I am pursuing a degree in Social Welfare with a minor in Criminal Justice, with hopes of building a future in restorative justice. I do this work because it makes a difference. I do this work because people deserve to be seen. I do this work because I CARE :) Volunteer Coordinator & Advocate Cade Dennis Cade Dennis is the Volunteer Coordinator Advocate, working to expand the reach of the CARE Center in collaboration with community members. Prior to the CARE Center, he spent several years preserving public lands and interpreting cultural resources in northeast Kansas, delivering resources from the historical struggle for equity to those continuing the struggle today. Cade recruits and manages the volunteer network vital to the CARE Center's mission of supporting survivors of sexual violence. Volunteers lend their time in support of the advocate team's direct support of survivors and in engagement with the community directly at events in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson County. Rural Advocate Alize Johnson Alize Johnson is a dedicated rural and underserved advocate for sexual abuse and trauma survivors, eager to expand her already existing experience of advocacy to include those most in need of support for sexual violence. With 8 years in health-focused direct service; she's worked hands-on with neurodivergent children and others alike facing physical and mental disabilities, honing empathy and problem-solving skills. She thrives on collaboration and turning ideas into action. She is passionate about supporting those in need, turning care into real impact every day. Campus Response Liaison Vincent Hampton Hello, my name is Vincent Hampton and I use they/he pronouns. I am the Campus Response Liaison for the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. After getting my bachelor's in social work and minor in women gender and sexuality studies, I am ready to get out in the community and serve. I am particularly passionate about working with trans or disabled survivors, and love to work in campus environments. Therapist Hanna Hawley-Gomez My name is Hanna Hawley-Gomez and I am the part time therapist here at the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. I am incredibly passionate about sexual violence advocacy and have been working in this field for over 10 years. I hope to bring comfort and strength to those suffering from sexual violence. Therapist Maddie Backus Maddie Backus brings four years of social work experience to her role as a therapist for the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. With a background in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, youth services, and community mental health care Maddie’s approach to therapy is dynamic and relational, grounded in a humanistic perspective that centers her clients lived experience to foster growth, healing, and real connection. As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Maddie strives to create spaces of support and healing for primary and secondary survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and strength-based approaches, she helps clients deepen self-understanding, develop effective coping tools, and foster resilience and confidence to move forward with hope and dignity Education Specialist Zach Newby Zach Newby is excited to take on the role of Education Specialist here at STA CARE Center. They will be doing all things related to prevention education in Douglas County, Franklin County and Jefferson County. Their aim is to provide education, facilitate opportunities and support folks that are experiencing harm or addressing sexual violence in their communities through an intersectional and primary prevention lens. They are the current chair of the LiveWell Sexual Violence Prevention Workgroup. Zach made their way to the CARE Center after working in health education and restorative justice at the University of Kansas. They got their associate's degree in emergency medical services from Northern Virginia Community College and their bachelors in Community Health at the University of Kansas. Office Manager Amy Hope Amy Hope found her calling in public service over 20 years ago and has remained committed to mission driven work, ever since. Her roles, whether as a volunteer or staff member, have encompassed direct service to administrative and managerial positions. While attending college in Boulder, CO, she was involved in tracking data, community outreach and fundraising for a local AIDS Project; later moving to Lawrence, KS in 2003 to continue her service as a volunteer at the Douglas County AIDS Project. Amy became an AmeriCorps Fellow in 2011 and was invited to become the first staff member for a grassroots 501c3 focused on the keeping elders in their home throughout the aging process. She believes in building supportive communities, empowering the individual, and helping to shape better futures for all. Amy is the Office Manager at the CARE Center, where she lends her knowledge and skill set in areas of organization, communication, coordination of services and management of systems. She is proud to be a member of the dedicated staff who aim to offer a safe space for healing, advocacy and justice to survivors of sexual violence, abuse and trauma.

What is Title IX? Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center What is Title IX? 1. Title IX is a landmark federal civil right that prohibits sex discrimination in education. 2. Title IX does not apply to female students only. 3. Your school must be proactive in ensuring that your campus is free of sex discrimination. 4. Your school must have an established procedure for handling complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence. 5. Your school must take immediate action to ensure a victim can continue their education free of ongoing sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence. 6. Your school may not retaliate against someone filing a complaint and must keep a victim safe from other retaliatory harassment or behavior. 7. Your school can issue a no contact directive under Title IX to prevent the accused student from approaching or interacting with you. 8. In cases of sexual violence, your college is prohibited from encouraging or allowing mediation (rather than a formal hearing) of the complaint. 9. Your college should not make you pay the costs of certain accommodations that you require in order to continue your education after experiencing violence. “9 Things to Know about Title IX” is a resource created by Know Your IX and more details can be found on their website. Need support in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson County? Contact Us! Call Us Email Us Title IX in Highschool 1. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program receiving federal funding. 2. Title IX does not apply to female students only. 3. Your school must have a clear, well-publicized procedure for responding to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence. 4. Your school must be proactive in ensuring that your campus is safe for you. 5. Your school or school district must designate at least one employee as a “Title IX coordinator,” whose job is to make sure your school is following the law. 6. Regardless of the outcome of any investigation, your school may not retaliate against you for filing a complaint and must keep you safe from retaliatory harassment or behavior from your perpetrator or a third-party. 7. A school’s responsibility to address harassment and violence is not limited to conduct that occurs at school during school hours. Schools must also address harassment and violence that occur “off campus,” such as on the school bus, during field trips, and during extracurricular activities. 8. Your school should provide age-appropriate training to students on Title IX, sexual violence, consent, the school’s grievance procedure, reporting options, and bystander intervention. 9. Your school must provide you the accommodations and services you need to stay in school — free of charge. Title IX in Colleges and Universities You can contact The CARE Center Advocates 24/7 by calling 785-843-8985 or email our Director of Advocacy Services at advocacydirector@stacarecenter.org