If you or someone you know has been hurt by sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, Montclair State University is here to help. You have the right to live, learn and/or work in a safe and welcoming environment. Violence is unacceptable and University policy prohibits sexual misconduct in all forms. As a victim-survivor, you have the right to accept or decline any or all of the following options now or at any time in the future:
- Receive medical help: You can pursue the evaluation and treatment of injuries and prevention of a sexually transmitted disease and/or pregnancy.
- Forensic examination for evidence collection: You can have a forensic examination for evidence collection but not file criminal charges or release your identity to anyone except the forensic nurse.
- Meet with a confidential resource to discuss options, e.g., Counseling and Psychological Services.
- File criminal charges and/or a police report.
- File a civil complaint and obtain restraining orders.
- File a complaint with the University Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
- Obtain University protective no-contact orders.
- Request interim measures and accommodations.
- Seek sexual assault services off-campus via community agencies
First Steps
Are you in danger? If yes, contact University police at 973-655-5222 on-campus, or 911 off-campus.
Do You Need Medical Attention?
The University Health Center has trained staff to work with survivors of sexual assault. You can request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE Nurse) to perform a confidential forensic examination for evidence collection, receive access to medical care for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, evaluation and treatment of possible injuries. Completing a forensic exam does not require you to file a police report or require a formal report to the institution.
Unsure of Where to Start? Speak to a Confidential Resource
You may want more information or talk to someone confidentially as you decide what to do. You can speak to any of the designated University confidential resources to help you consider options.
You are able to speak confidentially about your experience to individuals in these departments. They are under no obligation to share your personal information with the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator. However, they can offer assistance and referrals to appropriate offices and agencies.
Confidential resources:
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Student Health Center
- Women’s Center
- Office for Social Justice and Diversity
- Campus Clergy
Do You Need Counseling Support?
You may pursue services at the University counseling center or at an off-campus provider based on your individual needs. CAPS is located in Russ Hall, Side Entrance and can be reached at 1-973-655-5211. Visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website
Requesting Accommodations and Interim Measures
Regardless of whether you choose to report to University police or the Title IX Deputy Title IX Coordinator, there are accommodations available to you, if requested. You continue to have access to the accommodations now or at any time in the future.
- Protective measures
- Academic accommodations
- Housing accommodations
- Other reasonable accommodations
Additional Resources
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline offers nationwide support to victims via a trained specialist and online chat options.
- Safety Planning
- RAVE Guardian app- Before traveling from one place to another, such as walking from the library to your residence hall late at night, you can select the length of time you expect to be traveling and activate the Guardian timer on your mobile phone. If the timer expires before you deactivate it, police and first responders are notified immediately with detailed case information.
- Circle of Six app: You can designate six of your friends as your Circle of Six to be contacted if you are experiencing trouble or distress.
- Community Resources
- Essex County Family Justice Center offers counseling support, legal assistance and other services to victims of domestic violence. You must work with an intake officer to determine eligibility.
- Essex County SAVE (Women’s Center) offers counseling support, legal referrals and other services. You must work with an intake officer to determine eligibility.
- Passaic County Women’s Center offers counseling support, legal referrals and other services. You must work with an intake officer to determine eligibility.
- WAFA House Passaic offers counseling support, legal assistance and other services. You must work with an intake officer to determine eligibility.
Questions
Yolanda Alvarez
Associate Dean of Students
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
alvarezyo@lsxythnjy.com
973-655-7543