Other Important Reporting Topics

False Claims

Please see FFDA (LOCAL) and FFDB(LOCAL) for Policy on reporting false claims.

Jurisdiction and Reporting Timeframes

Because sexual misconduct that occurs off-campus is likely to impact a person's work, academic, or extracurricular experience, the College assumes jurisdiction to adjudicate off campus complaints should they become known. In addition, the College encourages prompt reporting of all allegations of sexual misconduct so that the College can respond promptly and equitably; however, the College does not limit the timeframe for reporting. If the accused person is no longer affiliated with the College at the time the report is made, then the College will still conduct an inquiry for purposes of complying with Title IX, and take steps to prevent the recurrence of such conduct and remedy the effects, if appropriate.

Sexual Assault

Individuals are encouraged to report potential crimes of sexual assault (sexual assault by a person that is known or by a stranger) to campus police or the appropriate local police department, depending on the location of the incident. It is important to preserve evidence to the extent possible. The Title IX Coordinator and the Deputy Title IX Coordinators are available to assist an individual in notifying on and off-campus law enforcement. Criminal and College investigations are separate and may be conducted simultaneously. TCC will not wait for the completion of a criminal investigation in order to respond although TCC may pause the administrative investigation while law enforcement conducts initial fact finding. TCC will, in extraordinary circumstances, proceed despite law enforcement fact finding where a threat to safety of the complainant or other community members exists.

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted?

The first priority for a victim of sexual assault is to get to a place of safety, then obtain necessary medical treatment. If the assault occurred on campus, notify TCC Police Department immediately at 817-515-8911. Other campus personnel such as as the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinators, Director of Student Conduct, faculty, staff or counselors may assist you in reporting the sexual assault to the Police Department if the victim so desires. If the assault occurred outside of the College, the local police department where the assault occurred should be called and may be reached by dialing 911. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. Filing a police report with the TCC Police Department will NOT obligate the victim to prosecute, nor will it subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers. Filing a police report will ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim; provide the opportunity for additional community resources and collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam); and assure the victim has access to free community resources including: confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

Protection Orders and No Contact Orders

If the accused individual is a member of the TCC community, a no contact letter may be given to all parties involved. This will prohibit communication, verbally, in writing, through technology or third parties, between the parties. A protective order is a court order that protects an individual from being abused by a member or former member of his/her household or family or someone the individual has been dating. The College's Campus Police Department is available to assist the individual and will coordinate safety plans in collaboration with Student Affairs or Human Resources, if deemed appropriate.

For more information on protective orders.

Important Phone Numbers:

Police/Sheriff 911
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office Protective Order Unit 817-884-1623
Crime Victims' Compensation 800-983-9933
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or TDD 800-787-3224
Texas Advocacy Project 800-374-HOPE (4673)
Family Violence Hotline 800-777-3247
Texas Department of Human Services
Abuse Hotline 800-252-5400
Texas Legal Services Center 512-477-6000

Interim, Supportive, and Protective Measures

TCC may implement supportive and interim actions or protective measures at any point during an investigation. These actions are designed to eliminate the harassment and prevent its recurrence. Actions available include, but are not limited to, no contact orders, change in class schedules, other academic accommodations, a change in work assignments or locations, interim removal from campus property, counseling, and/or referrals to external resources. Once a complaint of sexual harassment is alleged, both the complainant and the respondent may be provided with "No Contact" directives as an interim measure during the investigative inquiry.

Retaliation Prohibited

No recipient or other person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or 34 C.F.R. Part 106, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Part 106. Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or Part 106, constitutes retaliation. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed according to the grievance procedures for sex discrimination required to be adopted under 34 C.F.R. 106.8(c).

The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute prohibited retaliation.

Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of a grievance proceeding under 34 C.F.R. Part 106 does not constitute prohibited retaliation, provided, however, that a determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement in bad faith. 34 C.F.R. 106.71" FFDA(LEGAL)

Consensual Relationships

Refrain from any consensual relationship of an amorous or sexual nature between persons of authority, such as faculty or administrators, and their students or subordinates. Recognize that this behavior compromises the special trust between the College District and the citizens it serves, see DH(LOCAL).

Risk Reduction

The following are some strategies to reduce one's risk of sexual assault or harassment (taken from Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)

Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
Walk with purpose. Even if you don't know where you are going, act like you do.
Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn't the best place to be. If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.).
Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't trust or someone you don't know.
Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the event, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call. If you've left your drink alone, get a new one.
Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust. If you choose to accept a drink, go with the person to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. At parties, don't drink from the punch bowls or other large, common open containers.
Watch out for your friends, and vice versa. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they've had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place immediately.
If you suspect you or a friend has been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.). Be explicit with doctors so they can give you the correct tests (you will need a urine test and possibly others).
If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:
1. Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
2. Be true to yourself. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
3. Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don't feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
4. Have an exit strategy. If you don't want to hurt the person's feelings it is better to make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment before doing anything you may regret later.

Student Code of Conduct Special Provisions for Sexual Misconduct and Other Sensitive Issues

Advisor/Advocate - All student parties to sexual misconduct complaints have the right to an advisor/advocate from the community to assist and support in connection with grievance proceedings. TCC does not disallow any advisor but does prohibit any advisor from speaking during any meeting or grievance procedure.
Sexual History/Character - All parties to a complaint have a right not to face questions or discussion of their sexual history or character unless the administrative officer decides that such information is highly relevant to determining whether the policy has been violated.
Right to Know Outcome and Sanctions - The complainant and the accused party both have the right to know the outcome and sanctions.
Right to Be Informed of Complainant's and Respondent's Review (Appeal) Status - The parties will be informed by the Title IX Coordinator or his designee if any of the parties to the complaint requests an appeal.
Right to Appeal - A complainant or respondent has the right to appeal. A student shall be informed of his/her right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
Right to be Informed of Policy - Information regarding this protocol and any accompanying procedures shall be distributed annually to College employees and students in a manner calculated to provide easy access and wide distribution, such as through electronic distribution and inclusion in major College publications. Information regarding the policy and procedures shall also be prominently published on the College Website. Copies of the policy and procedures shall be readily available at the College's administrative offices.
Right Not to be Dissuaded from Participating in Law Enforcement Processes - TCC encourages any victim of a crime, especially sexual assault, stalking, domestic or dating violence, to file a report with the appropriate law enforcement department. A complainant has the right to file said report before they alert TCC of the allegation of sexual misconduct or after they have participated in an on campus administrative process. TCC would never dissuade a victim from seeking remedies from the criminal justice system. The Title IX Coordinator, any Deputy Coordinator or TCC police officers can assist any victim with contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency should they require such assistance.

Title IX-Student Equity Assurance Resources

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