Sexual violence is prohibited within Minnesota State including Bemidji State University. To effectively and efficiently address sexual violence prevention, intervention and response education, three departments across campus have unified leveraging a practical framework. The Investigation Office, the Student Center for Health and Counseling, and the Department of Athletics all have important responsibilities in addressing sexual violence. 

Our Purpose 

Campus sexual and relationship violence are serious public health issues that adversely affect college and university students because students cannot learn in an atmosphere in which they do not feel safe. Sexual and relationship violence comprise a continuum of behaviors that include, sexual/gender harassment, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and rape. Victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence may experience barriers to academic success, lower graduation rates, health problems, persistent mental health issues, and fear of retaliation. 

How We do the Work 

We do this work by providing sexual violence prevention education, confidential support for survivors and supportive measures for students and employees. We collaborate with campus and community organizations to offer training, events, and innovative community engagement strategies to create a campus free from violence. 

We implement mandatory sexual violence prevention training for all students and continue to provide optional learning and professional development throughout the academic year. We implement best practices to prevent sexual violence and harassment. All student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff receive annual education on sexual violence prevention, intervention and response. 

Service with Intentionality  

It is with intentionality that we serve students, faculty, and staff. We have specialized services that center specific groups.  

Resources 

On Campus:

Student Center for Health and Counseling 
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  
Services: Medical services, counseling, health education, self-help resources  
Phone:  218-755-2053
 
Investigation Office 
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM  
Services: Sexual violence training, restorative justice training, complaint procedural training, investigation 
Phone:  218-755-4209
 
Public Safety Office  
Hours: 24 hours 
Services: Safety response  
Phone:  218-755-3888

Off Campus:

Support Within Reach Sexual Violence Resource Center 
Phone: 800-708-2727
 
Suicide Prevention  
Phone: 800-422-0045 
 
Bemidji Police Department  
Phone: 218-333-9111 
 
Sanford Medical Center: Emergency Room 
Phone: 218-751-5430