The Violence Prevention Team
Quick Links:
About The Violence Prevention Team
The Violence Prevention Committee, a subcommittee of the Personal Safety Committee, is a team of stakeholders from the greater University community committed to preventing violence on campus and helping individuals affected by acts of violence. The goal of the Violence Prevention Committee is to create a campus culture that promotes gender equitable healthy relationships and eliminates violence by establishing interdisciplinary collaboration across UB and with the surrounding communities.
If you are sexually assaulted:
Find a Safe Environment
Get to a safe place - anywhere away from the attacker. Call someone you trust, such as a friend, relative, or police officer to come meet you.
Preserve Evidence
You don't have to decide if you want to prosecute right away, but preserving the evidence helps if you decide to prosecute at a later date. Don't bathe or brush your teeth. If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag (NOT plastic) to preserve them.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You may have injuries of which you are unaware, and even if there are no physical injuries it is important to receive immediate care due to risks of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. Call the Crisis Services Advocate Program at (716) 834-3131 for an advocate to help you through the process and join you at the hospital. To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you suspect that you may have been drugged, ask for a urine sample to be collected. Getting help does not mean you have to prosecute. University Police can take you to the hospital if you need a ride.
Report the Assault
Reporting is not required to receive crisis counseling or medical care. If one is ready, reporting can take place through University Police 24 hours a day at (716) 645-2222, or you can report anonymously. Off Campus City or Town Police can be reached through 911.
Seek Support
Professional assistance is available to support you:
- Crisis Services
834-3131 - 24 hour assistance - Student Counseling Services 645-2720
- Student Health Services 829-3316 x214
- Wellness Education Services 645-2837
- The Family Justice Center
558-SAFE (7233)
- Campus Ministries 645-2998
- Judicial Affairs/Student Advocacy 645-6154
- SBI Health Education
829-2584
- NY State Victims Assistance 847-7992 or 1-800-247-8035
Remember:
- There are support systems in place here at UB and in the surrounding communities, prepared to help and support you as you decide what to do.
- It is not your fault
- Every rape or sexual assault is different
- It doesn't matter what you did or did not do during the assault
- Healing from a sexual assault takes time, and help is available. Free Counseling Services are available On-Campus at 120 Richmond Hall, 645-2720, or Off-Campus through Crisis Services at 834-3131.
- It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago.
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted:
- Believe Them. Listen to them, be there, support them, and don't be judgmental.
- Inform them of there options (see information above).
- Encourage them to seek medical help and contact law enforcement, but remember it's their decision.
- Be patient. Remember, it takes time to process and time to heal. Let them know that there is professional help available. Encourage them to contact a Crisis Services Advocate, or Student Counseling Services.
If you have witnessed a sexual assault:
- Contact the police, On-Campus at 645-2222 or Off-Campus at 911.
- If you have information regarding a crime that took place in the past, you can still contact the police, or report anonymously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to know?
You have the right to choose whom you tell. You may consider talking to a trusted friend or family member, or to any of the university offices linked to this website.
Will my parents be called?
Not necessarily. Not without your permission, unless you are under 18 years of age. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, the hospital may call your closest relative.
How can you keep the person who hurt me away?
A report would need to be filed with the University Police department. Orders of protection can be obtained through the Student Wide Judiciary or other local jurisdictions. www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/judicial/swj
Do I have to go to court?
Only if you want to press charges and you don't have to make that decision right away.
(Group Legal Services at www.subboard.com/gls
)
Will the person who hurt me know I talked to the police?
Only if you prosecute the person who hurt you.
What if I know someone who has been assaulted?
You can file an anonymous report with the University Police Department. See information above..
What if I have pregnancy, HIV/STD or injury concerns?
You can go to any local emergency room for testing, medical care and emergency contraception, or visit Student Health Services and the SBI Pharmacy in Michael Hall for testing and emergency contraception.
Additional Resources/Linkages for Sexual Assault:
- Crisis Service, Inc.
- Crisis Services is a unique, private, not-for-profit, mental health and human service agency with the mission of providing immediate, professional assistance to anyone, at any time, who is experiencing emotional or personal crisis. Contact general information, a 24 hour hotline at 834-3131.
- Family Justice Center of Erie County
- The FJC provides a coordinated, efficient and user-friendly system that decreases barriers, improves the delivery of services to victims, and increases victim safety as well as offender accountability. Services from police officers, prosecutors, forensic medical professionals, probation officers, legal advocates, shelter service professionals, chaplains, support services professionals, and a supervised waiting area for children while clients are meeting with center professionals are available to help victims through a difficult period under one roof.
237 Main Street - 14th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14203
(716) 558-7233 - Child and Family Services of Erie County
330 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 842-2750,
(716) 884-6000 emergency phone 24 hours/7days a week - National Center for Victims of Crime
2000 M Street NW, Suite 480
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 467-8700