The ComMUnity of Care program is a grant program funded by the Department of Justice

See ComMUnity of Care Resource Guide to see on-campus, local, and national resources, as well as links to additional information and education.

ComMUnity of Care Resource Guide

a) An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

b) Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education;

c) dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as defined below.

The use of physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, stalking, or other forms of emotional, sexual, or economic abuse directed towards a partner who is or has been in a dating relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

Dating violence and domestic violence may be differentiated by:

• Dating violence is committed
  • By a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
  • Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: 1) The length of the relationship, 2) The type of relationship, and 3) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
• Domestic violence is committed
  • By a current or former spouse of the complainant
  • By a person with whom the complainant shares a child in common
  • By a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the complainant as a spouse
  • By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the complainant
  • By any other person against an adult or youth complainant who is protected from that person's acts under law.

Dating violence and/or domestic violence may also be referred to as intimate partner violence.

As a bystander, you may see the following that may indicate intimate partner violence:

• Inability to make decisions - either about time spent, or even personal decisions like school or work 
• Limited time spent out or with family, friends, or peers 
• Lack of control over finances or how to spend money     
• Disregarding, minimizing, or degrading identities, such as religion, languages, sexuality, gender expression, cultural practices or beliefs, traditions, activities, etc. 
• Noticing control over online or social media use - who they can follow, how much time spent, password sharing, access to location, constant and/or unwelcome messaging, etc.   
• Fear of threatening, intimidation, insulting, physical harm from their partner

Nonconsensual sexual act, including when the victim lacks the ability to consent (unconscious, under the influence, etc.).

Identifying Sexual Assault 

As a bystander, you may see the following before a sexual assault occurs: 

• Pulling away from someone or unwanted touching   
• Looking uncomfortable 
• Pushing or shoving someone away  
• Pressure to do something or go somewhere  
• Intoxication (may be voluntary or involuntary) 
• Fighting 
• Hesitancy 
• Giving in to appease the person trying to convince them 

You may notice sexual assault has occurred when a survivor: 

• Acts scared or embarrassed 
• Limits eye contact  
• Unsure of the events or what exactly happened   
• Avoiding specific places, situations, people, or conversations 
• Changes in mood or personality  
• Withdrawing from friendships or activities  
• Has troubling with sleeping or unconsciousness  
• Under-interested or hyper-interested in sex 

Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person to fear for their safety or safety of others, or suffer emotional distress

Stalking is a pattern of behavior or multiple occurrences. Stalking is often something done by someone they know or someone they have had a close relationship with in the past (i.e. an ex) and can have someone feeling unsafe, on edge, and threatened.  

As a bystander, you may see the following that indicates stalking: 

• Continuous communication to the person by phone, text, voicemail, email, socials media DMs, etc. 
• Showing up unannounced at school, work, or home - includes after classes or activities, offices where they have on-campus jobs, outside of their dorm or apartment, or any place a part of their daily schedule  
• Continuous contact to their personal network or loved ones - friends, workplace supervisors, professors, family member, etc. 
• Using social media or technology to track activities, or finding new avenues to gain contact, such as making fake accounts or hacking into accounts  
• Threats to them or their loved ones   
• Getting unwanted gifts, notes, or flowers  
• Destruction to personal property or home 
• Always feeling on edge

Permission from all parties that is clear, knowing, voluntary, and expressed prior to engaging in and during an act. Consent is active, not passive. Silence cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent can be revoked at any time and cannot be given if they are impaired (unconscious, under the influence, etc.), coerced, or forced in some way 

When it comes to consent... consider FRIES:

The full definition of consent can be found in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities in Section Five: Title IX Policy. 

Any adverse employment or educational action taken against a person because of the person’s participation in a complaint or investigation of discrimination or sexual harassment

Someone who acts to stop, intervene, interrupt or protect in a potentially harmful situation

You can become equipped to be an active bystander by attending a Green Dot training!

