Confidentiality and Privacy
Confidentiality and Privacy as outlined in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
Every effort is made by Arizona Western College(s) (AWC) to preserve the privacy of reports of allegations of sexual harassment/discrimination. For the purpose of the Title XI policy, privacy and confidentiality have distinct meanings.
Privacy means that information related to a complaint will be shared with a limited number of AWC employees who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the report.
All employees who are involved in AWC’s response to notice under this policy receive specific training and guidance about sharing and safeguarding private information in accordance with state and federal law. The privacy of student education records will be protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), as outlined in AWC’s FERPA Policy. The privacy of employee records will be protected in accordance with Human Resources policies.
Confidentiality exists in the context of laws that protect certain relationships, including those who provide services related to medical and clinical care, mental health providers, counselors, attorneys, and ordained clergy. The law creates a privilege between certain health care providers, mental health care providers, attorneys, clergy, and others, with their patients, clients, and parishioners. AWC does not have a health center or mental health counselors on site to provide medical or mental health services.
When information is shared by a Complainant with the Confidential Resource, the Confidential Resource cannot reveal the information to any third party, except when an applicable law or a court order requires or permits disclosure of such information. For example, information may be disclosed when:
- the individual gives written consent for its disclosure;
- there is a concern that the individual will likely cause serious physical harm to self or others; or
- the information concerns conduct involving suspected abuse or neglect of a minor under the age of 18, elders, or individuals with disabilities.
Non-identifiable information may be shared by Confidential Resources for statistical tracking purposes as required by the federal Clery Act. Other information may be shared, as required by law.
AWC will not share the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation; any Complainant, any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination, any Respondent, or any witness, except as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g; FERPA regulations, 34 CFR part 99; or as required by law; or to carry out the purposes of 34 CFR Part 106, including the conducting of any investigation, hearing, or grievance proceeding arising under these policies and procedures.
Only a small group of officials who need to know will typically be told about the complaint, including, but not limited to, the Office for Student Services, college/Compliance Office, Human Resources, and the Behavior Intervention Team. Information will be shared as necessary with Investigators, Decision-makers, witnesses, and the parties. The circle of people with this knowledge will be kept as tight as possible to preserve the parties’ rights and privacy.
AWC may contact parents/guardians to inform them of situations in which there is a significant and articulable health and/or safety risk, but will consult with the student first before doing so, when appropriate.
Other Confidential Resources
Sexual misconduct can be a complex and painful experience that can require many different types of support including medical, legal, psychological, and academic resources. There are no employees within Arizona Western College who can guarantee complete confidentiality; however, there are resources outside of Arizona Western College that you may wish to have a confidential conversation with about your options and what next steps you would like to take.
National Sexual Assault Hotline and Website
Access free, 24/7 local crisis support online or by calling 1-800-856-HOPE (4673). For more information, visit ohl.rainn.org/online.
Off-Campus Counselors, Advocates, and Resources
Off-campus counselors, advocates, and health care providers will also generally maintain confidentiality and not share information with AWC unless the victim requests the disclosure and signs a consent or waiver form.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project
- Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-832-1901
- 24 Hour Crisis Line for GLBTQA Survivors: (617) 742-4911(v); (617) 227-4911(TTY)
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
- Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE
Womenspace National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women
- 24 Hour Hotline: (609) 394-9000
LOCAL RESOURCES
Amberly’s Place
- Family Advocacy Center 24-hour Hotline: (928) 373-0849
MEDICAL ATTENTION
Yuma:
Yuma Regional Medical Center
Address: 2400 S. Avenue A, Yuma, AZ 85364
Phone: 928-344-2000
San Luis:
Regional Center for Border Health San Luis Walk-In Clinic, Inc.
Address #1: 1896 E. Babbit Ln, San Luis, AZ 85349
Phone: 928-722-6122
Address # 2: 1233 S. Main Street, Ste 1A, San Luis, AZ 85349
Phone:928-550-5514
Somerton:
Regional Center for Border Health San Luis Walk-In Clinic, Inc.
Address: 214 W. Main Street, Somerton, AZ
Phone: 928-627-1120
Wellton:
Sunset Community Health Center
Address: 10425 Williams Street, Wellton, AZ 85356
Phone: 928-785-35256
Parker:
Parker Medical Center
Address: 905 S Fiesta Ave, Parker, AZ 85344
Phone: 928-669-2225