Buena Vista University provides resources and support for individuals who have experienced or become aware of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, or other forms of sex discrimination.
There are multiple options for seeking support or making a report. You may choose to report to BVU, law enforcement, both, or neither.
If You Need Immediate Help
For an emergency, call 911.
Campus Security
712.749.2500
security@bvu.edu
Student Success Office, Siebens Forum
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Emergency Room
712.732.4030
Storm Lake Police Department
712.732.8010
CAASA 24-Hour Crisis Line
877.362.4612
National Sexual Assault Hotline
800.656.HOPE (4673)
Report to BVU
The University encourages anyone who experiences or becomes aware of possible sexual misconduct to contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Erin Heuton
Title IX Coordinator | University Compliance Manager
Human Resources Office
712.749.2061
titleix@bvu.edu
Reports may be made by phone, email, or in person.
The Title IX Coordinator can meet with you to discuss your concerns, available resources, supportive measures, and options for addressing the situation. Contacting the Title IX Coordinator does not require you to make a formal complaint.
You may also report sexual misconduct to:
Campus Security
712.749.2500
security@bvu.edu
Human Resources
712.749.2049
humanresources@bvu.edu
Vice President for Student Success
712.749.2656
Confidential Support
If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available.
On-Campus Resources
Counseling Services
712.749.2123
Student Success Office, Siebens Forum
Health Services
712.749.1238
Dixon-Eilers Hall
Chaplain
712.749.2111
Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Siebens Forum
The Director of Health Services & Wellness and the Chaplain serve in multiple roles at BVU. If you are seeking their assistance specifically as a confidential resource, make that request clear before sharing information.
Off-Campus Resources
Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA)
Storm Lake: 712.732.8120
24-Hour Crisis Line: 877.362.4612
Iowa Victim Service Call Center
24-Hour Crisis Line: 800.770.1650
Text IOWAHELP to 20121
Family Crisis Centers
Sioux County Office: 712.722.4404
24-Hour Crisis Line: 800.382.5603
What to Do After Sexual Violence
If you have experienced sexual violence:
- Get to a safe place.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, injured, or need emergency assistance.
- Consider contacting a confidential advocate, counselor, or other support resource.
- Seek medical attention, whether or not you choose to make a report.
- Consider preserving evidence in case you decide to report the incident.
- Contact law enforcement if you choose to do so.
- Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you would like to report the conduct to BVU or discuss available University resources and options.
Medical Care and Preserving Evidence
Medical attention can address injuries, provide preventative care, and allow for the collection of forensic evidence.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are available at:
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
1525 W. 5th Street
Storm Lake, IA 50588
712.732.4030
If possible, avoid showering, bathing, changing clothes, brushing your teeth, eating, drinking, or cleaning up before seeking a forensic examination. If you have already done any of these things, you may still seek medical care and a forensic examination.
Report to Law Enforcement
Some forms of sexual misconduct may also constitute crimes. You have the right to notify or decline to notify law enforcement. BVU can assist you in contacting law enforcement if you choose to make a report.
Emergency
911
Storm Lake Police Department
712.732.8010
401 E. Milwaukee Avenue
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office
712.749.2530
411 Expansion Blvd.
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Reporting to law enforcement is not required for BVU to respond to a report through its own processes.
Online & Graduate Students
Online and graduate students may access BVU's Title IX reporting and support resources regardless of location.
For an emergency, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.
To report sexual misconduct:
Title IX Coordinator
712.749.2061
titleix@bvu.edu
For confidential University support:
Counseling Services
712.749.2123
The Title IX Coordinator and Counseling Services can also help connect students with appropriate resources in their local communities.
Additional Support Resources
Additional resources are available for individuals affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA)
712.732.8120
24-Hour Crisis Line: 877.362.4612
Iowa Victim Service Call Center
800.770.1650
Text IOWAHELP to 20121
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Questions or Assistance
If you are unsure where to begin, contact the Title IX Coordinator for information about University resources, reporting options, and available support.
Erin Heuton
Title IX Coordinator | University Compliance Manager
712.749.2061
titleix@bvu.edu