It is important to have clear complaint protocol at the foundation of your policy so school faculty know how to respond to dating violence, and students and parents know what to expect in the process of filing a complaint. The following is an example of the complaint protocol from our Model Policy:

1. Victims, students, faculty/staff, or parents may file a complaint of teen dating and sexual violence with the Specially Trained Personnel (STP).
2. The complaint can be verbal or written.  If verbal, the STP shall immediately document the complaint in writing (see Documentation Protocol).
3. All school employees have an affirmative obligation to report incidents of teen dating and sexual violence to the STP.
4. The STP will meet with the victim and offender separately in a private room.  This is the only way to ensure safety and to facilitate full disclosure on the part of the victim.
5. The STP will ascertain with the victim each of the following:
   • Whether notification of the victim’s parents would jeopardize the safety of the student,
   • What steps are needed to ensure the victim’s safety,
   • And whether the steps needed would infringe on the alleged offender’s employment or education rights. (If so, the alleged offender must be informed of the allegation(s) before any measures are implemented).
6. The STP will conduct an investigation.  Investigations will continue regardless and independent of the status of any criminal investigation.
7. The STP will meet with any witnesses in order to obtain a clear picture of the types of abuse that have taken place. (The STP will take all steps possible to corroborate all elements of the allegations and witness stories).
8. Following the investigation, the STP will complete a written report and submit the report to the appropriate administrator.  If the report makes a finding that teen dating violence and/or sexual violence has occurred, the report shall include recommendations for disciplinary action against the offender.
9. The Principal, Assistant Principal or other administrator(s) in charge of disciplinary actions will review the recommendation(s) and take disciplinary action (according to District policies on suspension/expulsion/contacting police/detention/class schedule changes, etc.)

To go from here

• Victim’s Bill of Rights
• Education and Training
• Specially Trained Personnel
• Documentation Protocol
• Possible Disciplinary Responses
• Confidentiality
• Retaliation Prohibited
• Appeals Process
• Data Tracking
• Notification