Health Services

RESIDENCE LIFE PROTOCOL FOR RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT

It is difficult for most people to know what to say or do when a student discloses they have been the victim of a sexual assault. Please remember:

• You are a resource person and a representative of the University.
• Your role is to be the initial contact person and support the victim in accessing expert and professional resources.
• You are not responsible for evaluating the complaint or making a judgment.
• Recognize only the victim has a right to decide what to do next. You can provide options and help him/her make connections with resources. All services are available whether a police report is filed or not.
• You are not alone.  Call Sexual Assault Services (973 353 HELP) and we will provide the support and resources you may need.

1)  PROVIDE SUPPORT AND CRISIS INTERVENTION

Although you may think you know what the victim “should” do, or what you would do in their place; provide information and allow the victim to make his/her own decisions. You may offer to assist the victim in contacting the resources they choose, or accompany the victim to the resource or source of care.

• Explain the limits of confidentiality. Student Life Staff, which includes Housing, Athletics, Robeson Center, Deans Office, Health Services, Sexual Assault Services, and Rutgers Police are mandated to file a report of the incident with the campus safety administrator in accordance with the Clery Act, a federal regulation.. This report states that a sexual assault occurred, and its location. There is no data to identify the victim or perpetrator. You will not be required to participate in any subsequent investigation.
• An assault or incident that presents a clear danger to the campus community will be reported to the campus police immediately. Such incidents include but are not limited to: a stranger attack on campus, presence of any weapon, or an attack by multiple assailants.

Ask only what you need to know

May I ask you a few questions so we can decide what to do next?
When did this happen?
Are you safe now?
Are you physically injured in any way or in pain?

Acknowledge the survivor’s experience.

I’m sorry this happened to you. I know it is difficult to talk about. How can I help you best right now ?

2)  OFFER INFORMATION AND OPTIONS

Medical evaluation and care . If the student reports any injury or pain, encourage them to seek medical evaluation immediately.  Calling the police or going to the emergency room does not obligate them to filing a criminal complaint. If the assault occurred within the last 3-5 days, refer to "What can I do if I'm sexually assaulted?"

During business hours, (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm)

• Sexual Assault Services, Blumenthal Hall, Suite 104. 973-353-HELP or 973-353-5232. The victim will been seen promptly by a health center clinician trained in sexual assault advocacy
  
  

  If victim does not want Rutgers campus staff assistance, they may contact Essex County Rape Care Center (877-733-CARE) for advocacy and assistance throughout the process.

• RUPD services (5111) Making an initial report to the RUPD provides safety, transportation to the emergency room, and assures the prompt investigation of the incident. It does not obligate the student to filing criminal charges. The University Police will treat your complaint seriously regardless of your gender or the gender of your assailant.  You may report a sexual assault any time of day or night.  They are committed to working with you to make the Rutgers campus a safe and responsive community.

                  http://nwkpolice.rutgers.edu/smatters.html#sanotification

During evening or weekend hours: (see above)

• Essex County Rape Care Center: 877-733 CARE (2273)
• RUPD: 5111
• RUPD and Residence Life can contact SAS/RUN staff by phone 24/7 for emergencies:

• Provide the victim with the Sexual Assault handout and the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights. Remain with them as long as they choose or until another support professional is present.

What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
What will happen if I go to an emergency room ?
Where can I get help on campus ?
What resources are available at the Sexual Assault Services Rutgers Newark (SAS/RUN)?
What is limited confidentiality ?
Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights

3) NOTIFY SAS/RUN STAFF THAT A SEXUAL ASSAULT WAS REPORTED TO YOU

• If the incident occurred more than 5 days ago or if the student does not want to speak to SAS/RUN staff, make the notification the next business day by fax (973 353 1390), OR phone (973 353- HELP). If you have questions, please call Lynne Logatto, MSN (973 353 5231 X 227) or S, Samuels, MD (973 353 5231 x 224). The SAS/RUN staff can be reached for emergencies 24/7 through the Rutgers Police 5111.

4)  FOLLOW RESIDENCE LIFE PROCEDURES FOR NOTIFYING APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL STAFF. 
     The incident must be reported to the campus safety administrator using the Sexual Assault Incident Report Form

HOW IS THE SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENT REPORT FORM
USED ?

• Any member of the Rutgers community can submit a report. The report can be completed by a survivor, a friend, a faculty or staff member.
• Certain staff members are mandated to submit a report when they have any knowledge of a sexual assault.
• The name of the victim or assailant is not included in the report. The person making the report can not be required to divulge the victim’s name without their consent.
• The person making the report is encouraged to provide their identifying information, but may also submit anonymously.
• The report will be reviewed by the Sexual Assault Services staff who will attempt to reach out to  and offer confidential services.
• The report will be submitted to the Campus Safety Administrator for inclusion in the campus Clery Report of crime statistics.