Sexual Assault Response
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you are not alone. Sexual violence can happen to anyone at any time. Your safety is our primary concern. The following are suggested steps to take after an incident.
1. Seek a Safe Location
Are you in a safe place? If you’re not feeling safe, consider reaching out to someone you trust for support. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you are in immediate danger, contact NJIT Department of Public Safety at 3111 from a campus phone or 973-596-3111 from a non-campus phone, or your local police. Go to a safe place and seek support from a trusted friend, family member or university staff member.
2. Get Medical Help As Soon As Possible
After a sexual assault, you may wish to seek medical attention to treat any possible injuries and to check for injuries you may not be able to see.
- Contact NJIT Public Safety who can provide you transportation to a hospital in or around Newark.
- In Newark, you can go to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center or University Hospital.
- If 96 hours (4 days) have passed since the incident, you may obtain confidential medical care on campus at the NJIT @ St. Michael's Primary & Specialty Care Center located at St. Michael's Medical Center, 111 Central Avenue, First Floor, Newark, NJ 07102.
- You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). You’ll be connected to a trained staff member from a local sexual assault service provider in your area. They will direct you to the appropriate local health facility that can care for survivors of sexual assault.
- You have a right to immediate medical evaluation and evidence collection. Evidence collection does not commit you to filing a criminal complaint immediately.
In addition to receiving medical attention, you may wish to have a sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes called a “rape kit.” During this exam, someone specially trained to perform this exam, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), will collect DNA evidence that can help identify the respondent.
Preparing for a sexual assault forensic exam
If you are able to, try to avoid activities that could potentially damage evidence such as:
- Bathing
- Showering
- Using the restroom
- Changing clothes
- Combing hair
- Cleaning up the area
3. Get Confidential Emotional Support
Confidential emotional support and counseling begins immediately if you seek medical attention through a SANE within 96 hours of the incident. Free support is also available through NJIT Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for NJIT students, located on the second floor of Campbell Hall, Room 205 or call 973-596-3414. For faculty and staff, please refer to Human Resources for confidential resources through Carebridge.
4. File a Title IX Complaint or Report to Law Enforcement
Title IX protects all NJIT students by prohibiting sexual discrimination and harassment in all forms. In certain cases, policy violations might fall under NJIT Code of Student Conduct and/or NJIT Anti-Discriminatory Harassment Policy. If you wish to file a complaint of sexual misconduct, you can file a complaint online or contact NJIT’s Title IX Coordinator at 973-596-3466 or visit the Office of the Dean of Students located on the second floor of the Campus Center, Room 255.
You also have the right to file a criminal complaint with NJIT Public Safety or your local police. Visit the following website for information about reporting a sexual assault to law enforcement.