Sexual Assault

SEXUAL ASSAULT

POLICY

Pace University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty and staff shall be free from sex discrimination. Sexual offenses such as rape, sexual abuse or discrimination in the form of sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

PROCEDURE

 For students who are victims of sexual assault, Pace University offers emotional support and access to legal information. All University services and procedures provided to sexual assault victims are confidential, insofar as possible

If you were raped:

1. Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
2. Try to preserve all physical evidence (do not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change clothes).
3. Contact a close friend who can be with you until you feel safe again. Your friend can also accompany you to the medical exam and/or police department.
4. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Contact campus security or the police.

Resources: Rape Crisis Hotline

This is a 24 hour hotline staffed with workers who are trained to help you through the process of dealing with the emotional, legal, and medical issues.

Victims Assistant Counseling
Westchester: (914) 345-3113

On Campus Support Services
University Health Care Unit: Westchester:
(PUP) Ext: 3760
New York: Ext: 1600
Will provide support, counseling, and referral services.

Counseling and Personal Development Center
Westchester: (914) 773-3710
New York: (212) 346-1526
Provides services for students on a range of personal concerns and is available to provide psychological support for you in a crisis situation such as rape.

The University Safety and Security Department
New York: Ext: 1800
Briarcliff: Ext: 2700
Pleasantville: Ext: 3400
White Plains: Ext: 4111
Can insure your safety at the scene of a rape, contact the police and accompany you to the hospital.

Additional on campus resources:

The Affirmative Action Office: New York (212) 346-1310 - Westchester # (914) 773-3856
This office has institutional responsibility for dealing with sexual assault and harassment and for monitoring compliance with state and federal laws and should be consulted if no direct line staff (e.g., Student Life staff, Dean for Students Office staff, Human Resources staff or Counseling Services staff) are available. These individuals have been trained to discuss your rights and options available to you for resolution, as well as identify resources for support. The Affirmative Action Officer should be consulted first to initiate the appropriate University Grievance Procedure. University policy explicitly prohibits retaliation against individuals for bringing complaints of sexual assault or harassment.

Self-Protection Tips:

1. Self-protection means knowing how to avoid being the victim of an attack and knowing what to do if you are.
2. Be alert for the unexpected and don’t take unnecessary chances. Be extra alert when you are walking by yourself.
3. Walk with someone if you can. The Safety and Security Department will provide an escort upon request between any two points on campus.
4. If you are attacked, you may consider using your natural defenses. Make a scene, scream, yell, kick, and try to get away. Run toward lights, people, or buildings.
5. Do not panic, use your head. It is hard, but try to stay cool. Get a good description of your assailant if possible.
6. Be alert for suspicious persons or dangerous situations.
7. Do not take chances.
8. Be security conscious; watch out for others and their property.