Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Resource Guide for Students

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A. Medical Assistance

NYU Students have the option to seek medical attention following an incident of Sexual Assault or Relationship Violence. Students may wish to obtain help from a professional counselor, who can provide information and support about available medical options, through the Wellness Exchange (212-443-9999) or Sexual and Relationship Respect Services (212-998-4780). More information about these resources is provided below.

The NYU Student Health Center (SHC), health service providers at portal campuses and Global Network University sites, a local health clinic, or a private physician can provide a general examination, emergency contraception, and STI treatment and testing. Medical assistance at the SHC is available at Women’s Health, the Men’s Health Program, HIV Testing and Counseling, and Primary Care Services.

Local medical providers can also provide emergency and follow-up medical services to address physical well-being or health concerns and also conduct forensic sexual assault examinations. A medical exam obtained from a hospital or sexual assault response center serves two purposes: first, to diagnose and treat the full extent of any injury or physical effect (sexually transmitted infection (STI) or possibility of pregnancy) and, second, to properly collect and preserve evidence.

One may decide to focus on a physical exam without collecting forensic evidence . The medical exam may include testing and prophylactic treatment for HIV/AIDS, STIs, and pregnancy, and a physical exam including, vaginal/anal/penal examination related to injuries. Completing a sexual assault forensic exam can be combined with the physical exam described above but also includes the collection of DNA from various parts of the body through swabs/scrapings, taking photographs and obtaining blood/urine for drug facilitated sexual assault. There is a limited window of time (typically 72 to 120 hours) following an incident of sexual assault to preserve physical and other forms of evidence. Taking the step to gather evidence immediately does not commit an individual to any course of action. The decision to seek medical attention and gather any evidence will preserve the full range of options to seek resolution through NYU’s complaint processes or criminal action.

Below is a list of New York City Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Centers, hospitals that have trained examiners available to conduct the forensic evidence collection and drug facilitated sexual assault kits. All NYC hospitals can conduct these examinations; therefore, the choice of which hospital to attend is up to each individual. Many of the hospitals listed have affiliated sexual assault and domestic violence survivor services, including volunteer advocates to accompany survivors throughout the Emergency Room process and follow-up services, including advocacy and counseling. 

B.  Law Enforcement

As another high priority, NYU informs all individuals of their right to report Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, Stalking, or potential criminal conduct by calling the NYU Department of

Campus Safety, the New York Police Department or the police department or law enforcement agency in the applicable jurisdiction

NYU's Campus Safety Command Center, located at 561 LaGuardia Place, is open 24 hours, seven days a week, with officers available to provide assistance in both emergency and non-emergency situations. For assistance, please call 212.998.2222. NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai also have 24/7 Campus Safety departments. NYU Shanghai Campus Safety’s hotline number is (86) 21 2059- 5500. NYU Abu Dhabi Campus Safety’s hotline number is 00971 2 628 7777

The New York City Police Department can be reached by calling 911 or the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline at (212) 267-7273. In New York, the Victim Services Unit in Campus Safety assists those who are considering reporting their experience to the police and/or a prosecutor’s office as well as those who have already decided to do so. The Victim Services Unit can be reached at (212) 992-8600. At portal campuses and Global Network University sites, designated site administrators can provide assistance with contacting local law enforcement. Contact information for these administrators is listed below in Section IV of this resource guide

C. Crisis Response Resources (Emotional Support and Counseling)

NYU provides on campus resources to assist a Complainant or Respondent in obtaining emotional support through counseling and informing Students about relevant resources and services. Emotional care, counseling, and crisis response are available on campus and in the community. The services listed in this section are confidential in accordance with professional standards as is explained in the Policy.

On Campus Confidential Resources:

Crisis Response Counselors (CRCs): Through the NYU Wellness Exchange, Students can access confidential support in response to incidents of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking. The Wellness Exchange offers CRCs,  licensed professional counselors who are specifically trained in sexual assault response and can offer crisis intervention and medical support and coordination. CRCs can also provide information about available administrative, academic, or housing interventions and assist Students in seeking such interventions. A CRC can serve as a Student’s personal liaison to access care and services, can discuss available medical and counseling options, and can help students plan for follow up services.

In New York, CRCs are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Wellness Exchange Sexual Assault Support Line at (212) 443-9999. When calling the Wellness Exchange hotline, just ask for the CRC. A Student can also call Counseling and Wellness Services (212) 998-4780 to make an appointment, or contact the Wellness Exchange at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu. A counselor will respond within 24 hours.

In Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and Global Network University Sites: CRCs are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Wellness Exchange Sexual Assault Support Line at (212) 443-9999.

Sexual and Relationship Respect Services: The NYU Sexual and Relationship Respect Services (SRRS) can provide confidential assistance to Complainants about Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking. Support includes providing information about resources and options, accompanying a Complainant to rape treatment centers, medical services and campus meetings or proceedings. The SRRSalso coordinates NYU educational outreach, prevention efforts and training initiatives, and serves as a liaison to all student groups active in the area of sexual misconduct prevention and awareness. The SRRSis located in the Student Health Center.

Respondent Student Support Services: NYU offers support and counseling services to Respondents involved in cases of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking. Respondent support is offered by counselors at Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS). Counselors can provide a safe, confidential, and compassionate listening space; offer information about procedures; assist in navigating family and community impacts; and connect Respondents to campus and off-campus resources.

Overview of Counseling Services:

Urgent Counseling

Students can talk to a counselor anytime 24/7 (no appointment necessary) about an incident of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, or Stalking. These counselors will work with Students to develop the most appropriate treatment plan. This can include either a referral to NYU Counseling or an external referral to the community. There is no cost for Urgent Counseling.

Single-Session Counseling

Single-session counseling gives Students the flexibility to schedule a 30-minute solution focused session online anytime they need a jump start to work through a specific life issue or concern. A single session is a great option for Students who need to touch base with a counselor occasionally, but do not require a traditional course of short- or long-term counseling.

Short-term Counseling

CWS offers short-term counseling, which is a clinical modality of psychotherapy that is time- limited and tailored to each individual’s needs. CWS counselors are psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and advanced trainees in those professions. CWS counselors are diverse in background and expertise. They are well equipped to work with Students confronting a broad range of issues, including but not limited to, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, eating disorders, interpersonal conflicts, identity issues and a host of other concerns. 

Long-term Counseling Referrals

Sometimes Students may choose to seek counseling outside of NYU or it may be clinically appropriate to get started in long-term treatment right away. In those cases, CWS and the Wellness Exchange can provide referrals to therapists in the community who provide long-term therapy. CWS has relationships with many quality therapists who have a variety of specialties and work in many different approaches in order to be able to connect Students with a therapist who best suits their needs. CWS also can provide referrals based on insurance, financial need, and location, including areas outside of NYC.

Group Counseling

Sometimes students prefer to talk to other students who have had similar experiences and can provide support and perspective. A counseling group can be powerfully healing - for some students. CWS’s sexual assault survivor groups help students who have had sexual encounters or experiences that left them feeling scared, ashamed, uncomfortable, confused, or unsafe in any way. CWS groups related to relationships can provide support to students in unhealthy or abusive relationships and help feel less isolated and more connected to others experiencing similar situations.

All individuals may seek the support of on and off campus resources, regardless of when or where the incident occurred. Trained professionals can provide information about available rights, resources and procedural options, that can assist both a Complainant and a Respondent in making decisions.

A. Reporting Options

The following NYU offices/departments are designated as Reporting Options:

B. Advisors:

Throughout the investigation and adjudication process in connection with a report of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, or Stalking, the Complainant and Respondent each have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of choice. The advisor may be present at any meeting related to resolution of a report under the Policy and may be anyone of the individual’s choosing.  If a Complainant or Respondent does not have an advisor for a hearing conducted under the Policy, NYU will provide an advisor, free of charge, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, to attend the hearing and conduct questioning on behalf of that party. In its discretion, NYU may also provide an advisor to a party who does not have one at an earlier stage in the process.  When NYU appoints an advisor for a party, even if the individual is a practicing attorney, the appointment is solely to serve as the party's advisor within the context of the adjudication and/or investigation process, not to serve as that party's attorney.

A party’s advisor may provide support and advice to the party at any meeting and/or proceeding, but they may not speak on behalf of the parties or otherwise participate in, or in any manner delay, disrupt, or interfere with meetings and/or proceedings. With the exception of the advisor’s live questioning during a hearing, the advisor may observe and provide guidance or advice to the party (in a non-disruptive manner).  

