Sexual Violence: A Guide to Reporting & Seeking Support
On-Campus Confidential Resources
If you would like to discuss an incident in a confidential manner, or learn more about your rights without necessarily filing a report with the college, the following resources are available.
Note that these are the only resources on campus that are considered confidential when informed of sexual violence. Other staff and faculty are obligated to share information about sexual violence with the Director of Student Conduct and/or the Title IX Coordinator.
- (608) 663-4148, Dominican 122
- (608) 663-8334, Dominican 122, healthservices@edgewood.edu
Laurin Dodge, Assistant Director for Community Building
- (608) 663-3233, Predolin 217, ldodge@edgewood.edu
Campus Policies
You can find the college's sexual misconduct and relationship violence policy in the Student Handbook. Additional information regarding policies and procedures, victim rights, and campus crime rates are included in the annual Security and Fire Safety reports, which can be found here.
Options for Reporting Sexual Violence
Edgewood College students, faculty, and staff have the reporting options listed below. "Reporting" means that an investigation into the incident may take place. Reporting is a personal decision and efforts are made to take the victim or survivor's lead in deciding whether or not to proceed with an investigation. In the event that the incident is deemed a continued danger to the campus community, a notice without any information identifying the victim or survivor would be sent as an Eagle Alert.
Note that any staff or faculty member other than those listed in the "confidential resources" section above must inform the Director of Student Conduct and/or the Title IX Coordinator if/when they are given information about an incident related to sexual violence.
1) Reporting to the College
- If in immediate need, contact Edgewood College Safety & Security by calling 608-663-4321.
- Students can contact Matthew Sullivan, Director of Student Conduct, at 608-663-2212 or msullivan@edgewood.edu to file a report.
- Staff and faculty can contact Arhelia Dalla Costa Behm, Title IX Coordinator, at 608-663-4304 or adallacostabehm@edgewood.edu to file a report.
2) Reporting to the police
- If in immediate need, call 911.
- If the incident took place in Madison and the need is no longer immediate, call the City of Madison Police non-emergency line at (608) 225-2345.
- If the incident occurred outside of Madison and the need is no longer immediate, call the police in that area.
3) Reporting to both the college and the police
4) Neither - Choosing not to report the incident. The victim or survivor can also report the incident at a later time if they choose to do so.
Off-Campus Confidential Resources
Rape Crisis Center (RCC)
The Rape Crisis Center has advocates and counselors available. Advocates can provide education, help victims and survivors navigate their medical and legal needs, and review the reporting options available. 24-hour Help Line: (608) 251-7273
Forensic Nurse Examiners Program
Victims and survivors are strongly encouraged to participate in this program. Services include a physical injury exam and collection of evidence (i.e., a "rape kit"). Evidence is kept for 10 years and the victim or survivor has the right to choose whether or not they report the crime to the police at any point in time. If the crime is reported, the evidence collected may later be useful to the victim or survivor's case.
Victims and survivors of strangulation are also encouraged to utilize this program. Services may include medical examination, use of a black light to detect bruises, photo collection, and/or swabbing the neck for DNA.
The cost of services may be covered by the "Wisconsin Safe Fund" if there is a financial need and/or you do not wish to use your family's insurance plan. The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program is located in the UnityPoint Health Meriter Emergency Room at 202 S. Park Street, Madison, WI. (608) 417-5916.
Crime Victim Compensation (CVC)
CVC can help pay for expenses that were incurred as the result of a crime. Call 608-264-9497 to inquire about your eligibility.
UNIDOS of Wisconsin (click here to access the website in Spanish)
UNIDOS of Wisconsin provides advocacy services in English and Spanish. Types of support offered include legal advocacy, assistance with filing a restraining order, immigration information, accompaniment to court, and support groups. UNIDOS Help Line: 1-800-510-9195
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)
DAIS offers support to individuals in situations involving domestic or dating violence. Services include crisis response, emergency shelter, and support groups. DAIS Help Line: (608) 251-4445 or 1-800-747-4045
Freedom Inc. provides culturally-competent advocacy and support to victims and survivors of sexual assault or domestic or dating violence. Their mission is to end violence against people of color, women, those that non-traditionally gender identify, youth, and elders, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Deaf Unity provides services in American Sign Language (ASL), including offering emotional support, information and education, and accompaniment to court or medical appointments.
Disability Rights Wisconsin provides advocacy to crime victims with disabilities. This may include emotional support, legal advice, or assistance with accessing disability services.
The Rise Law Center offers legal representation in regards to family law, restraining orders, and immigration and visas.
This is a non-profit law firm that provides representation to victims or survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. Identify yourself as a student and inquire about their sliding scale fees.
Online Resources
RAINN: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
National Sexual Violence Resource Center