Resource Guide

Miami University provides a number of resources and supportive measures for students. Students are encouraged to seek support and obtain appropriate medical attention. Some of these resources are designated as confidential. Other resources provide support but may need to involve MUPD or local law enforcement.

Medical Treatment

A person who has experienced sexual assault, dating violence, or domestic violence is urged to seek appropriate medical evaluation immediately, ideally within 96 hours (4 full days) of the incident. For life-threatening conditions, call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. In Oxford, McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital has a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who can help. Most area hospitals have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) that will respond.

Preserving Evidence

Any student who has experienced a sexual assault, dating violence, or domestic violence is encouraged to request collection of medical/legal evidence. It is important to preserve physical evidence even if you do not yet know whether you want to report the incident or pursue filing a complaint. This will ensure that evidence is available if you later decide to proceed with a criminal or university investigation. Collection of evidence may involve interaction with police and a police report, but the decision to speak with the police about the alleged violation is the student's.

Questions about evidence collection can be directed to Women Helping Women at 513-381-5610 or the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

Tri-Health CARES program provides medical examination and treatment of reported sexual assault cases. Tri-Health CARES responds to area hospital, including:

  • McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital, 110 N. Poplar St., Oxford, OH 45056, 513-523-2111
  • TriHealth Bethesda Butler Hospital, 3125 Hamilton Mason Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011, 513-894-8888

SANE of Butler County provides medical examination and treatment of reported sexual assault cases. SANE of Butler County responds to area hospitals, including:

  • Fort Hamilton Hospital, 630 Eaton Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013, 513-867-2000
  • Mercy Health– Fairfield Hospital, 3000 Mack Rd., Fairfield OH 45014
  • West Chester Hospital, 7700 University Dr., West Chester Township, OH 45069, 513-298-3000
  • Atrium Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr., Middletown, OH 45005, 513-424-2111

Below are suggestions for preserving evidence related to an incident of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking. It is important to keep in mind that each suggestion may not apply in every incident.

Sexual Assault

Evidence of a sexual assault is best collected as soon as possible or at least within 96 hours of the incident. If the sexual assault occurred within 96 hours (4 full days), a free and confidential exam can be administered at most local hospitals. You will not be billed for a sexual assault forensic exam. Sexual assaults, for which individuals seek medical treatment, must be reported to the appropriate police unit by health care officials. However, you are not required to criminally prosecute the case or file a police report, unless the sexual assault survivor is a minor. You can decide whether or not to speak with the police at that time to officially report what has happened. A support specialist from Women Helping Women will be available at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital to provide information and support for Miami University students, staff, or faculty. It is your choice to speak with an advocate.

It is important to immediately notify medical staff if you believe drugs or alcohol were involved. Medical staff are specially trained to collect evidence and perform tests, including tests that can provide important evidence if drugs or alcohol were involved.

To help preserve evidence that may assist in proving the alleged violation/offense or in obtaining a protection order, place any clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault in a paper bag (not plastic). If you’re able, you should also avoid the following:

  • Bathing or douching
  • Washing hands or face
  • Urinating
  • Drinking any liquids
  • Smoking, eating or brushing teeth (including mouthwash and flossing)

It’s important to know that you can still decide to have a forensic exam even if you have done any or all of these things. You can also preserve evidence by saving text messages, social media messages or posts, and other communications that may be useful to investigators.

Dating/Domestic Violence

Not all experiences of dating/domestic violence cause visible injuries. If visible injuries are present, it can be helpful to document them with photographs, if it is safe to do so. It is also important to seek medical attention if possible and safe to do so.

Unlike the forensic exam for a sexual assault, if you seek medical treatment for dating/domestic violence there is a cost. Thanks to generous support from donors, Miami may be able to offer financial assistance to cover some or all the expenses associated with the visit. You can learn more by contacting the Title IX Coordinator and/or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators.

