Report an incident

File an incident report: Reporting Form

To file a formal complaint: contact the Office of Institutional Equity

Confidential support: Talk to someone confidentially

Help a friend: Learn about options for supporting someone else

What happens when you report

An individual who has experienced protected class harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct has the right to choose whether to report the incident to Ohio State's Office of Institutional Equity. Ohio State has designated the Title IX Coordinator to oversee complaints of sexual misconduct at the university. The Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Intake Coordinators are specially trained to work with individuals who report harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct and have knowledge about on- and off-campus resources, services, and options — including the availability of supportive measures.

You have the right to receive written information on all of your rights and options, including your rights to receive support resources, proceed with a university investigation, or file a report with the police. The university respects the needs and choices of the victim/survivor. More information is available below about reporting to the university.

All university employees (including student employees) are obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct of which they become aware unless they have a recognized confidentiality privilege. See the university's Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy for more information.

Please call or email Ohio State's Office of Institutional Equity at 614-247-5838 to set up a meeting if you have a complaint involving protected class harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct. You can also call for general information.

Please Note: The Office of Institutional Equity and the Title IX coordinator are not confidential sources of support. While they will address your complaint with sensitivity and keep your information as private as possible, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. For confidential resources, please contact a confidential counselor.

Learn more about how reports of protected class harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct are handled by reviewing the Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Electronic and Anonymous Reporting

You also may file a report about sexual misconduct using the appropriate links below. While anonymous complaints are accepted, the university's ability to investigate and respond to anonymous complaints is limited.

To File a Report Electronically

Individuals may use this form to electronically file a report with the Office of Institutional Equity: Online Reporting Form.

Reporting to the Police

Ohio State encourages individuals to report incidents of crime, including sexual misconduct and hate crimes, to University Police or the appropriate law enforcement agency. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in the successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence crimes, and may lead to the arrest of an offender or aid in the investigation of other incidents. If a victim/survivor wants to file an anonymous police report and obtain a police report number for future consideration, the Office of Institutional Equity and/or SARNCO advocates can assist. More information on reporting to the police is available below.

Have questions about the reporting process? Contact a Civil Rights Intake Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity

Preserving evidence

Regardless of whether an incident of crime, including sexual misconduct or hate crimes, is reported to the police or the University, Ohio State strongly encourages individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct or hate crimes to preserve evidence to the greatest extent possible, as this will best maintain all legal options for the future.

The Ohio State University Police Division has specially trained officers to work with individuals reporting sexual violence or hate crimes. Further, University Police has a written guarantee for sexual violence survivors that reflects its primary concern for survivors and emphasizes sensitivity and privacy. University Police can also assist in reviewing options with survivors and identifying and facilitating support resources related to:

Seeking medical attention
Seeking support, advocacy, and counseling services
Discussing legal options, including seeking protective orders from a court
Options under the university's sexual misconduct investigation process

Reports of sexual misconduct made to the University Police will automatically be reported to the Office of Institutional Equity regardless of whether the individual who experienced the sexual misconduct chooses to pursue criminal charges. The Office of Institutional Equity will contact the individual with rights and options, but there is no obligation to respond to any outreach or to participate in a university investigation.

The Ohio State University Police Department, Columbus Campus
Blankenship Hall
901 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus OH 43210
Phone: 614-292-2121 (non-emergency)
For emergencies, dial 9-1-1

Off-campus reporting
Crimes occurring off campus in Columbus should be reported to the City of Columbus Police 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-645-4545 (non-emergency).

Crimes occurring off campus in other communities should be reported to the local police agencies.
Upper Arlington Police at 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-459-2800 (non-emergency).
Clinton Township Police at 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-471-1479 (non-emergency).
Grandview Heights Police at 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-488-7901 (non-emergency).