What You Can Do If You Have
Experienced Sexual Misconduct

The College is committed to providing confidential, nonjudgmental and appropriate support services for all sexual assault survivors, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status or whether or not they are reluctant to report the crime.  It is important to understand that you are not at fault for the assault in any way.  No one ever deserves to be assaulted and persons who commit sexual assault do so out of a need to control, dominate, abuse and humiliate.

Get to a Safe Place Immediately
You need to find a place where you feel comfortable and safe from harm. This could be your home, a hospital, the police station, a friend’s room or home, or your RA’s room.  If you are on campus and need assistance you can call Security at (718) 405-3434.  If you are off campus you can call 911.

Seek Medical Attention as soon as Possible
Even if you do not want to report the sexual assault to the police, or if it has been a while since the assault, you may still benefit from medical attention.  Evidence collection may be possible through a “rape kit” if you have been sexually assaulted in the past 96 hours/4 days. The hospitals listed in this policy have Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs which utilize specially trained nurses to collect evidence and administer care. In addition to collecting evidence, health concerns such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD), pregnancy, and treatment of injuries will be addressed. It is important to have the evidence collected because, although you may not want to pursue criminal action immediately, you may change your mind in the future.

If you want evidence to be collected at the hospital, do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, or comb your hair.  Even though you may desperately want to clean yourself, you may destroy important evidence if you do so.  If you have done any of the things mentioned, it is ok, it may still be possible to find evidence.  You are encouraged to bring a change of clothing if you choose to have medical personnel collect evidence.

Report the Incident
The College encourages victims to report all cases of Sexual Misconduct.  Reporting an incident to the College is different from legal prosecution. You are not obligated after reporting an incident to cooperate in a criminal investigation.

The College is required under New York State law to report instances of alleged Sexual Assault to criminal authorities, even without the victim’s consent, where the alleged Sexual Misconduct constitutes a violent felony.  The College will also report incidents of Sexual Misconduct where any other state or federal legal obligation mandates such reporting (e.g., if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor).

To report an assault, contact any one of the following Offices:

A staff member will meet with you to provide support and immediate interventions, which may include:

  • Referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
  • Referrals for medical treatment and/or counseling at the Counseling Center, and/ other on and off campus resources.
  • Alternative accommodations for College housing, employment arrangements or academics.

On Campus Resources

  • Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
    Founders Hall, 114
    (718) 405-3253/3226
  • Office of Human Resources
    Founders Hall, 113
    (718) 405-3212
  • Office of Security and  Safety
    Maloney Center
    (718) 405-3722
    Front Gate
    (718) 405-3434
  • Campus Ministry
    Founders Hall, 1st floor
    (718) 405-3754
  • Counseling Center
    Founders Hall 332
    (718) 405-3332
  • Health Center
    Founders Hall 114
    (718) 405-3472

Off Campus Resources
These hospitals have SAFE Programs (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner). SAFE Programs have specially trained health professionals who provide medical care to patients who report sexual assault, including evaluation, treatment, referral and follow up. Trained advocates may also be available to provide you with additional support and to guide you through the experience at the hospital.

  • Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital
    1111 Amsterdam Avenue
    Amsterdam Avenue and W 113 Street
    New York, NY 10025
    (212) 523-4000
  • New York Presbyterian Hospital –Columbia
    622 West 168 Street
    New York, NY 10032
    (212) 305-2500
  • Crime Victims Treatment Center
    St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center
    411 West 114th Street, Suite 2C
    (212) 523-4728 / cvtc@cvtc-slr.org and www.cvtc-slr.org
    Affiliated with St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital provides hospital representative, social workers, support groups, individual counseling and referrals.
  • 50th Precinct encompasses the northwest Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale
    3450 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10463
    (718) 543-5700
  • Police Crimes Unit (212) 267-RAPE
    Affiliated with St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital and Crimes Victims Treatment Center
  • RAPE Crisis Hotline
    (914) 345-9111
    24 hours a day, confidential, free and immediate support and assistance
  • Safe Horizon’s Rape/Sexual Assault and Incest Hotline
    (212) 227-3000
    24 hours a day, seven days a week, confidential, free, safety planning, crisis counseling, advocacy with the police
  • NYC Domestic Violence Hotline
    800-621-HOPE (4673)
  • New York State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline
    English: 1-800-942-6909
    Spanish: 1-800-942-6908
  • Domestic Violence Hotline for LGBTQIA
    (212) 714-1141
  • Men’s Peer Education Program
    Columbia University
    2920 Broadway NYC
    (212) 854-2136
    Usually, for Columbia Students but accepts other male students gay/straight.
  • Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
    (212) 714-1141

Substance Abuse Resources

  • Center for Motivation and Change
    276 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1101
    New York, NY
    (212) 683-3339
    www.motivationandchange.com 
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    (212) 647-1680
    aa.org
  • AL-ANON
    (212) 941-0094
    al-anon.alateen.org 
  • Narcotics Anonymous
    (212) 929-NANA (6262)
    nycna.org 
  • The Addiction Institute New York
    Roosevelt Hospital Division
    1000 Tenth Avenue
    New York, NY
    (212) 523-6491 

Approved May 7, 2015