Complainants

A Complainant (CP) is a person who has experienced harm, or identifies as a victim or survivor of prohibited conduct under the university policies. Under Title IX, the following prohibited conduct includes: 

• Sexual assault
• Interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence)  
• Stalking 
• Sexual harassment (including harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy status)
• Sex discrimination
• Sexual exploitation
• Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature
• Technological abuse
• Retaliation 
• False information and false complaints
• Interference with a grievance process under this policy
• Failing to report Prohibited Conduct as a non-confidential employee

For complete definitions and examples, see the Policies page.

Not everyone who experiences harm will report their experience or identify with the term “Complainant.” Other terms/identities include “survivor”, “victim,” or a person may not identify with any of these terms. The University uses “Complainant” to be as clear and objective as possible in the Title IX process. 

Safety 

If you feel you are in immediate danger of harm by another person or yourself, call 911. It is important that physical and emotional needs are met first.  For mental health crisis support, call the CMHC Hotline 24/7 at 512-471-2255. 

Medical Attention 

Medical attention may be needed after an incident to treat possible injuries and check for unseen injuries, pregnancy prevention, or to test for sexually transmitted infections.  Students have access to these services free or low cost through University Health Services.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exams  

It is helpful to preserve evidence in case you wish to pursue a criminal, civil, or university investigation.  The main way evidence is collected is through a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). These exams are available on campus at University Health Services (UHS) in the Student Services Building for students, and off campus at Eloise House, a program of the SAFE Alliance. A SAFE is available with or without filing a report to law enforcement.  The exam can only occur within the first 120 hours (five days) after a sexual assault if a police report is filed, and 96 hours without a police report. The non-report option preserves the evidence for two years, during which time a Complainant can make the decision about whether to report the incident to law enforcement.  The exam can include:  

• medical care 
• medicines to prevent infection and/or pregnancy 
• talking about the assault 
• checking for and photographing injuries 
• swabbing the skin 
• collecting clothing 
• Taking blood and urine samples. 

For more information about SAFE exams, please visit University Health Services - SAFE Exams.

Support and Assistance 

Support looks different for each person.  It is important for Complainants to be aware of what resources and options are available, and to choose the support and assistance that meets their needs.  The university has various offices available to address mental, physical, emotional, and academic needs including:  

• Emotional support and processing after an incident. 
• Course load reductions or full withdrawals.  
• Absence notifications. 
• Requests for flexibility/ alternative participation to faculty and supervisors. 
• Safety planning. 
• Emergency funds. 
• Short-term emergency housing accommodations or housing changes. 
• Services for food insecurity. 
• Address questions and concerns about institutional policy and procedure. 
• Conflict resolution and dispute management. 
• Support and referrals for concerns friends, family, partners, and faculty/staff members.   

Visit the Campus Resources page for more information.

Confidentiality and Privacy 

It is important that those who experience harm are in control of their information and informed about both confidential and non-confidential resources.   

Confidential and private support options provide space to discuss the situation and options without filing an official report with the university.  This is a good option if you do not know how to label your experience, do not know if it falls under Title IX, or if you are only interested in emotional support or medical assistance without pursuing an investigation.  

Confidential resources are confidential by federal and state law.  These services will not share any identifiable information with the Title IX Office, the police, parents, or anyone else without permission first, except in cases where there is concern of imminent harm to yourself, someone else, or the campus community. For more information about confidential resources, visit the Campus Resources page.   

Even if a resource is not confidential, all student information will be handled in accordance with the regulations established by FERPA and maintained on a need-to-know basis. 

Mandatory Reporters: A mandatory reporter, also known as a “Responsible Employee,” is a UT employee who is required to report Incidents of prohibited conduct to the university.  

Reporting 

Complainants report to Title IX for many reasons. If you are interested in filing an official report to the university, please visit the File a Report page. For additional reporting options, visit the Reporting Resources page.