Sexual Assault and Harassment, Resources and Services

Sexual assault and harassment are serious offenses demanding immediate attention. UW-River Falls is committed to preventing all forms of sex-based abuse. Coercive sexual contact and unwelcome sexual comments undermine the safety, security, and dignity of the university community.

UW-River Falls understands that recognizing the problem is the first step toward responding to the problem. The general information provided in this section seeks to help prevent sexual misconduct in the university community and provide resources and information for those who have experienced sexual violence.

Should I report an assault?

Report any assault, whether or not you intend to press criminal charges. You may report the assault to:

• University Police
• Student Affairs
• Counseling
• Student Health Services
• River Falls Police
• Resident Assistant, Hall Director, or any Residence Life staff member
• Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)/Sexual Assault Response Team

Reported incidents are confidential unless the survivor is younger than 18 years-of-age. University staff will not take action without your consent. However, action will be taken if the alleged perpetrator presents an immediate safety threat to the community-at-large.

Michelle Drost, Interim Title IX Coordinator, and Director of Human Resources, will discuss your options, including available campus and community resources. You may choose to report the assault to University Police and/or the City of  River Falls Police.

Options through the University process may include disciplinary action if the offender is a student, faculty, or staff member, and a university policy has been violated. The office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is the office responsible for investigating and enforcing any disciplinary actions for cases that involve potential policy violations for students.

Note: Sexual assault survivors often feel better supported when they contact someone as soon as possible after the assault. The University encourages students to seek support from any of the agencies listed below. If survivors choose to report the assault to police or a nurse examiner it is recommended that they do not bathe, change clothes, or do anything that might destroy physical evidence.

For immediate help after an assault, contact:

• University Police 911 715-425-3133
• River Falls Police 911 715-425-0909
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team 911 715-425-6443

For support and reporting after the immediate crisis, contact:

• Interim Title IX Coordinator and Director of Human Resources 715-425-3073
• Student Conduct & Community Standards 715-425-4844
• Counseling Services (UWRF) 715-425-3884
• Student Health Services (UWRF) 715-425-3293
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner(SANE)/Sexual Assault Response Team 911     715-425-6443
• Vibrant Health Family Clinic, River Falls 715-425-6701
• Pierce County Reproductive Health Services 715-425-8003
• Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence 1-800-345-5104 or 715-425-6751
• Resident Assistant, Hall Director, or any Residence Life staff member

Survivor’s Legal Rights

If a survivor pursues legal prosecution, he or she has rights under Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes.