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91³Ô¹ÏÍø Reporting

Protection of Minors

91³Ô¹ÏÍø is dedicated to the welfare and safety of Minors who visit 91³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s campus and who participate in 91³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Programs. 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Protection of Minors Policy describes the requirements of administrators, faculty, staff, students, volunteers and others who interact with Minors and informs all members of the university community of their obligation to report any instances of known or suspected abuse or neglect of Minors. Additional information and resources can be found at the Protection of Minors website.

 

Every member of the University community (not limited to individuals who interact with Minors) is required by law to report known or suspected instances of the abuse or neglect of Minors (a “Minor” in Tennessee is a child under the age of 18 years). Members making a report in good faith will be protected from criminal and civil liability for making the report. Additional policy requirements include the internal reporting of abuse or maltreatment of or inappropriate interactions with (including conduct code violations) a Minor in a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø program or at an event on campus. It is important to understand that every member is required to report any type of suspected child abuse, neglect, or inadequate care, including physical and sexual abuse. This includes disclosures of abuse, which may or may not involve 91³Ô¹ÏÍø personnel.

 

To report an incident of known or suspected instances of the abuse or neglect of a Minor, please follow the instructions below.

 

Ways to Report Child Abuse

  • File a Mandatory External Report with Law Enforcement
    • If the situation is a life-threatening emergency, contact 911.
    • When abuse or neglect of a Minor is suspected, two reports, one external and one internal, must be made. If there is a concern about not meeting the definitions of child abuse regarding the safety of a minor or the inappropriate conduct of an adult that is not aligned with the culture of safety and conduct code for adults while engaging with minors, the policy requires an internal report.

    • Tennessee law requires every person to make a report when they suspect sexual or physical abuse or neglect of a Minor. Failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor. The required report may be made to the State of Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 877-237-0004, online at or to a Tennessee sheriff’s office or police department, including VUPD at 615-322-2745. If the situation is a life-threatening emergency, contact 911.
  • File a Mandatory Internal Report with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø

    In addition to an external report, every member of the University community has a further obligation to report known or suspected abuse, neglect, maltreatment, exploitation, or inappropriate interactions (including conduct code violations) with a Minor on campus or in a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø program immediately to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø. Internal reporting steps include:

    • In a life-threatening emergency, first contact VUPD/911.
    • For imminent time-sensitive concerns of safety and harm, immediately contact the Program Director (where appropriate) and University Compliance Service (UCS), Youth Protection team at 615-936-5935
    • Program Directors receiving any report of concern of abuse of a Minor must report the concern to the UCS, Youth Protection team at 615-936-5935. This includes if program personnel have already made a referral to the Department of Children’s Services or law enforcement as outlined in the external reporting procedure above.
    • Online in non-emergency or imminent situations,
      • Concerns may be reported to the through the POM. Reporting page:
  • File a Report with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø's Compliance Helpline (RealResponse)

    RealResponse is a secure reporting system that supports real-time, anonymous communication via the RealResponse web platform, text message, WhatsApp, or email. 91³Ô¹ÏÍø's University Compliance Services Team uses RealResponse so individuals can submit concerns and receive follow‑up information or resources while keeping their identity protected, if they choose.

    Reports may be submitted anonymouslyÌý´Ç°ùÌýconfidentially.

    • Anonymous Report: includes no identifying information and cannot be traced to the reporter.
    • Confidential Report: includes the reporter’s identity, which is protected but may be disclosed when required by law, to address health or safety concerns, or to comply with obligations such as Title IX or the Clery Act. Please consider these limits when choosing a reporting option.

    ¶Ù´ÇÌýnot use this system to report emergencies or situations posing an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted here may not receive an immediate response. For emergency assistance, contact local authorities.

    91³Ô¹ÏÍø reviews every report and takes appropriate action. Providing as much detail as possible helps support a thorough review. In most cases, findings and any resulting actions must remain confidential and cannot be shared with the reporter.

    Submit an online report with RealResponse:

    • Submit an 
    • Submit a 
    • Anonymously Text a Report: 1-833-928-2639
      • RealResponse conceals the Reporter's phone number from 91³Ô¹ÏÍø personnel. 
    • Anonymously Text a Report via 
      • RealResponse conceals the Reporter's phone number from 91³Ô¹ÏÍø personnel. 
    • Anonymously Email a Report: 91³Ô¹ÏÍøReporting@vanderbilt.realresponse.com
      • RealResponse conceals the Reporter's email from 91³Ô¹ÏÍø personnel.