• Contacting campus police by calling (317) 955-6789 or local law enforcement by calling 911; the dispatcher may ask if you would like to seek medical attention and to give a description of the respondent. 
• Contact the Title IX Coordinator or one of the Deputy Coordinators using the contact information below.  
  • After hours, call (317) 924-2750 and ask to speak to the Title IX Coordinator. 
• Report using the online form, or by accessing marian.edu/title-ix. 
  • When you submit this form, it is reviewed the Title IX Coordinator and/or Deputy IX Coordinator. You can submit with or without your name, but there is a limit to support that can be provided and actions that can be taken when you submit anonymously. They will reach out to the submitting party (if applicable) as soon as possible. 
• If you do not feel comfortable using the above options, you may report to a trusted faculty or staff member. Since most Marian University employees are mandatory reporters, they can assist you in connecting to the Title IX Office. 

One may choose to utilize any or all options.

Karen Candlish (she/her)
Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator  
Clare Hall, Room 122  
kcandlish@marian.edu  
(317) 955-6318

Clint Whitson (he/him)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator  
Evans Center, Room 109  
cwhitson@marian.edu
(317) 955-6611  

Cassie McCroskey (she/her)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator  
Marian Hall, Room 116  
cmccroskey@marian.edu  
(317) 955-6743  

The Title IX process and supports are available to all students, no matter sex, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship or visa status, or any other identity.  

The Title IX process is a nuanced process and can become confusing quickly. Any person who has experienced or witnessed any sort sexual harassment can file a report on incident(s). Meeting with Title IX Coordinator is the first step, and the Title IX Coordinator discusses their rights, all possible options to proceed, and the supports and resources available. In the below flowchart, the fundamental Title IX process is outlined.

Title IX Flow Chart

Definitions taken from and adapted from Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

When it is possible that the report or complaint cannot result in corrective actions or disciplinary sanctions, other remedial measures could be put in place, such as training on sexual harassment, increasing security in designated place, changing policy or procedures, or conducting a climate check.

• Create and affirm the vision for the overall direction of the grant; 
• Ensure intuitional engagement and buy-in;  
• Serve as the institutional body of expertise and decision-making body for the grant; 
• Participate in assessment, planning, development, and implementation of grant deliverables; 
• Serve as a learning community that continues to anticipate and response to the unique needs of our campus community; and  
• Serve as ambassadors between the grant and the larger campus community 

We are leaders, allies, educators, and representatives of the Marian University community who work together to direct innovative approaches to preventing and responding to power-based personal violence for the benefit of all in our community. We center those who are most vulnerable in order to create a community where growth, leadership, and learning are encouraged through systemic shifting, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive processes and programs.

*Core members who have attended OVW training institutions. 

• Kara Kubancsek*, Program Coordinator of ComMUnity of Care and OVW Project Director 
• Sarah Balana Molter*, Director of Student Activities and OVW Project Supervisor 
• Ruth Rodgers, Senior Vice President Leadership Integration and Student Success 
• Karen Candlish*, Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator 
• Dr. Marla Smith, Director of the Counseling and Consultation Services 
  
• Angelica Smith, Director of the Unity Center 
• Scott McNamee, Executive Director of University Ministry 
• Robert Richardson*, MUPD Chief Officer  
• Allie Storke, Women’s Lacrosse Coach and Department of Athletics  
• Jennifer Plumlee, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Engagement 
• Whitney Guthrie, Community Partner, Firefly Children and Family Alliance 
• Sgt. Lawrence Cahill, Community Partner, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 

We are currently seeking students for a student sector of the CCRT. If you are interested, please contact Kara Kubancsek at kkubancsek@marian.edu.  

Firefly also offers different support groups for survivors. Survivors are invited to join these virtual groups and explore the healing process, develop coping tools, share in each other’s journey, and receive peer support in a safe, supportive environment. The support groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by Survivor Advocates. If interested in support groups or learning more, contact Support Group Coordinator, Maddy Klein, at (317) 644-7357 or via SupportGroups@fireflyin.org.

