For new and returning students, moving back to campus gives them a chance to reassert their independence. However, it also means returning to a potential risk of sexual assault.
The first few months of fall and spring semesters carry an increased risk of sexual assault for new students, particularly women. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), “More than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in either August, September, October or November.”
At SUNY Brockport, students have access to many different sexual assault resources. This includes on-site medical care, legal and campus conduct reporting, counseling services and other resources for off-campus services.
For students seeking help regarding a campus-related incident, they can call University Police at (585) 395-2222 or utilize a blue light phone nearby.
According to SUNY Brockport, students should save as much evidence as possible from the incident, regardless of if they want to pursue criminal charges or not. This gives the student the freedom to change their decision.
If a sexual assault were to take place, SUNY Brockport recommends the victim to seek medical treatment afterwards, ideally at an emergency room equipped with a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Center. Some nearby hospitals with SAFE Centers include Strong West, Strong Memorial Hospital and the United Memorial Medical Center. Treatment of injuries, as well as STI and HIV testing, can also be conducted at the Hazen Health Center.
Once evidence has been collected and medical treatment has been taken, students should set up an appointment with Hazen Counseling Center. To process the sexual assault, talking with a counselor can be a beneficial start to recover from the incident. Hazen has a counselor that specializes in sexual assault and abuse. Confidential appointments with a counselor at Hazen can be scheduled at (585) 395-2414.
SUNY Brockport released the following statement regarding their response to these situations:
“In cases of rape or sexual assault, the College’s response is based on several critical variables: the safety of the victim, medical concerns/needs of the victim, legal and campus conduct interests of the victim and counseling interests of the victim.”
Assistance can also be provided with changing academic schedules or living arrangements upon request.
Trained sexual assault and abuse advocates are available by phone and in-person 24/7 on the Rape Crisis Services Hotline at 1-800-527-1757. This service is free and confidential for everyone, regardless of how recent the sexual assault or abuse was.
