SGBV Options Navigation Network (ONN) Expectations and Training

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Options Navigation Network (ONN), coordinated by the Sexual Violence Response Coordinator (SVRC), is made up of University units in which staff have enhanced training in receiving disclosures about experiences of SGBV. They are additionally trained to support disclosers in understanding the various options available to them and connecting disclosers to the right person or service to assist them in pursuing a specific option or options.

Any University employee may take the enhanced training to become an Options Navigator; however, to be a designated Options Navigation Network unit, the director, team lead, chair, or other administrative leader of a University unit will:

  • Commit to requiring enhanced training for ONN staff at least once every 3 years
  • Commit to enhanced training for new staff when onboarding, to maintain a minimum of 6 trained staff members or 80% of staff in smaller units, as ONN staff
  • Appoint one representative to sit on the SGBV Advisory Council

A list of current ONN units is available here.

Role of ONN

Work with a discloser to:

  • Ensure they understand that they are believed, not to be blamed for what happened, and entitled to support
  • Determine their needs
  • Discuss, in detail, the options that might meet those needs, specific to the discloser’s situation
  • Review potential benefits and limitations of the relevant options
  • Manage discloser’s expectations vis à vis the University’s role
  • Use the ONN App to refer or connect the discloser to the appropriate contact person when they express interest in a specific option

ONN units may be different from those units that provide the process or services

  • A unit that provides one of the response options under the SGBV policy -- such as complaint intake, investigation, adjudication, interim measures, modifications, nondisciplinary options and/or personal support --  may or may not also be an ONN unit.
  • ONN units navigate and make referrals to the service provider units when a discloser expresses interest in a specific option.
  • Options Navigators do not collect information about the discloser or their experience, while service providers may need specific information in order to provide the desired option. The information required varies from option to option.

Training

  • Required training for ONN staff is detailed in the SGBV Policy Application and Interpretation Guide: Education and Training 
  • Any University employee may have access to and are encouraged to take the training, but only those units that meet the above criteria will be identified as SGBV Options Navigation Network units.
  • SVRC is responsible for maintaining up-to-date information on options and processes and making the resources easily accessible to ONN units and others who have received training.