Sexual Assault

Montclair State Universityhas made a choice to take a firm position against issues of sexual violence. We know that sexual assault occurs on college campuses and that most of these incidents are never reported. We also recognize that as a University we are not exempt from these incidents. Therefore we have chosen to address sexual violence in several ways:

• Reduce the incidence of sexual assault through educational and outreach efforts
• Increase the reporting of incidents of sexual assault by improving access to services
• Provide comprehensive, victim-centered care directly on campus

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY POSITION STATEMENT

Sexual assault will not be excused or tolerated. Existing criminal, civil and disciplinary actions will be enforced. Montclair State University has adopted measures to educate the campus community and protocols to assist victims. Special emphasis is placed on the needs, rights and privacy of the victim and due process for offenders. The University adheres to federal, state and local requirements for interventions, crime reporting and privacy provisions related to sexual assault.

SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE TEAM

It is our hope that no one within our campus community will become a victim of sexual assault. However, if it occurs, the University has created a Sexual Assault ResponseTeam (MSU SART) to meet all victim needs. MSU SART is modeled after New Jersey State Standards for Survivors of Sexual Assault and provides on campus services identical to official SART sites in the state. The team is trained to provide victim-centered, compassionate, comprehensive services directly on campus.

HOW MSU SART WORKS

Most victims of sexual assault typically seek a student leader, faculty or staff member for help. Many of these individuals have been trained to assist victims in access to care and services available. When a victim reports a sexual assault, all option, rights and services are explained. The best interest of the victim will always take precedence. Upon consent from a victim, requested MSU SART members will respond.

MSU SART MEMBERS

University Police

The Montclair State University Police Department is a fully sworn police agency with extensive training in sexual assault law, victim rights and the emotional and physical needs of a victim. They provide criminal investigation at the request of the victim.

Forensic Nurses

Montclair State’s University Health Center has licensed Forensic Nurses Certified in Sexual Assault who are trained to provide medical care, forensic evidence collection and preventive medications at the request of the victim. All services are provided at the University Health Center.

Rape Care Advocates

Advocates are specially trained individuals from local advocacy agencies that respond to campus at the request of a victim and provide emotional support, education and referrals. They also assure that a victim’s rights are upheld.

VICTIM OPTIONS

Victims of sexual assault at Montclair State University have several options for care and services. The victim has the right to accept or decline any or all of the following:

Medical care for theevaluation/treatment of injuries and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy

• Forensic examination for evidence collection
• File criminal charges and/ or a report
• File University disciplinary charges
• File civil charges
• Report as a “Jane/John Doe” victim: This option allows the victim to have a forensic examination for evidence collection but not file charges or release identity to anyone except the forensic nurse. Evidence is stored for 90 days which allows for evidence preservation and for the victim time to make a final decision.
• Seek sexual assault services off campus

All incidents are reported as statistics only as required by law. NO action is taken by the University or University Police without a victim’s consent. Community warnings will be issued in non-acquaintance assault when it is believed that the community may be in danger.

WHAT TO DO

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted tell someone immediately! MSU SART can help a victim only if a member of the team is notified. Contacting MSU SART does not mean someone has to be charged with a crime. It does mean that a victim will be offered appropriate care. Anyone can notify MSU SART by contacting University Police or the University Health Center. Other choices are listed below. The most important action is to help victims get assistance.

WHO TO CONTACT