Binghamton University faculty and staff are key in the life of students and are often the first to hear about life traumas. If a student reports to you that they were sexually assaulted, raped, or stalked we urge you to support the student as best you can, listen to them, and urge them to seek help. Do not press for details; police can take a report, if the student wants to do that. Tell the student they have done the right thing by coming to you for assistance.
Speak to the student in a confidential place if possible. After listening intently, encourage the student to seek counseling for the situation as soon as possible. Be frank with students about your limitations to assist with what they present to you. Their safety is of primary concern as is their health. Call the University Counseling Center (607) 777-2772, for help coordinating services if the student does not have immediate safety concerns. If safety concerns are present (such as in the case of some stalking) New York State University Police at Binghamton would be of assistance, (607) 777-2393 or 911.
If there is any question about how to proceed after a conversation with the student, call the University Counseling Center (607) 777-2772 for a consultation. After business hours, the New York State University Police at Binghamton (607) 777-2393 or 911 will assist and/or connect you to our On-Call person who can also assist you. It is possible to have a counselor or officer escort the student to the offices or services needed. It is important to always ask the student first what they would like for you to do to help them feel safe.
Many other very helpful electronic brochures may be accessed through the Virtual Pamphlet, which is supplied and organized through the University of Chicago.
The student may ask that you keep it all ‘a secret’. You can assure them that to assist them you will consult with professionals on campus who will provide services. Tell the student what information you will share and with whom. It is important to not put yourself in a situation where you are holding information alone, especially if there is a stalker or dangerous person involved and you may not have all of the information. Professors/teaching assistants at times may get written disclosures and feel that they cannot assign grades and this may present other dilemmas. Counseling Center staff and the Associate VP of Student Affairs & Dean of Students can assist you in this situation. Federal Regulations protect student information that is of a confidential nature. Do not share information about the student with others in the meantime. It is possible to consult without revealing the student's name. Do not share the student’s identity to those in your department or student’s family, friends, classmates.
NYS University Police at Binghamton
(607) 777-2393 or 911 (on-campus)
Offices are located on the lower level of the Administration building.
They can:
- assist with taking reports regarding stalking, rapes, sexual assaults.
- help to define for student, laws, what legal protections are available and options she/he can choose.
Student is not forced to file police reports; however, they will be offered safety options nonetheless.
University Health Services
(607) 777-2221
In the case of rape, and sexual assault, there are health and physical issues that will need to be tended to by the student. A trained nurse and physician can explain this to the student. When calling Health Services, it is best to call ahead to explain that an urgent situation exists in order to arrange an appointment with the student. Free to students. If medical services in a local hospital are needed, referrals will be made.
Call to hospital may be needed to ensure trained nursing staff on hand when student
arrives.
University Counseling Center
(607) 777-2772
Individual and group counseling. On-call counseling is available to student. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Consultation and coordination of services are available as needed. Sexual assault specialist/coordinator can assist with services and advocacy needs listed throughout.
Free to students.
Crime Victims Assistance Center
(607) 722-4256
This is an off-campus resource center that helps victims navigate all health and legal resources efficiently, thus protecting the rights of the student. It is strongly recommended this service be used in conjunction with all services described above. Broome County residents only.
Planned Parenthood
(607) 723-8306 or (607) 723-5130
168 Water St # 2; Binghamton, NY 13901
Confidential counseling and family
planning.
Associate VP of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
(607) 777-4789
Available to consult with faculty and staff on situations regarding grading dilemmas and/or when students need to withdraw from the university.
University Ombudsman
(607) 777-2388
Will meet with students, faculty or staff when there are disagreements of any kind that need to be resolved.
Office of Judicial Affairs
(607) 777-6210
For information on student rights.
Local Law Enforcement
NYS University Police at Binghamton work closely with:
Town of Vestal Police (607) 754-2111,
City of Binghamton Police (607) 723-5321, and
Village of Johnson City Police (607) 729-9321
They collaborate with them on a regular basis, sharing reports and ensuring safety of students off campus. When students wish to file police reports, NYS University Police at Binghamton officers will meet with students and explain
filing options, and if possible accompany them to respective police department for report filing.
Assault
Words or actions that result in physical or emotional harm, causing the person to fear for her or his safety.
Sexual Assault/Misconduct
Any forcible sexual activity that occurs without the victim’s consent. Behaviors include unwanted touching, kissing, forced intercourse and penetration. May happen with someone that one has had previous relations.
Relationship or Dating Violence
This term is used when a pattern of behavior is evidenced in a relationship to control a partner. The abusive behavior can be
incremental over time such that the partner is isolated from others, made to feel
incompetent, ashamed and guilt-ridden about doing any of their own work first. Leaving this kind of relationship is very difficult; often requiring counseling and a great deal of support.
On-line Harassment
Deliberate, persistent and unwanted methodical communication that disturbs the recipient. NYS University Police at
Binghamton (607) 777-2393and the
Computer Center have been helpful in
assisting students with this situation.
Cyberstalking
Harassment via on-line emails, instant messages (IM’s), chat room appearances or web sites that are frequented by the targeted person. These messages are unwanted and unsolicited, repetitive and may target family and friends as well.
