Dating/Domestic Violence
Putting a stop to violence
Help break the cycle of domestic or dating violence--the Dean of Students office can help you get assistance for yourself or someone you know.
Dating/Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Dating/Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone (as defined by the Department of Education). Any person employed at an institution who witnesses a dating/domestic violence incident on campus or receives a report from a student enrolled is required to report it to the dean of students of the institution. This page will refer to these actions collectively as “DV”.
The dean of students compiles reports for the purpose of disseminating statistical information. The UW-Eau Claire Dean of Students Office takes incidents of dating and domestic seriously and will investigate. Information regarding emotional, medical, legal, and other support resources for victims is available through the Dean of Students Office and University Police. **A VICTIM NAME IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS REPORT**
Victims are not required to give their name when reporting DV. However, if the victim’s name is provided, the Dean of Students Office will be able to assist the victim in a variety of ways. Assistance could include providing alternate living locations in residence halls, alternate enrollments in courses and academic arrangements, safety planning, referrals to on and off campus resources and assistance in obtaining “No contact” or “Restraining Orders.”
Victims are also not required to provide the name of the perpetrator, however, if identifying information is provided, the Dean of Students office will investigate and take action under the Blugold Student Conduct Code.
File a report to the Dean of Students office.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Student Disciplinary Procedures (University of Wisconsin System - Chapter UWS 17) provides specific authority for the University to discipline students who engage in conduct which constitutes a danger to the personal safety of others. Section 17.06(1) authorizes disciplinary action against a student “for intentional conduct which constitutes a serious danger to the personal safety of other members of the University community or guests.” Disciplinary sanctions under this provision would include actions affecting the status of the student including probation, suspension or expulsion. A full description of these procedures is available on request from the Dean of Students Office.
Responding local agencies
Students are also encouraged to notify the University Police (715-836-2222) or the Eau Claire Police Department (9-911 from on-campus phones; 911 from a pay phone or off-campus phones) if they are the victim of DV. Whether or not the student decides to press charges, reporting the event(s) can help you to better understand your options and help you to start safety planning.
Students can also seek confidential services from the the UWEC Counseling Services, and Student Health Service and the Bolton Refuge House (715) 834-9578. These services will help you explore the range of options available to you, and they serve all students regardless of gender. You will not be pressured to make a Dean of Students or police report if you don't want to do so.
Dynamics of Dating/Domestic Violence
DV is a pattern of behavior intended to coerce and control a partner. Understanding the dynamics, warning signs and available resources is vital to stopping the abuse. This link provides more information: Understanding Dating/Domestic Violence.
Bystander Intervention
You can play a vital role in the prevention of DV by being able to identify unsafe situations and knowing when and how to intervene safely. UW-Eau Claire provides bystander intervention training, please contact the Dean of Students for information about upcoming training.
Safety Planning
Learn to take steps to protect your safety. The Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire will assist you to develop a plan to increase your safety and help with other steps as necessary such as filing a restraining order or reporting to the Dean of Students or the police.
Loveisrespect.org has online resources available for safety planning.