Something Was Wrong

S25 Ep3: She Will Do Great Things

January 22, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The survivor navigated a frustrating and often chaotic institutional response from her college's Title IX office, characterized by short deadlines and a lack of timely updates, while simultaneously pursuing a criminal case that resulted in the arrest of the accused. 
  • The Title IX hearing process, though ultimately successful for the complainant, highlighted systemic imbalances where the accused did not participate or face cross-examination, forcing the survivor to repeatedly recount her trauma. 
  • Following the successful Title IX finding and criminal sentencing, the survivor began intensive therapy, recognizing the deep, physical impact of trauma and shifting her mindset from self-blame to self-advocacy, which has led to personal growth and a desire to help other survivors. 

Segments

Initial Reporting and Legal Steps
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(00:02:18)
  • Key Takeaway: The survivor immediately contacted the Title IX director from the ER and subsequently sought a protective order due to feeling unsafe on campus.
  • Summary: Following the assault, the survivor reported the incident to the Title IX director and, feeling pursued, sought a local protective or restraining order. Meetings with college administration revealed public safety was unresponsive when called. The decision to escalate action was made after learning the accused remained on campus despite other reported victims.
Title IX Investigation Timeline
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(00:03:17)
  • Key Takeaway: The formal Title IX investigation began in November 2023 with the assignment of an external investigator, but the process was marked by frustratingly short deadlines for evidence submission.
  • Summary: An investigator from Title IX Solutions was assigned on November 9, 2023, to look into the sexual misconduct allegation. The investigator contacted parties for interviews around November 21, 2023. The survivor and her lawyer frequently had to scramble to meet extremely short, same-day deadlines set by the school for document submission.
Arrest and Emotional Relief
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(00:04:46)
  • Key Takeaway: The accused was arrested on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for two counts of indecent assault and battery, providing the survivor with immense relief and the first good sleep since the incident.
  • Summary: The arrest notification came from the police department front desk, not the assigned detective, while the survivor was home for Thanksgiving break. The accused was bailed out with conditions including permanent unenrollment from the school and maintaining distance from campus. This moment was described as the best part of the entire situation, validating the survivor’s experience.
Title IX Interview Experience
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(00:07:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The survivor’s three-hour Zoom interview with the Title IX investigator on November 29, 2023, was perceived as supportive and warm, suggesting the investigator believed her account.
  • Summary: The interview was conducted via Zoom with the survivor’s lawyer present, and the investigator repeatedly expressed sympathy. The survivor shared all evidence, including rape kit numbers and police reports, stating her goal was for the accused to leave campus for the safety of all female students. The respondent, however, refused to be interviewed, according to the investigator’s notes.
School’s Public Relations Misstep
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(00:09:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The college’s media team posted a ‘Happy New Year’ photo featuring the accused hugging a female student after his arrest, demonstrating a severe lack of awareness regarding the ongoing case.
  • Summary: The school posted a picture of the accused on their Instagram, using him as a ‘poster child’ despite the pending case. The survivor’s lawyer immediately contacted the school, leading to the photo’s swift removal. This incident highlighted the chaos and lack of consideration within the school’s decision-making processes.
Sponsor Advertisement Break
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(00:10:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Chime offers fee-free banking with features like early direct deposit access and a credit-building card that rewards everyday spending.
  • Summary: Chime promotes smarter banking without overdraft or monthly fees, contrasting with traditional banks. Features include MyPay for early paycheck access and a card that builds credit history using the user’s own money while offering cash back.
Title IX Hearing and Testimony
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(00:15:19)
  • Key Takeaway: The formal hearing on March 14, 2024, was conducted over Zoom, where the accused was absent, allowing his attorney to cross-examine the survivor without him ever testifying.
  • Summary: A pre-conference hearing clarified the court-like process involving testimony and cross-examination by both attorneys. During the main hearing, the survivor’s witnesses testified first, followed by her own testimony, which was guided by her lawyer. The defense attorney focused heavily on victim-blaming questions regarding attire and immediate post-assault actions.
Title IX Verdict and Aftermath
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(00:19:02)
  • Key Takeaway: The Title IX investigator found the allegation of unwanted sexual assault to be true based on a preponderance of the evidence, concluding the behavior supported a hostile educational environment.
  • Summary: The survivor learned of the verdict via email while driving, pulling over to read the bolded conclusion that found the respondent responsible for misconduct. This moment was described as cathartic, feeling heard and understood for the first time since the assault. The survivor immediately shared the positive outcome with her support circle.
Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit
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(00:22:13)
  • Key Takeaway: The survivor’s legal team recommended pursuing a civil case due to the school’s extensive mishandling, leading to a lawsuit filed in October 2024 against the university departments.
  • Summary: The civil suit was fueled by anger over the school’s negligence, including allowing the accused to remain downstairs from the survivor even after a legal restraining order. Suing the departments, rather than individuals, was necessary due to personal protection afforded to staff. The lawsuit complicated matters, leading to local news coverage.
School Retaliation and Identity Threat
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(00:25:11)
  • Key Takeaway: A sociology professor used the news article about the pending lawsuit as a teaching tool in class, asking students to identify the anonymous survivor, leading to a cease and desist order.
  • Summary: The professor distributed the news article and had students discuss the facts, putting the survivor’s anonymity at risk when two friends recognized her. Proof of this incident was provided to the legal team, resulting in a cease and desist order against the school, which subsequently led to the professor’s firing. The public safety director was also fired after the lawsuit was filed.
Criminal Sentencing Details
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(00:35:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The accused received two years of probation, mandatory sex offender treatment, and evaluation, after the judge accepted the survivor’s request to extend probation through her remaining two years of college.
  • Summary: The survivor attended the sentencing, where she was triggered by the accused wearing the same cologne from the night of the assault. The judge expressed sorrow and asked about the survivor’s therapy status. The plea deal was accepted, though the request for sex offender registry inclusion was denied.
Institutional Failures and Advice
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(00:37:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Parents are advised to deeply research schools and actively support their children to fight back against institutional negligence, which allowed the initial assault to occur.
  • Summary: The parents emphasized that immediate removal of the problem student from campus upon the first report would have prevented the subsequent assault due to negligence. They noted the school’s failure to answer campus safety lines and the subsequent revocation of an accommodation parking pass demonstrated ongoing institutional failures. The survivor’s continued dedication to her nursing program despite the trauma shows immense strength.
Current Life and Healing Journey
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(00:42:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The survivor is in the best place of her adult life, regularly attending therapy, managing PTSD, and using the experience as a tool for self-protection and growth.
  • Summary: The survivor was diagnosed with PTSD after initially having acute stress disorder, realizing the deep impact of suppressing the event. She broke up with an unhealthy relationship that was masking her trauma and began weekly therapy, learning to stop negative self-talk. She is now succeeding in school, has a new relationship, and is considering a career helping sexual assault victims.