Stalking

If you have experienced stalking, it can be helpful to an investigation to retain any evidence of that behavior, including documentation of any unwanted communication (whether written, oral, electronic), postings (such as on social media), gifts, etc.

Available Resources and Supportive Services

On-Campus Confidential Resources

Confidential Resources are employees who are available to provide individuals with assistance, support, and additional information. Confidential Resources are prohibited from disclosing confidential information unless (1) given permission by the person who disclosed the information; (2) there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others; (3) the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or (4) as otherwise required or permitted by law or court order. Confidential Resources may be required to report non-identifying information to MUPD for crime reporting purposes.

Counseling

On-call University counselors (through University police dispatcher), 513-529-2222

Crisis Intervention & Assistance

Women Helping Women (WHW), a non-profit organization, provides direct support to victim-survivors, including crisis intervention; advocacy; assistance in navigating academic, personal, and community impact; and referrals to campus and community resources. WHW extends their support services to all individuals regardless of identity, including men and the LGBTQ+ community.

WHW can be reached at 513-381-5610 (24-hour crisis line) and on campus during office hours at Warfield Hall 215 by phone at 513-846-8402 (call or text), and email at mu@womenhelpingwomen.org. 

Student Health Service

Student Health Service provides outpatient care for Miami University students. Services include, but are not limited to, general medicine, gynecology, HIV testing, laboratory services, pharmacy services, etc. Appointments can be made online via MyChart, by phone at 513-529-3000 or in person.

On-Campus Non-Confidential Resources

Non-Confidential Resources are employees or offices that are available to provide individuals with assistance, support, and additional information, who are not designated as confidential and may have broader obligations to report information that is shared with them. Non-Confidential Resources will make reasonable efforts to respect and safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved. Privacy means that concerns about Prohibited Conduct will only be shared with University representatives responsible for assessment, investigation, or resolution of the report or otherwise properly responding to issues raised; to MUPD for crime statistics reporting; and to the extent required by law or court order.

  • Oxford and Luxembourg students: Contact the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator for matters related to Oxford and Luxembourg campus Title IX and sexual misconduct violations. This includes sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or related retaliation. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator may be reached at 104 Warfield, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, 513-529-1870 or TitleIX@MiamiOH.edu.
  • Hamilton and Middletown students: Dr. Bennyce Hamilton, Regional Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Regional Students for matters related to regional campus student Title IX and sexual misconduct violations. This includes sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or related retaliation. Dr. Hamilton may be reached at 513-785-3240 or hamiltbe@MiamiOH.edu. Regional Office Locations: 117 Rentschler Hall (Hamilton) | 144 Johnston Hall (Middletown)

Off-Campus Confidential Resources

Women Helping Women (WHW) is available 24 hours a day at 513-381-5610. This helpline is a confidential, tri-state area hotline dedicated to serving those who experience sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. WHW provides campus-based services to students and employees and has offices in Butler County, Hamilton County, and Adams County. WHW extends their support services to all individuals regardless of identity, including men and the LGBTQ+ community.

The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 800-656-HOPE (4673). This hotline, operated by RAINN, connects a caller with a local RAINN-affiliate organization based on the first six digits of the caller’s phone number.

Dove House provides support services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, including assistance in reporting and advocacy, are available through the Dove House, YWCA Hamilton, 244 Dayton St., Hamilton, OH at 1-800-618-6523. Domestic violence services are also available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Ohio’s Sexual Violence Helpline is available at 1-844-OHIO-HELP (1-844-644-6435). This helpline is a confidential, statewide hotline dedicated to serving those who experience sexual assault and relationship violence.

Ohio’s Domestic Violence Network is available at 1.800.934.9840. This helpline is a confidential, statewide hotline dedicating to servicing those who experience relationship violence.

BRAVO (Buckeye Region AntiViolence Organization) provides survivor advocacy and assistance to LGBTQI survivors regarding hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. For assistance,  call 614-294-7867 or 866-862-7286 (toll free).

