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What You Can Do if You Have
Experienced Sexual Misconduct

The University 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 University encourages victims to report all cases of sexual misconduct. Reporting an incident to the University is different from legal prosecution. You are not obligated after reporting an incident to cooperate in a criminal investigation.

The University 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 University 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/or other on and off campus resources.
  • Alternative accommodations for University housing, employment arrangements, or academics.

On-Campus Resources

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.

  • Mount Sinai Morningside | 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025 | 212.523.4000
  • NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center | 622 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032 | 212.305.2500
  • Crime Victims Treatment Center | 40 Exchange Pl # 510, New York, NY 10005 | 212.523.4728
  • NYPD 50th Precinct (encompasses the northwest Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale) | 3450 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10463 | 718.543.5700
  • NYPD Special Victims Division 24-Hour Report Line | 646.610.7272
  • Safe Horizon’s Rape/Sexual Assault and Incest 24-Hour Hotline | 212.227.3000
  • NYC 24-Hour Multilingual Domestic Violence Hotline | 800.621.HOPE (4673)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800.799.7233
  • New York State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline | English: 800.942.6909 | Spanish: 800.942.6908
  • Sexual Violence Response, Columbia Health | 212.854.4357
  • NYC Anti-Violence Project | 212.714.1141

Substance Abuse Resources

  • Center for Motivation and Change | 519 8th Ave 9th floor, New York, NY 10018 | 212.683.3339
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) | NYC Office | 307 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | 212.647.1680
  • AL-ANON | 4 West 43rd Street, Suite 308, New York, NY 10036 | 212.941.0094
  • Narcotics Anonymous | Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and the Greater NY Regional Helpline | 212.929.6262
  • The Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai | 1000 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019 | 212.523.6491 

Approved May 7, 2015