Katie Savala

Investigations under the Title IX umbrella are not necessarily limited to campus property or campus-associated events; any incident involving a member of the educational community that causes continued distress is grounds for a Title IX investigation. Documentation and proper procedure protect both victims and institutions and ensure accountability from all parties.

Title IX coordinators and "responsible employees" need to be accessible to the university community in the case of an incident of violence. Both should also be familiar with reporting processes and ways to assist victims of violence that ensure safety, care, and compliance with procedures.

Title IX and VAWA in tandem exist to protect educational communities, particularly institutions of higher education from harassment and violence related to gender, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. These exist to hold institutions accountable and to ensure that educational communities have appropriate and procedural suppport for handling incidents of violence and harassment.