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 Return to: Student Handbook
Introduction
Andrews University is committed to maintaining a respectful learning and living environment that is free from violence. Domestic/relationship violence in any form is not consistent with this commitment and cannot be tolerated.
Definition of Domestic/Relationship Violence
For the purposes of this policy, “domestic/relationship violence” includes any incident or pattern of coercive or abusive behavior exhibited by a family member or relationship partner. These behaviors often increase in severity and frequency over time and may be cyclical. Domestic/relationship violence includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Pushing, shoving, slapping, punching, kicking or strangling
- Holding, tying down or restraining
- Leaving the victim in a dangerous place
- Emotional/psychological abuse
- Threats of harm and/or intimidation
- Physical or social isolation
- Sexual abuse or misconduct (see Sexual Misconduct Policy )
Resources for Victims of Domestic/Relationship Violence
Victims of domestic/relationship violence are encouraged to seek the assistance of trained counselors. The University’s Counseling & Testing Center (located in Bell Hall, 269-471-3470) or community providers such as the Samaritan Counseling Center, 1850 Colfax, Benton Harbor, Michigan. (269-926-6199), are good places to find this counseling. Victims may also need to consider sheltering services such as those offered by the Safe Shelter (for women and children), PO Box 808, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023 (269-925-9500). Counselors and chaplains both have confidentiality obligations that preclude them from activating established University processes; therefore, while these individuals are able to provide important support for victims, they are not the individuals to whom official reports should be given.
Initiating a Complaint
The University encourages victims and witnesses of domestic/relationship violence to report the matter to an appropriate University official. Reports are what give the University the opportunity to investigate and address any violations; they also provide the University with an opportunity to ensure that appropriate care and resources are provided for both the complainant and the accused.
Designated University Officials
The University officials to whom reports of domestic/relationship violence should be given are:
- Vice president for Student Life (269-471-2679)
- Student Life deans (269-471-3215)
- Residence hall deans (269-471-3446, 269-471-3390 or 269-471-3360)
- Office of Campus Safety (269-471-3321)
Local Law Enforcement
Domestic/relationship violence may also be criminal. Complainants may wish to inform local law enforcement agencies; upon a complainant’s request the University will assist in making the connection between a complainant and an appropriate law enforcement agency. In Berrien Springs, the local police department can be reached at 269-471-2813.
The University’s Response
The University will take seriously all good faith reports of alleged domestic/relationship violence. Because the University recognizes that domestic/relationship violence includes an attack on an individual’s dignity and self-determination rights, the University will attempt to let complainants select the process for addressing their allegations. The University reserves the right, however, to proceed in whatever manner it deems appropriate.
In general, there are two main paths for addressing domestic/relationship violence: 1) a formal complaint of domestic/relationship violence and 2) an informal consultation pertaining to possible domestic/relationship violence.
If a complainant decides to make a formal complaint of domestic/relationship violence to the University and the accused is a currently enrolled student, the University will generally respond using guidelines provided in the Health, Wellness and Safety policy (see Health, Wellness and Safety ).
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