SEXUAL OR RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE
Sexual Violence (click here for more information about key definitions) can take many different forms, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the survivor/victim’s fault. The aftermath can be devastating to the survivor both in and out of the classroom. It is less likely that you will witness an incident of sexual or relationship violence. However, you will be in situations where students may approach you to share their experience of sexual and relationship violence and how that is impacting their work or academic performance.
Signs:
- Sudden decline in academic or work performance
- Signs of emotional distress and suicidal crisis
- Counterintuitive reactions (e.g. laughing when narrating the incident, minimizing the violence)
- Self-blaming or expressing shame for being the victim/survivor
Note: Reactions to a traumatic incident vary widely and some reactions may be due to other ongoing issues
What to do:
- Be Safe: If you are a witness to or become aware of a sexual or relationship violence incident that puts you or any member of the community in immediate danger, call UPD
- Get Medical Help: Within 120 hours (5 days) of the incident, you may walk into the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Center at Stony Brook University Hospital and request a free medical and forensic exam, students also have access to medical services at SHS
- Get Confidential Emotional Support: CPO's Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist is available 24/7 to provide crisis support and emergency response immediately following an incident, you can also learn more about resources available to student survivors by visiting the CPO’s Get Help Resources; resources are also available from CAPS, the Interfaith Center and OEA
- File A Sexual Misconduct Complaint: If you wish to file a complaint of sexual misconduct you may use OEA's Online Report Form or contact Stony Brook’s Title IX Coodinator, Marjolie Leonard at reportit@stonybrook.edu
Important to remember:
- Many employees are required to report incidents of sexual violence or misconduct,
to ensure that you understand your reporting obligations – please see OEA’s Reporting Responsibilities page
- Clearly communicate your reporting obligations to students so there is no expectation of you being a confidential resource.
- If a student chooses to share information despite knowing your reporting obligations
then:
- Listen without asking probing questions
- Offer non-judgemental support, some suggested phrases to demonstrate support are it’s not your fault, I am sorry this happened to you, and you are not alone
- Provide contact information of Survivor Advocate and Prevention Specialist to the student who can help coordinate resources such as medical, SANE forensic exam (available within 96 hours of the incident), counseling, housing, and academic support
- If you are a responsible employee/mandated reporter, report the incident to OEA or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator
- Offer continued understanding and support as healing takes time
- Honor any communication you receive from Student Support Team regarding a student’s need (missing a test, lab report, missing work) as at times the student may seek resources without wanting to disclose the incident to you
- Encourage all students to participate in bystander education programs offered by CPO such as Green Dot Bystander Intervention
- Learn more about the SUNY Students' Bill of Rights
- Resources and information on Student’s Rights are also available from SUNY Sexual Assault and Violence Response (SAVR) Resource page in over 100 languages
- The New York State Police have also established a Campus Sexual Assault Victims hotline at 1-888-845-7269