Police Services

Miami University Police Department (MUPD)
4945 Oxford-Trenton Road, Oxford
911 or 513-529-2222

Oxford Police Department
11 S. Poplar St, Oxford
911 or 513-524-5240

Middletown Police Department
1 Donham Plaza, Middletown, OH 45042
911 or 513-425-7700

Hamilton Police Department
331 S. Front St, Hamilton
911 or 513-868-5811

Supportive Measures

Supportive Measures are those services, accommodations, and other assistance the University may put in place after receiving notice of possible Prohibited Conduct. Supportive Measures are implemented to provide for safety, well-being, and continued access to University programs and activities.

Supportive Measures may be requested by the Complainants, the Respondents, the witnesses, and other impacted members of the University Community. Supportive Measures are available regardless of whether the matter is reported to the University for the purpose of initiating a proceeding under this Policy. Examples of Supportive Measures include:

  • Academic support services and accommodations, including the ability to reschedule exams and assignments, or tutoring;
  • Short and long term housing accommodations (available to Oxford students);
  • On-campus counseling services and/or assistance in connecting to community-based counseling services;
  • Provide transportation/parking options;
  • Assistance in connecting to community-based medical services;
  • Work schedule or job assignment modifications (for University employment);
  • Mutual No Contact Directive
  • Information about and/or assistance with obtaining personal protection orders; or
  • A combination of any of these measures.

The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will exercise discretion and sensitivity about sharing the identity of the student when arranging for supportive measures. There may be times when the University must disclose some information about the student to a third party in order to provide supportive services. This information will be limited to only what is needed to ensure the supportive service is provided. When possible, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator will consult with the student regarding what and with whom the information will be shared prior to sharing the information. A determination of a Health and Safety Emergency under FERPA will take priority over supportive service privacy determinations.

A student can access these services at any time, even if the student initially declined the service. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will maintain such supportive services private to the best extent possible that maintaining such privacy would not impair the ability of the University to provide the needed support services.

What can I do to help prevent sexual and interpersonal violence?

Educating yourself about the problem is a good first step! Programs established to promote awareness among the Miami community regarding sexual assault include the following:

  • People Against Violence and Sexual Assault (PAVES)* — This student organization evolved from the student organization WAVES (Women Against Violence and Sexual Assault).  WAVES began during the 2007–2008 school year to promote awareness and education about issues surrounding sexual violence.
  • Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault (MARS)* — This program began during the 2001–2002 school year to address rape as a men’s issue. Male students meet in small, all-male groups to discuss how men can make a difference.
  • Summer Orientation Programming — During Orientation, students and their families receive information regarding sexual and interpersonal violence among college students. This program emphasizes the fact that most sexual assaults on campus involve acquaintances, information on what constitutes consent, and facilitates discussion of awareness, response, and prevention. 
  • BCRTA SafeRide — BCRTA provides on-demand transportation for students and employees during late-night hours. Call BCRTA at 513-785-5237 or 855-42-BCRTA (toll-free) for hours of operation and to schedule service.  Students and employees who present a valid Miami University ID pay no fare to use the SafeRide service.
  • Miami Police Victim Services— Includes answers to questions commonly asked by victims of crimes and promises to victims of crimes.

*Any student, staff, or faculty member can request prevention training or programming by calling the Office of Student Wellness at 513-529-8544.

How can I submit suggestions or comments regarding Miami's response to and prevention of sexual and interpersonal violence?

Your suggestions and comments are encouraged. Please contact the Deputy Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@MiamiOH.edu.

How Severe is the Problem?

Miami provides complete information on crime statistics for all campuses as well as the City of Oxford. When reviewing statistics, remember that many more sexual and interpersonal violence violations occur here and elsewhere than are reported.

Although we continue to analyze data from Miami's 2017 Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey, the survey provides important information regarding the prevalence of violations, bystander action, and awareness on campus.