Health Services
FACULTY AND STAFF PROTOCOL FOR ASSISTING VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON THE RUTGERS NEWARK CAMPUS
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. The following three basic steps should be helpful to you. Please remember:
- You are a resource person and a representative of the University.
- You are not responsible for evaluating the complaint or making a judgment.
- Your role is to be the initial contact person and support the victim in accessing expert and professional resources.
- You are not alone. Call Sexual Assault Services (973 353 HELP) and we will provide the support and resources you may need.
In almost all instances, the appropriate action for faculty or staff that becomes aware of a victim of sexual assault is to refer.
Encourage the victim to seek the assistance of the staff at Sexual Assault Services Rutgers Newark (SAS/RUN) 973-353-HELP) Blumenthal Hall Suite 104
If the student does not want to use campus services, refer them to Essex County Rape Care Center
1-877-733 CARE
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
(Provide a printed copy of this page)
- 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 http://health.newark.rutgers.edu/sexual_assault
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 immediately 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 Sexual Assault Services 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 SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES STAFF THAT A SEXUAL ASSAULT WAS REPORTED TO YOU
- Submit the Sexual Assault Incident Report Form by fax (973 353 1390), OR Campus mail (Blumenthal Hall Room 104, 249 University Avenue) within 24 hours.. If you have questions, please call Lynne Logatto, MSN (973 353 5231 X 227),S, Samuels, MD (973 353 5231 x 224), or the HELP-Line (973 353 HELP). The SAS/RUN staff can be reached for emergencies 24/7 through the Rutgers Police 5111.