Online program focuses on rights, responsibilities regarding abuse, harassment
September 7, 2012
Purdue employees are encouraged to complete an online training program focused on how to identify, prevent and respond to instances of sexual harassment and suspected child sexual abuse.
Two training modules are available to employees at www.purdue.edu/ethics/education_training.html.
Special measures have been taken to ensure every employee will have access to the program -- whether or not they have access to a computer as part of their job responsibilities. To date, more than 761 service staff in Physical Facilities without access to computers have completed the training, says Alysa Rollock, vice president for ethics and compliance.
"Harassment and abuse are unacceptable, and everyone should be aware of his or her rights and responsibilities related to such allegations," says Rollock, who is overseeing the training effort. "The University strongly recommends that all faculty and staff take these online training courses."
Each training module takes approximately 75 minutes to complete; employees can stop and begin again as necessary and at their convenience. Participants will be assessed throughout the program to prepare them for the certification exam that all employees will take at the end of each module.
Purdue administrators reiterated the importance of reporting sexual abuse and outlined protocol in place for University employees following the release of the Freeh report regarding the reporting of sexual abuse at Penn State.
Employees are reminded that under Indiana Law, all adults have an obligation to report child abuse or neglect.
If any Purdue employee is witness to suspected child abuse, they should call 911 if it's an emergency. If it is not an emergency, the employee should alert a senior staff member and call local police, campus police or Child Protective Services at 800-800-5556.
Purdue also offers a Whistleblower hotline at www.purdue.edu/hotline (or 866-818-2620) where any potential criminal activity can be reported anonymously.
