Title IX is a landmark federal civil right that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Title IX is not just about sports; it is a prohibition against sex-­based discrimination in education. It addresses discrimination against pregnant and parenting students and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. It also addresses sexual harassment, gender-­based discrimination, and sexual violence. Sexual violence includes attempted or completed rape or sexual assault, as well as sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exhibitionism, verbal or physical sexuality-­based threats or abuse, and intimate partner violence.

Title IX does not apply to female students only. Title IX protects any person from sex-­based discrimination. Female, male, transgender, and gender non-­conforming students, faculty, and staff are protected from any sex-­based discrimination, harassment, or violence.

For more information, please visit the informative Know Your IX website.

Leeward Community College encourages victims of sexual violence to talk to somebody about what happened – so victims can get the support they may need and so the College can respond appropriately. While some victims of sexual assault are ready to file a formal complaint against an alleged offender, others may want time and privacy to sort through their next steps.

Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaii have many resources available to victims and survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. There are also local and national resources that victims and survivors may want to consider contacting. Any of these resources can work independently, or in a coordinated response plan on your behalf.

1. 1. EMERGENCY: If anyone is in immediate danger or needs immediate help, call 911
   2. Support Services

• • • College Mental Health Professionals
      Mental Health Professionals can provide emotional support as you process the many options available. Mental Health Professionals are considered confidential, meaning that assistance can be received without placing the College on notice of a specific incident. This is so you can receive assistance while still retaining control of your decision to report an incident to the College and/or law enforcement. A Mental Health Professional is available to Leeward Community College students. Hours of Operation: Wednesday and Thursday by appointment; Telephone: (808) 455-0516
  • University Advocacy Support
    The many resources available can sometimes be overwhelming. As such, advocates can assist with navigating the many options available and help to provide improved access to resources. Advocacy Offices are where individuals can seek information, options, and specific support about their rights and resources. Advocacy is often considered a confidential resource. Before revealing any information, please make sure you understand the reporting obligations of the person you are speaking to.
    The UH-­Manoa Office of Gender Equity is available to Leeward Community College students and offers information, counseling, and advocacy on matters related to sexual harassment and discrimination. Telephone: (808) 956-­9977
  • Community Resources
    In addition to the resources available through the College or University, there are also local and national resources you may want to consider contacting. The resources listed are provided for informational purposes only.
    • Domestic Violence Action Center (for legal assistance and counseling), Telephone: (808) 531-3771
    • Sex Abuse Treatment Center at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Telephone: (808) 524-7273
    • National Sexual Assault Hotline, Telephone: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
  • Medical Options
    • • The Student Health Center and its services are provided to Leeward Community College through a partnership with the University of Hawaii-­Manoa. The Student Health Center is a confidential resource, meaning that assistance can be received without placing the College on notice of a specific incident. This is so people can receive medical assistance while still retaining control of an individual decision to report an incident to the College and/or law enforcement. The Student Health Center is available to all Leeward Community College students and is located in AD 223. The facility is staffed by a physician and a nurse. Hours of Operation: Monday ­-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Telephone: (808) 455-0515.
      • Medical Care and Evidence Collection Although going to the hospital after a sexual assault may feel overwhelming, it is a safe place to get help. For example, at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, acute forensic examination is available to adults and minors, females and males. Examinations are done within 72 hours of a sexual assault. If you are worried about sexually transmitted infections, HIV, or other medical concerns, even if it is over 72 hours since the assault, it is important to seek medical care. Medical care following a sexual assault is important even if you have no visible injuries.
        The acute forensic examination will:
        • Ensure that you are physically all right and address concerns about the risks of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and HIV.
        • It is a good idea to collect and preserve any evidence, even if you do not want to report the assault to the police. Sometimes people change their minds and decide later that they want to pursue legal action.
  • Safety Options
    • Campus Safety Office: Leeward Community College is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is safe and secure. As part of this commitment, trained and properly equipped security officers are stationed at both the Pearl City and Waianae locations. Reporting an incident of sexual violence to Campus Security will put the College on notice of an allegation. Further, the College must use this information when compiling and publishing annual statistics for certain crimes reported that occur on or adjacent to College properties.
    • Interim Measures are services, accommodations, or other assistance that the College puts in place for Reporting Parties after receiving notice of an allegation of a violation of this Policy and before any outcomes – investigatory, disciplinary, or remedial – have been determined. This is to preserve the Reporting Party’s educational experience, ensure the safety of all parties and the broader College community, maintain the integrity of the investigative and/or resolution process, and deter retaliation. The College may provide Interim Measures regardless of whether the Reporting Party seeks formal disciplinary action.
    • Obtain a Protective Order: You have a right to live in a safe environment, free from the threat of harm from a family member or acquaintance. If someone you know is engaging in a pattern of harassment (including physical or sexual violence, verbal threats, property damage, or stalking), you can seek protection by obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the perpetrator. If you need to extend your protection for up to three years, you can obtain an injunction at District Court, or, if the TRO is against a household or family member, you make a request for a protective order at Family Court. If granted, the order sets guidelines aimed at protecting you. This can include prohibiting the defendant from calling or visiting you. Please ensure that a give a copy of the TRO to the College’s Campus Security Office.
  • Reporting Options Please be aware that a criminal investigation is separate and distinct from Leeward Community College’s institutional response. You may choose to pursue both, one, or neither of these options, depending on your individual decision. These options are available simultaneously, and the College will cooperate with law enforcement agencies if a criminal investigation occurs.
    • Report to the College: The Title IX Coordinators have the responsibility of coordinating the College’s response efforts. Information shared with any of the three Title IX Coordinators will put the College on notice of an allegation.
    • Report to Law Enforcement: The decision to report to law enforcement is entirely yours. Some survivors say that reporting and seeking justice helped them recover and regain a sense of control over their lives. Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
    • More information on reporting is available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

• • UH Title IX and the Office of Institutional Equity
  • UH Community Colleges Title I

All UH employees are required to complete training on Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and relevant UH Policies regardless of any other previous training that you have attended. The mandatory training requirement for all UH employees shall be fulfilled by completing the online Title IX & EP 1.204 training program