Sexual Violence

Montclair State University has made a choice to take a firm position against all forms of sexual violence.   We know it occurs on all college campuses, most of these incidents are never reported and we are not exempt from these incidents as a University.  Therefore we have chosen to address sexual violence in several ways:

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

Montclair State University Position Statement

Sexual violence 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 Response Team (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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year.

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 to access all available services. When a victim reports a sexual assault, all options, rights and services are explained.  MSU SART members will respond based on the options and services requested by the victim.

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 certified Forensic Nurses who are trained to provide medical care, forensic evidence collection and preventive medications. 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:

• Evaluation/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 charge
• File a Title IX complaint. See: www.montclair.edu/sexualharassment
• 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

The victim may accept of decline any or all options. NO action is taken by the University or University Police without a victim’s consent unless it is believed that the individual or the community at large may be in danger.

What to Do

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted call University Police. 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