Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Compliance Statement - Part II
State University of New York at Buffalo Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Compliance Statement
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Reporting Options
Victims of campus sexual assaults are advised to:
- Report the assault. Call University Police at 645-2222 or, if the assault occurs off campus, the Police at 911. Female officers are available upon request. The University at Buffalo strongly encourages assault reporting, but reporting does not mean that you must prosecute. Call the Department of University Police Sexual Assault Information Line for information (645-3411).
- Contact a close friend or relative for support.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Whether or not you report the assault, you should have a medical examination immediately. The exam is confidential. Medical personnel will test for sexually transmitted diseases, look for physical injuries, and collect physical evidence. If you report the assault, University Police or the police can provide transportation to the hospital and arrange for a Crisis Services sexual assault advocate to meet you there. You may also go to the Student Health Center or call Crisis Services directly. If you choose to go to the hospital without notifying University Police or the police, the hospital can still collect physical evidence, while protecting your anonymity, in case you later decide to prosecute.
Several options exist for reporting a sexual assault:
- File a report with University Police or the local police. Reporting the assault immediately and preserving evidence will give you a foundation for prosecution. If you later decide not to prosecute, the report may help authorities identify the offender and prevent the victimization of others.
- You may file an anonymous proxy report of the details of the assault with the Counseling Center, or Student Health Center or other campus units, including the student operated Anti-Rape Task Force/Sexuality Education Center. While no police action can be taken against the assailant, the report may help identify a multiple assailant or other patterns.
- You may also file a complaint with the Student Judiciary for disciplinary action against the assailant, if the assailant in an on-campus incident is a student. This can be done in conjunction with criminal prosecution, or instead of it.
When you report an assault, you have the right:
- To have all incident and medical records kept confidential,
- To be treated without prejudice regarding race, academic class, lifestyle, sex, sexual orientation, age, occupation, religious beliefs, or physical disabilities,
- To be made aware of and receive medical treatment, psychological support, and legal counseling,
- To prosecute or not to prosecute, and
- To answer only those questions relevant to the crime.
University Police and local public prosecutors work together closely to explore all options and to obtain convictions in sexual assault cases. UB personnel will assist students in notifying authorities and arranging for a sexual assault advocate, if requested by victim.
Preserve evidence. In order to preserve the best possible evidence, it is necessary that you not bathe, douche, comb your hair, change clothing, or disturb the area in which the crime occurred.
Do not blame yourself. The assailant is responsible for the assault, not you. People react in various ways to sexual assault. While some resist, others do not for reasons such as fear, self-blame, or unwillingness to hurt someone they know. It is important to note that any reaction is normal and legitimate. Remember, rape is a crime committed against you, not by you.
Victim Support Services
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and it is recommended that victims seek counseling. Counseling services are available through the Counseling Center at 645-2720, the student-sponsored Sexuality Education Center at 829-2584, and Crisis Services at 834-3131.
The University and volunteer student organizations maintain a network of counseling and support services for the victims of sexual assault. These campus programs are supplemented by other services available in the Western New York area.
On campus, the Department of University Police (645-2222) provides trained response to sexual assault calls. Medical treatment is provided through local hospitals and the Student Health Center. Other victim support is available through the Counseling Center, the Sexuality Education Center, and the Anti-Rape Task Force. In the residence halls, professional and student staff are trained to provide immediate support services to victims while seeking professional resources from other campus agencies. Several off campus agencies are also available to provide victim support services. See UB "Response to Victims of Sexual Assaults" protocol and attached listing of on and off campus resources.
Victim Accommodation
The University at Buffalo is committed to accommodating requested changes in student academic and living situations after alleged sex offenses when the changes are appropriate and reasonably available.
Victim requests for accommodations can be directed to University Police, residence hall officials, the Student Health Center, Judicial Affairs, or other appropriate offices, including the Dean of Students.
Awareness and Prevention Programming
The University is committed to increasing the academic community's awareness on issues related to sexual assault and prevention.
Awareness and prevention programming is a key feature of new student orientation programs. Workshops on prevention and reporting are conducted by the Department of University Police, Orientation student staff, and some student organizations, like the Sub Board I Players. In addition, sexual assault awareness and prevention information is highlighted in the New Discoveries Guide, which is initially distributed to new students, and then updated annually for returning students.
University Police provides a variety of programs and publications on sexual assault, available throughout the year. In addition, it sponsors a Personal Safety Task Force which produces an annual campus security report and recommends safety improvements throughout the campuses. The monthly meetings are open to the campus community.
Within residence halls, an emphasis has been placed on staff training, including appropriate materials in manuals, programs, workshops, and publications for the residents.
Other campus units and organizations provide information and programming as well. These include Affirmative Action, Commuter and Off-Campus Student Services, Anti-Rape Task Force, the Sexuality Education Center, Counseling Center, and student governments. Other prevention programs include annual safety fairs and a 5K awareness run.
Additionally, crime prevention and awareness newsgroups are accessible through both the Internet and WINGS.