If you, or someone you know, has experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Remember, it is never the fault of the person who experiences any form of sexual misconduct, and it is never OK.
The IU Columbus campus and community has resources to help and support you or anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct. We can help you get immediate medical services, report the incident, find support, and learn about IU’s policies.
We understand that seeking help when you have experienced sexual misconduct can seem frightening and overwhelming. You might not even be sure what you want to do. That’s okay. You are still encouraged to seek medical help as soon as possible to check for injuries and collect evidence in case you do decide to pursue prosecution.
The local hospital emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you. They often have specially trained nurses, called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, available to make sure you get the right care and collect evidence for a sexual assault kit to help with any police investigations.
Columbus Regional Health Hospital
2400 East 17th Street
800-841-4938
Volunteers in Medicine
836 Jackson Street
812-376-9750
You should dial or text 911 to contact police immediately if you experience or witness sexual misconduct and are in danger. Reporting the incident to the police does not mean you have to seek prosecution.
IUPD responds to incidents on the IU Columbus campus. For help, call 812-348-7388.
The Columbus Police Department responds to incidents in the city of Columbus. For help, call 812-379-1689.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, there are resources available at Indiana University to offer support and provide information on the options available under university policy.
The organizations listed here can provide counseling or advocacy services at no cost to you.
Solutions Student Assistance Services provides free, local, professional, and confidential consultations for IU Columbus students. Solutions SAS is a service of Centerstone Indiana.
To make an appointment with a counselor, call 812-377-5074 or 800-766-0068.
If you or a family member works for Indiana University, the Employee Assistance Program can provide you with professional and confidential counseling. Its services are available to full-time employees, medical residents, and graduate appointees and their household members.
To get started, call their 24-hour help line at 888-234-8327.
If in your day-to-day life you are unable to avoid continued contact with the person who hurt you, you can request a change in academic, transportation, and/or work situations. Your request will be reviewed by the appropriate people and may be granted if it is reasonable, even if you haven't reported the incident.
For help with living arrangements and schedule changes:
Other advocate services may be available.
Legal assistance and representation information can be obtained by contacting the Bartholomew County Bar Association.
If you need to file a Petition for an Order of Protection, you can do so at the Bartholomew County Clerk of Courts Office.
Bartholomew County Clerk of Courts
Washington Street Columbus, IN 47202
812-379-5364
Indiana University strives to uphold privacy and confidentiality as much as possible, and only shares information with those who have a need to know in order to respond. Individuals who desire anonymity in discussing and seeking assistance about sexual misconduct should contact and/or be referred to a confidential employee on their campus.
