I am under 18, and want to tell someone at my school about what I am experiencing. Do teachers, staff, or other employees have to share what I tell them?

Yes. All staff and faculty employed by Oregon colleges, universities, and schools are “mandatory reporters” of child abuse under Oregon law. If you are under 18 and experiencing violence or abuse, it's highly likely that a teacher, staff, or faculty member will need to report their concerns for your safety. This includes many campus-based advocates if they are employed by your college or university.

Most advocates at local advocacy agencies can assist you without making a report to ODHS, your school, family, or caretakers. Many (but not all) community-based agencies have youth advocates who specialize in serving young folks. Asking to meet with a youth advocate if possible can help ensure you get the most accurate information about options for you.

Advocates can also connect you with things like counseling, assistance, and services. Click here to find an advocacy agency in your community.

Who will they tell?

Mandatory reporters must contact Oregon Department of Human Services (Oregon DHS / ODHS) or law enforcement and report what you share with them.

What will happen when a report is made to ODHS?

Once a report has been made to ODHS, there are a few things that you may expect to happen:

• If ODHS opens an assessment regarding your safety, you and your family/caregivers will be contacted by a Child Welfare professional to learn more about the situation and determine what needs to happen.

• You may also be contacted by your local law enforcement agency, either alongside ODHS or on their own. This is NOT because you did something wrong or are in trouble with the law. ODHS and Law Enforcement cross-report to each other to work together on public safety concerns.

• ODHS and Law Enforcement can provide support services to you. They may work to connect you and your family/caregivers with supports such as counseling, assistance and services once they have made sure you are safe under the parameters of Oregon's laws and policies.

• If you are a member of a Native American tribe, ODHS may also make contact with the tribe to ensure that you are receiving services and supports that are culturally appropriate. Many tribes in Oregon have their own Child Welfare systems that may work in tandem with ODHS or may operate independently of ODHS and Law Enforcement. If you are an indigenous person who is or is not enrolled in a tribe, you can always ask ODHS about whether or not they will contact your tribe. You may also consider reaching out directly to your tribe to find out what they can offer in terms of advocacy and support.

Can I still file a Title IX report, or get help from my school?

Yes. You can still report your experiences and receive help from your school. Many schools will submit their mandatory report to ODHS, and then work with you privately to create a safety plan, talk through your options, and see what support you need.

You can find the information for your college or university’s Title IX coordinator via the school website, or on the district website if you are in middle or high school.

Can I speak with someone confidentially?

Yes. If you would like to speak with someone who can help confidentially (not share your information with others), your community-based advocacy agency can help.

To find the community-based advocacy agency in your area, click here.

Do Title IX protections apply to me?

Yes. All students, staff, and faculty in the United States are protected under Title IX. You have the same rights to have a safe learning environment as your peers.

What if I am participating in a college access program as a high school student?

Help is available. To speak with someone confidentially and learn more about your options, contact your local community advocacy agency (click here to find the agency near you).

If you were harmed on a college campus or in your college access program: You can report to the college or university you are accessing, or the staff member that is supervising your access program. Click here to find information for your college/university. Please note that these staff will most likely be mandatory reporters of child abuse, and may contact Oregon DHS, law enforcement, or your school.

If you were harmed at your middle or high school, you can report to your school counselor, district Title IX coordinator, or a teacher, coach, or staff member you trust.

To find information for your school counselor, Title IX coordinator, or administrators, check your school’s website and/or student resource handbook. If this information is not available, check out your school district’s website and look for the Title IX coordinator’s information.

I need medical attention. Will the hospital or clinic have to tell anyone what has happened to me?

Yes. Medical providers in Oregon must report abuse of minors (and those over the age of 65) to law enforcement. You can still receive access to a private exam, medical care, and resources.

Learn more about Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Exams (SAFE exams), the process, and resources available to you here:

ENGLISH (pdf)

ESPAÑOL (pdf)

I want to learn more about what my school is doing to prevent violence. How would I find this information?

You can learn more about how your school district is working to prevent sexual and other forms of violence and abuse by reviewing their comprehensive sexuality education plan of instruction, which should be available on the school district webpage. Your school counselor, health teacher, or administration may also be able to help you understand what steps the school is taking to make sure that everyone has access to a safe and healthy learning environment.