Counseling

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Sexual Harassment & Assault

It is the policy of Halifax Community College to provide employees and students with an environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a violation of both state and federal law, and the College will not tolerate any employee or student, male or female, sexually harassing another individual in any way.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcomed advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, by either a male or female, toward either a male or female or group. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that fails to respect the rights of others and that, therefore, interferes with the individual’s work/learning effectiveness.

All employees (administrators, faculty, and staff) are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from sexual harassment. Students as well are expected to comply with this policy and to take appropriate measures to ensure that such conduct does not occur. Employees or students who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion.

The College has counselors available for students who have been victims of a sexual offense. The counselors may also refer students who need professional help to other state or local agencies.

Students filing a grievance for sexual harassment should follow the procedures in the Student Grievance Policy 510.02, which is found in the Student Handbook.

Sexual Assault

Title IX Sexual Assault Policy: At HCC, we take sexual assault very seriously. Because sexual assault survivors can have wide range of responses—fear, anger, shame—HCC offers different services and resources to meet them where they are. We are also a member of the NC Coalition against Sexual Assault (NCCASA) in our efforts to stay informed about Title IX and related issues.

  1. NC Law does not require that victims of sexual assault report to law enforcement; however, they must give their name to the hospital in order to receive treatment. Evidence can be stored anonymously for up to a year in case the victim changes his or her mind.
  2. Survivors who are in life-threatening situations should call 911 or the HCC Security Office quickly for immediate assistance in protection from the assailant and medical intervention.
  3. Survivors can go to Halifax Regional Medical Center where a nurse who specializes in working with sexual assault survivors can collect evidence, treat injuries and offer medication for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy prevention. Counselors from either HCC or Hannah’s Place are also available during the exam for emotional support and information for recovery.
  4. Beyond physical injuries, sexual assault survivors also experience mental trauma, both immediately and for a long time afterward. The Counseling Center can provide confidential counseling and make referrals for off campus mental health/crisis services face to face, by phone or through online intervention resources.
  5. Feeling safe and in control is another important need for sexual assault survivors. To promote the student’s safety and well-being, the Dean of Students offers several protective measures outside any disciplinary process. These measures include changes in class schedules and a “no contact” order that requires a student to stop any and all communication with another student.
  6. At some point in the process, a sexual assault survivor may decide to pursue criminal charges against the assailant and/or file a complaint through the Dean of Students’ Office. HCC is prepared to respond to whatever the survivor’s choice may be and encourage the pursuit of criminal proceedings whenever possible.
  7. To press criminal charges, sexual assault survivors are encouraged to go to the HCC Security office to report an on-campus assault and/or report sexual assaults that occurred off campus to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Survivors can also file a complaint through the Dean of Students’ Office in Room 309 at the same time. Whether reporting to Campus Security, local Law Enforcement or the Dean of Students, each is a separate reporting process.
  8. Even if a sexual assault survivor decides not to press criminal charges, he or she can still file a complaint through the College grievance process. The survivor is encouraged to contact the Dean of Students in Room 309. The Dean of Students can coordinate certain protective measures and services right away, inform the survivor about available resources, services, and how to navigate the grievance process.
  9. Sometimes a survivor decides not to pursue any action against the assailant. Even so, the resources named above are still available through the College. If a student decides to maintain complete confidentiality and not report the assault to anyone at the College, help is still available. HCC encourages the use of such agencies as Hannah’s Place, Cardinal Innovations Mobile Crisis, RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network), and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline that can be found on the Counseling Center page at the HCC website.

Guide to sexual assault resources at Halifax Community College

At HCC, we take sexual assault very seriously. Because sexual assault survivors can have wide range of responses- fear, anger, shame- HCC offers different services and resources to meet them where they are.

  1. Those who are in life-threatening situations should call 911 or the HCC Security Office who can offer immediate assistance in protection from the assailant and in collecting evidence and testimony for criminal charges.
  2. Survivors can also go to Halifax Regional Medical Center where a nurse who specializes in working with sexual assault survivors can collect evidence, treat injuries and offer medication for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy prevention. Counselors from Hannah's Place are also available for emotional support.
  3. Sometimes a survivor is too traumatized, disoriented or confused by an assault to report it immediately and for a long time afterward. Counseling is available through the HCC Counseling Center in room 323 or
    • Cardinal Innovations Mobile Crisis Line available 24/7 365 days a year. (Halifax County) 1-800-939-5911
    • Holly Hill Mobile Crisis Intervention Line available 24/7 365 days a year. (Halifax County) 1-877-619-3761
    • Hannah's Place, Inc. is a nonprofit agency that serves victims of domestic and sexual violence. They have a 24 hour Crisis Line (252) 541-2064. (Halifax and Northampton County.) Roanoke Valley Rape Crisis will accompany the survivor to the Hospital, to Local Law Enforcement, to Court if they decide to prosecute, and will be a 24 hour resource for referral, compassionate confidential counseling and emotional support.
    • Integrated Family Services Mobile Crisis in Northampton County 1-866-437-1821 Available 24 hours a day/7days a week 365 days of the year.
    • RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) Male or Female Survivors can call toll-free 1-800-628-9454 24/7 365 days of the year to talk with a trained staff person.
    • The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: Uses secure anonymous online chatting. http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-online-hotline
    • REAL Crisis Center of Greenville, NC has a trained volunteers who are available to counselor both male and female survivors 24/7 365 days of the year 252-758-4357.
    • Safe Help Line: Sexual Assault Help for sexual assault survivors from the Department of Defense.
      • 1-877-995-5247 DoD Safeline 24/7 365 days of the year Free and confidential through RAINN.
      • https://www.safehelpline.org/ On the website, live confidential chat is available through secure instant messaging.
      • At the website, a regularly scheduled confidential moderated support group allows military sexual assault survivors to chat online safely and securely.
    • Beyond physical injuries, sexual assault survivors also experience mental trauma, both immediately and a long time afterward. The Counseling Center can assist and make referrals for off campus mental health services for long term treatment and other resources.

For more information, contact

Charice Rosser
Director of Counselor
Office 335
crosser934@halifaxcc.edu
252-536-7207

Jennifer Jones, Ed.S., M.Ed.
Counselor/High School Liaison/Career and College Promise(CCP) Coordinator/SGA Advisor
Suite 323, Office 325
jjones435@halifaxcc.edu
252-536-7203