Current Firefly Support Groups  

• College Sexual Assault Survivors
  • Typically held twice a year in spring & fall – contact kkubancsek@marian.edu or supportgroups@fireflyin.org to be notified for upcoming or next session! 
  • 2023 General SA Group Flyer

• Additional ongoing support groups
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse (ASCA)
  • Spanish-speaking survivors 
  • Additional groups as interest is shown
  • 2023 General Survivor Support Group Flyer

If this is an emergency:  

• Contact someone at Marian University by calling (317) 924-2750 and ask for a counselor  
• Marion County 24/7 crisis line: 833-338-SASS (7277) 
• Chat online with a trained professional with RAINN or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673) 
• Chat online with a trained professional with National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) [TTY (800) 787-3224] or text ‘START” to 88788 
• In an emergency of yours or someone's imminent safety, call 911 or campus police at (317) 955-6789

Center of Hope 

Center of Hope locations can be found at certain hospitals in Indianapolis and provide specialized sexual assault treatment. They provide caring, private, and trauma-informed treatment from medical professionals and can help you understand your rights and next steps. They provide forensic exams, also known as rape kits, and are provided free of cost to the survivor. Centers of Hope (COH) are located in the emergency rooms of the following hospitals: Franciscan Health (St. Francis), Community North, South & East, St Vincent, IU Health Methodist, and Eskenazi. Survivors should tell the front desk staff that they are seeking the COH, and they will connect the survivor to the COH. Remember, you have the right to have an advocate with you during the process, and the COH can help you call for one. 

Forensic exams, also known as rape kit, are a medical exam that collects evidence left behind from the assault. Exams are free to survivors, and no part of the exam is mandatory. There is no obligation to the survivor to use the exam for anything, but it can be used as evidence if they decide to report the assault to the police.

• More information of what a rape kit is
• Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault (Spanish)

Indianapolis Hospitals with a Center of Hope:

• Eskenazi: 720 Eskenazi Avenue (~3 miles from campus)
• IU Heath Methodist: 1701 N Senate Blvd (~4 miles from campus)
• Ascension St Vincent: 2001 W 86th Street (~8 miles from campus)
• Community North: 7250 Clearvista Drive (~12 miles from campus)
• Community East: 1500 N Ritter Ave (~11 miles from campus)
• Community South: 1402 E County Line Rd (~20 miles from campus)
• Franciscan Health (St. Francis): 8111 S Emerson Ave (~17 miles from campus)

Whether your sexual assault occurred in any affiliation with Marian University or not, you may be entitled to Title IX support from Marian University. If Marian University is involved in some way, you may be able to go through a Title IX process if you wish to report. In any case, you still have access to a survivor advocate. 

Green Dot approaches all students, staff, administrators, and faculty as allies. The original Green Dot program was conceived in the college setting to prevent dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. It relies on the premise that if everyone does their small part and commits to individual responsibility, the combined effect is a safe campus culture that is intolerant of violence. The college-based curriculum draws heavily on the experiences of college students and the reality of this issue in their lives. This curriculum uses interactive activities to reinforce core concepts and encourages students to envision their future and the world in which they want to live, then aligns their bystander behavior with that vision. 

Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something!

Green Dot bystander intervention training is a 4-hour interactive workshop designed for students to understand what it means to be an active bystander and how they can play a role in culture shift. However, there is also a 75-minute overview that can be done with students as well. In addition, our trainers are equipped with an overview for faculty, staff, and administrators as well.  Please inquire here if you are interested in bringing a Green Dot training to your student group, organization, classroom, team, office, or department.

Our interactive workshops use captivating films, peer-to-peer discussions, and immersive activities to start life-changing conversations about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Click here to learn more about One Love. To inquire more about these workshops, contact Kara at kkubancsek@marian.edu.

Follow us on Instagram for events, resources, and information! @mucommunityofcare

Awareness Months

Attend programming from ComMUnity of Care program, especially programming during awareness months.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October
• National Stalking Awareness Month – January
• Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month – April

Volunteer with Firefly Children and Family Alliance as a Survivor Advocate

The only requirement is that volunteers are ready to learn, listen, and practice empathy. Training is provided to volunteers to prepare advocates. Learn more here -  Volunteer as a Survivor Advocate. To inquire about this opportunity, email Survivor Advocate Volunteer Coordinator bhall@fireflyIN.org.

Bring an educational training to your student group, class, or department

If you have a specific topic in mind, but do not see it mentioned anywhere, reach out as we have connections with community partners that provide lots of community trainings on various topics.

Keep the resource document readily available to share with friends if ever needed.

Engage in proactive behaviors that support survivors and our violence-free community.

Follow social media accounts to continue learning about these topics and how you can be an ally and continuing educating yourself!

Instagram accounts: