The Cleveland Institute of Music strongly encourages members of the CIM community who experience sexual misconduct to report the misconduct and to seek assistance to pursue university action for their own protection and that of the entire campus community. Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct may choose to use this Institute process as well as a criminal process.

How to Submit a Report to CIM

Reports of sexual misconduct may be made internally to:

Sarah Hopfe
Email: sarah.hopfe@cim.edu
216.795.3132

Reports may also be made by submitting an Incident Reporting Form.

Any member of the CIM community who is consulted about, observes, and/or witnesses behavior involving potential sexual misconduct has the responsibility to report the potential misconduct to the Title IX coordinator. In addition, to the extent possible, members of the CIM community should also encourage those directly involved to promptly make a report to the Title IX coordinator.

Who Else Can I Contact?

In addition to reporting the incident to the Title IX coordinator, you may also report the incident to:

CIM Security
(216) 791-5000 Ext. 300 or Ext. 301

Case Police and Security
(216) 368-3333

University Circle Police
(216) 791-1234

You can contact any law enforcement authority with jurisdiction. If pursuing a criminal process, see the section below on Preserving Evidence to help the police with their investigation.

Reporting to Case Western Reserve University:

If misconduct involves someone at Case Western Reserve University, you may report that misconduct to CWRU. Regardless of whether you report to CIM or CWRU, both institutions will be involved in handling the case. Learn how to file a report to CWRU and find a list of designated representatives that are available to support you. CIM students can contact the CWRU Office of Title IX via email, titleix@case.edu, or phone, 216.368.3066. You may also consult CWRU's Title IX Resources.

Reporting to the Cleveland Institute of Art:

If misconduct involves someone at Cleveland Institute of Art, you may report that misconduct to CIA. Regardless of who you report to, both institutions will be involved in handling the case. Learn how to file a report to CIA and find additional support resources and designated representatives.

What Information Will Help?

It is important for an individual who has experienced sexual misconduct to get to a safe space and seek support. In addition, the institute encourages individuals to preserve all potential evidence to assist in investigating and handling the situation.

General Tips for Preserving Evidence:

  • Do not alter, dispose of or destroy any physical evidence.
  • If there is suspicion that a drink may have been drugged, inform a medical assistance provider and/or law enforcement as soon as possible so they can attempt to collect potential evidence (e.g., from the drink, through urine or blood sample).
  • Preserve evidence of electronic communications by saving them and/or by taking screenshots of text messages, instant messages, social networking pages or other electronic communications, and by keeping pictures, logs or copies of documents that relate to the incident and/or respondent.
  • Even if someone chooses not to make a complaint regarding sexual misconduct, they should nevertheless consider speaking with law enforcement to preserve evidence in the event that they change their mind at a later date.

Preserving Evidence Related to Sexual Assault:

  • Do not change out of the clothing you were wearing at the time of your assault. If you must change, place your old clothes in a paper bag and do not wash it.
  • Pack a change of clothes to bring to University Health Service or local hospital.
  • Do not shower, bathe, brush teeth, eat, drink or change bedding before going to the hospital or seeking medical attention.