Student Survivor Toolkit
Welcome. This Toolkit is for students who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or dating violence while enrolled at a college, university, or higher education institution. (If you are looking for K-12 help, email us at [email protected].)
Created by survivors and their legal advocates, this resource can empower you with information to decide your path forward and give you tools to get there. No matter what you decide to do next, you are part of a strong community that has your back. You're not alone.
Explore the toolkit below, or download the PDF.
This resource was created and distributed by Equal Rights Advocates. Please credit us if you share, quote from, or refer to material found here.
Trigger warning: The following material discusses sexual violence, as well as victim blaming, gaslighting, shaming, disbelief of survivors, and institutional betrayal. If you’re in a moment of emotional or psychological vulnerability, you may want to take breaks while reading or ask a trusted loved one to read with you.
Note for reading: Title IX has its own complicated legal language. Feel free to open the Glossary in a new tab and refer to it when needed.
Download the PDF
Talk to a legal advocate
Important note
New Title IX regulations went into effect on August 1, 2024, clarifying increased protections for survivors and LGBTQI+ students. Learn more.
A note from the creators, including an overview of what’s included in the toolkit, advice for reading, and acknowledgements.
→ Introduction
We asked students who have been through the Title IX process what they wish they’d known beforehand. Here is their advice for you.
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A list of self-care practices developed specifically for survivors, including exercises you can do right there in the hearing room.
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Title IX has its own confusing legal language. Consult this Glossary as you read, especially the legal sections ahead.
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Get a sense of how the Title IX process should go from beginning to end, and how long each step should take.
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A comprehensive guide to part of the Title IX process, with lots of advice for each step of the way.
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First-hand advice from a Muslim survivor who has been where you are, including how to talk to family.
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Your school is legally required to protect your education and well-being. Here are 5 common ways your rights can be violated and what to do if it happens to you.
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3 FAQs about the evidence review part of the Title IX investigation.
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5 common concerns and issues LGBTQ+ students often face when reporting harm, and suggestions for how to handle them.
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Our legal team’s top 10 tips to help you get ready for your Title IX hearing.
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If Title IX isn’t right for you, Alternative Resolution may be a good fit.
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Ideas and resources for meeting other survivors. Join or build a powerful community.
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If your case didn’t turn out the way you wanted, you may be able to appeal. Here’s how.
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In rare cases, survivors who speak out can be sued by the person who harmed them. Here’s how to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.
* California only.
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Share your story or join forces with other survivors to advocate for change. Activism can help you reclaim your power and support your healing journey.
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