C. Questions Regarding Procedural Options

Students may contact one of NYU's Title IX Coordinators with questions about the investigation, administrative resolution (including restorative justice), and hearing procedures or the Assistant Director, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution about the administrative resolution (including restorative justice) and hearing procedures.

An Order of Protection is a document issued by a public court that restricts a person from engaging in specified behaviors. For example, an Order of Protection can forbid a person from having any contact with the Complainant or his/her/their family or can require the person to stay away from the Complainant’s home, place of employment, or school. An Order of Protection also can require an individual not to assault, threaten, harass, or stalk the Complainant.

NYU Assistance: Upon request, in New York, a member of NYU’s Victim Services Unit will accompany a student to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Office of the District Attorney, Family Court, or Family Justice Centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Victim Services Unit can assist a student in requesting an Order of Protection or a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), but the University cannot request an Order of Protection on behalf of a Complainant. While NYU is not responsible for the enforcement of an Order of Protection, which is issued by a court, it may take appropriate steps to separate the parties or take other action consistent with the Order of Protection. It is important to understand that while an Order of Protection places the other person on notice that he/she/they are not to engage in certain behaviors under the penalty of law, it is not a guarantee of a person’s safety. If the individual against whom the Order of Protection has been issued violates the Order, the Complainant should immediately call 911 and report it to the police. That person may be subject to arrest and/or additional criminal charges for violating the order. When an Order of Protection has been received by NYU, a copy of the order will be given to the Complainant or Respondent upon his/her/their request. The Victim Services Unit is available to answer questions about an Order of Protection, including but not limited to questions regarding the Respondent’s responsibility to stay away from the Complainant and/or any other protected persons. NYU Campus Safety officers are also available to assist in contacting local law enforcement in the event that an Order of Protection has been violated.

Transferability: Most Orders of Protection are afforded “Full Faith and Credit” in other states, which means that an order may be enforced wherever the person protected by the order goes. States typically require that the person protected by the order register the order or take other action in the new state to make it effective in that jurisdiction.

In New York, an Order of Protection can be requested in one of two venues: Criminal Court and Civil/Family Court.

A. Family/Civil Court: Can issue an Order of Protection if the person seeking protection and the individual against whom the order is directed are:

• legally married;

• divorced;

• related by blood;

• have a child in common;

• or have been in an intimate relationship*

(* An intimate relationship does not necessarily mean a sexual relationship, but is more than just a casual acquaintance. This can include people who are or have been dating or living together, and includes heterosexual and same-sex couples.)

B. Criminal Court: In New York, a criminal court can issue an Order of Protection regardless of the relationship between the person seeking protection and the person from whom protection is sought. In order to obtain an Order of Protection in Criminal Court, the person against whom the order is sought must have been arrested and there must be a Criminal Court case pending against him or her. The District Attorney’s Office will request an Order of Protection from the court on the Complainant’s behalf.

In Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and Global Network University Sites: The availability of, and process for obtaining, an Order of Protection varies by nation. Please contact the relevant site administrator listed below in section IV of this resource guide.

In addition or as alternatives to NYU support services and reporting options, Students may seek help from a number of community agencies, some of which have statutorily protected confidentiality.

• The Health Promotion Office plans, implements, and supports initiatives and programs, including stress, alcohol and other drugs, mental and sexual health, and bystander intervention,  to create a healthier campus community.
• Action Zone Bystander Intervention, is a primary prevention and awareness program available to all members of the NYU community, and is currently required for some key groups of students, including Resident Assistants who work in the residence halls. The training gives a framework for explaining bystander behavior and teaches skills for intervening. This is valuable because sexual assaults, alcohol-fueled incidents, and other challenging situations can be prevented or diffused with timely, skilled, and appropriate intervention. The training is open to the entire NYU community, including students, faculty and staff, and occurs a few times each semester, and training is also available upon request. In addition to in-person training sessions, information and tools about Bystander Intervention are available online. The Health Promotion Office is located at 726 Broadway, Suite 344, 212-443-1234. 

• The Student Health Center (SHC) educates students and other members of the NYU community on matters of sexual assault and prevention through its Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website, which provides detailed information about sexual and relationship violence, including definitions, emergency contact number, information about options after experiencing sexual assault or relationship violence, understanding the experience of sexual assault and relationship violence, helping someone who has experienced harm, and resources within the NYU community and in New York City. Danielle Elleman, LCSW, is the Associate Director of Sexual Misconduct Support Services and oversees prevention, assistance, counseling, and education efforts in the area of sexual misconduct and relationship violence. All healthcare clinicians at the SHC are able to actively initiate confidential discussions about sexual assault and relationship violence issues when such matters appear to be of concern, rather than waiting for patients to self-report. SHC patients and clients who experience sexual or relationship violence are provided, by secure electronic message, written documentation of their rights and resources available both on and off campus.

• Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO), the Wellness Exchange, and SRRS. (Sexual and Relationship Respect Services) collaborate to deliver Consent Zone workshops to both undergraduate and graduate students. Consent Zone participants will gain a greater understanding of what affirmative consent means within the NYU community. Participants will develop strategies and tools to better navigate complex interpersonal situations with increased sexual respect. Additionally, presenters will provide a general overview of NYU’s Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy and Procedures, Title IX, “Enough is Enough,” and related resources. This interactive, trauma-informed workshop will include case studies and opportunities to engage in Questions and Answers (Q & A) with the presenters.

• The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) also provides training to students and employees regarding responding to sexual misconduct and complying with Title IX. Additional resources, including resource guides and information on rights, resources, and appropriate contacts are available on the OEO website.

• OEO 120: Responding to Sexual Misconduct and Complying with Title IX: This course will provide an overview of NYU policy and procedures with respect to responding to allegations of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking. Participants will also learn about Title IX and related federal/state laws. Additionally, participants will learn about University requirements for reporting such allegations, as well as various resources available both on and off campus. This 90-minute course is open to all NYU faculty and staff, and is highly encouraged for those in positions likely to receive complaints or learn of allegations of the above-referenced conduct.

• The Department of Campus Safety Website: http://www.nyu.edu/public.safety offers safety information including: locations of University buildings with 24-hour security, locations of call boxes and 911 telephones, a description of the 24-hour safe haven program for students, and maps showing University buildings. General safety tips on the street, within University buildings, at home, in residence halls, on subways, buses or bikes are outlined. More specific safety information on con games, cults and sexual assault is also included within the guide.

• The You Matter! podcast was developed in 2019 by the Department of Campus Safety to inform the NYU community about resources that are available to victims of violence, assault or other criminal behaviors, both on and off campus, and to give first-hand experiences of victims and those in the community who assist them. To contact the You Matter! team, email us at youmatter@nyu.edu.

• Counseling and Wellness Workshops are designed to help students develop new skills that enhance personal, academic and social well-being. There are workshops focused on education and prevention, such as, Navigating Healthy Dating Relationships, and Let’s Talk About Sex. Other workshops might be supportive after harm has occurred; Mindfulness, Relaxation, Understanding Trauma, and Getting the Sleep You Need. These workshops are accessible to all NYU students by contacting the Counseling and Wellness front desk at 212-998-4780 or by visiting the website.

• The Reality Show: NYU is a required orientation program for all incoming students during Welcome Week. The show is an integral part of NYU’s nationally recognized suicide prevention, health and wellness program. The Reality Show uses theater, written and performed by students, to engage their peers in subjects such as sexual assault, consent, bias and harassment, domestic violence and dating violence, alcohol and other drugs, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, homesickness, as well as getting along with roommates and feeling overwhelmed with classes. Each year, a new Reality Show is written and performed by a talented cast of NYU Tisch School of the Arts undergraduates, sometimes with other schools represented including Steinhardt.

• Think About It: In an effort to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in the important areas of sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking, NYU rolled out a mandatory online educational program on March 10, 2015 for the entire NYU student body of 50,000 students attending any of the three NYU campuses (New York, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai) or Global Academic Centers. In early July 2015, a revised version of the module was provided to all new undergraduate, graduate and transfer students and, in response to student feedback, was separated into graduate and undergraduate student versions. The training was updated most recently in August 2020 and is taken by all new graduate, undergraduate, and transfer students.

• Resident Assistants (RAs) in NYU residence halls offer programs for floor residents on the topic of sexual assault and relationship violence. RAs also provide referrals to services at other University offices. All RAs, as well as the professional Residence Hall staff receive Action Zone Bystander Intervention training, and have the option of offering the training to their residents.

• Information about preventing assault, harassment, and other sexual misconduct is included in the Campus Security Report distributed on-line each year.

• “Safety Alerts” are distributed as necessary to inform the community about safety- related issues, risk-reducing precautions, and other sources of assistance and additional information tailored to the individual safety alert.