Reporting Sexual Misconduct for Medical Students

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Students who believe that they have been subject to sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking) may choose (a) to report the incident to the University so that action can be taken by the University, including under the University’s disciplinary procedures; (b) to report the incident to the police; and/or (c) to not report the incident. Reports may be made regardless of when the incidents occurred and whether or not they took place on or off campus.

Students who wish to learn more about the various reporting options or are unsure about whether they want to report or file an internal Title IX Complaint are encouraged to contact a confidential counselor.

When reports are made to the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the University has the obligation to review all reports and respond appropriately; every effort will be made to respect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Any medical student who wishes to report sexual misconduct may pursue several different options, which are listed below.

Pre-Reporting Consultation

While a Pre-Reporting Consultation is not required, for students who are unsure about whether they want to make a Title IX report or file a University Complaint, it may be helpful to speak to a confidential counselor. Going to a confidential counselor does not foreclose the opportunity to make a report to the University or file a formal complaint at a later time.

Confidential counselors can help students understand what reporting options are available and assist with the process if they choose to file a formal complaint. Unless requested, the information disclosed will not be shared with the Title IX Coordinator.

Reporting to the Title IX Coordinator

Medical Center Students who wish to report sexual misconduct may notify the University’s Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Kathryn Hart, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Medical Students
Georgetown University School of Medicine
4910 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 115
Washington D.C. 20016
(202) 237-0015| kh1024@georgetown.edu

Samantha Berner, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Title IX Compliance
Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action
M-36 Darnall Hall, 37th and O Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20057
Phone: (202) 687-9183| titleixideaa@georgetown.edu

The Title IX and Deputy Title IX Coordinator will work with students who experience sexual misconduct to coordinate interim supportive and protective measures (housing, academic, work, no contact orders, safety planning, etc.), provide information about available resources, and explain the University policies on sexual misconduct and the University’s complaint process.

When reports are made to the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the University has the obligation to review all reports and respond appropriately. Every effort will be made to respect the privacy of the individuals involved. In the very rare instance that there is a community safety concern, the University may need to move forward with an investigation without the Complainant.

Filing a Complaint with the University’s Title IX Coordinator

Filing a Sexual Misconduct Complaint through the Title IX Coordinator, which may include an investigation, hearing, and sanctions, if applicable, can be initiated by contacting the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator.

The Georgetown University School of Medicine has established the following grievance procedures to review, investigate, and resolve allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual assault. These procedures cover the School of Medicine’s obligations to investigate sexual misconduct allegations in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).

These internal grievance procedures provide a mechanism for prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of grievances of sexual misconduct by School of Medicine students and related claims of retaliation. Proceedings shall be conducted by officials who receive training on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and how to conduct a grievance process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

The Grievance Procedures for Georgetown University School of Medicine Students can be found here, but in all instances:

The internal grievance process can lead to university sanctions up to and including dismissal/termination from the University.
The internal grievance process is designed to protect the safety of survivors, promote accountability, and provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution. The entire process is conducted by individuals who receive training on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Both parties are entitled to have an advisor of their choosing present throughout the entire process; both parties are able to present witnesses and evidence; and both parties are informed in writing of all decisions at the same time and have an equal chance to appeal.
Retaliation, harassment, or other adverse action against an individual for making a complaint in good faith, assisting in an investigation, opposing harassment or otherwise exercising rights protected by law is prohibited. Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) or the Title IX coordinators and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
For more information about the internal grievance processes, you are welcome to speak with a confidential resource or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Filing a Formal Complaint with GUPD and/or MPD

All individuals that have experienced sexual misconduct may file a report with the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD), Metropolitan Police Department (MDP), both departments, or neither department. Filing with either police department does not preclude an individual from reporting to the Office of Title IX Compliance or the Office of Student Conduct; an individual may choose to pursue all options. If unsure of which avenue is best, please contact Georgetown’s confidential counselors to discuss further.

Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD)

An individual who has experienced sexual misconduct may file an incident report with GUPD. GUPD has Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) trained officers who will work closely with survivors on resources and options. If you choose to report to GUPD, ask for a SART Officer.

GUPD will evaluate the situation and investigate as needed. An investigation may include, but is not limited to, conducting interviews, an officer’s narrative of the events observed, and/or gathering information for the Student Conduct process. GUPD strives to act consistently with an individual’s wishes and typically will not report to MPD unless there is an imminent safety concern. GUPD is required to report any issues of sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) to the Office of Title IX Compliance. In the event in which a student would like to pursue a formal University disciplinary complaint, GUPD may share the facts of the incident with the Office of Student Conduct.

GUPD provides free transportation to Washington MedStar Hospital for survivors who wish to seek medical attention or receive a forensic medical exam after experiencing sexual misconduct. Depending on the individual’s preferences, the transportation may be either in a police car or unmarked vehicle, and by a uniformed or plain-clothed officer (available to stay in the vehicle or remain in the waiting room).

If a student does not wish to involve GUPD, free transportation to Washington MedStar Hospital may also be provided via Uber through the DC Forensic Nurse Examiners by calling the DC SANE Call Center at 800.641.4028. Reporting to MPD is NOT required for a survivor to receive a forensic medical exam.

When requested, GUPD can issue:

No-Contact Orders – banning contact between two members of Georgetown University
Barring Notices – banning an individual from Georgetown University, when appropriate
Guidance on how to Obtain Protection Orders; GUPD may not issue protection orders as they are issued by a judge via the Domestic Violence Intake Centers. Survivors who wish to seek a protective order should consider taking steps to preserve evidence, as it may be necessary to establish the proof of criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

To talk through whether these options would be helpful, please contact Georgetown’s confidential coun s elors.

Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD): Call (202) 687-4343

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

An individual may also report to MPD, which will investigate the incident. MPD’s investigation may include, but is not limited to, conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and, depending on the nature of the complaint or incident, having a crime scene unit check for DNA at the scene. Please note that if a survivor wishes to pursue a criminal action, MPD must be notified. GUPD may assist in notifying MPD at the individual’s request.

MPD Officers cannot provide protection orders as they are issued by a judge via the Domestic Violence Intake Centers, but they can provide information about them. Survivors who wish to file a criminal complaint or seek a protective order should consider taking steps to preserve evidence, as it may be necessary to establish the proof of criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): Call 911

Overlap of Departments

GUPD and MPD operate independently. GUPD strives to act consistently with an individual’s wishes, and can assist in connecting the student either with the Office of Student Conduct if the individual wishes to file a student conduct complaint, or to MPD if the individual wishes to file a formal criminal complaint.

The filing of an incident report with GUPD or a criminal complaint with MPD will not preclude individuals from pursuing the other option. If both options are pursued, the investigations will proceed simultaneously, as best as possible.

If pursuing either or both systems, an individual may request interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.) through the Title IX Coordinator (private but non-confidential) or through Health Education Services (confidential) at any time.

Filing No Formal Complaint

You have the option to file no formal complaint at all. Those who are unsure about whether they want to file a formal complaint can contact a confidential resource to discuss their options.

If an individual does not file a formal complaint, they may still request interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.) through the Title IX Coordinator (private but non-confidential) or through Health Education Services (confidential) at any time.

Timely Warnings

Consistent with the Clery Act, when necessary, GUPD will issue a timely warning when there is an ongoing or continuing threat to community safety. Warnings will not contain any identifying information.