JMU Victim Advocates are considered a Confidential Resource at James Madison University. This means that we are not required to report incidents of sexual misconduct (as defined by the university) to the Title IX Coordinator or other school officials. As a Confidential Resource, advocates are a great place to start to find out about available options and to receive support as you determine what steps you want to take. Victim Advocates will not share any information about you with any other school official without your consent.

For community safety reasons, there are some exceptions to confidentiality, which may require notifying other school officials or sharing personally identifying information about you. These include:

• If you show signs that you intend to harm yourself or others.
• In certain cases where there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, elders, or other vulnerable adults.
• Under state and federal law, such as in response to a subpoena or court order.
• If there is a medical emergency.
• For the purposes of Clery Act reporting.*

*Clery Act reports are determined by the geographical location of the crime and do not include personally identifying information. Victim Advocates are required to make a Clery report when they are aware that the crime occurred on JMU’s geographic campus.