Sharing stories, shattering silence

Staff Editorial

Since we have explained UD’s policy on reporting sexual assault on our cover, we will use this space to explain our own.

The University of Dayton’s Title IX policy lays out three types of potential resources for survivors of sexual assault: mandatory, private and confidential. These resources are explicitly defined by this policy, with UD staff doctors, ordained clergy and counselors exempt from rules of mandatory or anonymous reporting. Our policy is to offer a platform for voices that need to be heard. And if those voices need to be anonymous to share their stories, we will protect their anonymity.

Survivor accounts should offer control to the teller. When survivors lose a chance to tell their story exactly as they want to—be it from not fully understanding the policy of mandatory reporting, finally being able to put words to what happened or if those words are being met with resistance—they lose the control stolen from them once before.

It’s our responsibility as a community to offer support to those who have been silenced, so we can shatter it. Whether that’s speaking out against the crime or listening to someone’s experience.

Sometimes the fear of backlash from perpetrators, bystanders or oneself can make the words heavy. Sometimes it can feel like no matter what one does or says, the result will not fix what has happened.

If you or someone you know needs to lift these words and share them, please feel free to contact us with your story. We will do every­thing we can to give you a page to control it.

If you have a story to tell, please email flyernewseditor@gmail.com. If you need a confidential resource, please visit or call the Counseling Center, the Health Center or Campus Ministry. To file an assault complaint form online, visit here. For the full coverage about Title IX reporting procedures at the University of Dayton, go here.