St. John's University will not tolerate or condone any instance
of rape, acquaintance rape, other forcible or non-forcible sex
offences or harassment within its community.
The University educates the student community about sexual assaults
and date rape through mandatory freshman orientations each fall and
spring and in supplemental programs held on the campus through the
academic year. Literature on date rape education, risk reduction
and the University response is found in Chapter 8 of the Student
Handbook and through the Department of Student Wellness (Center for
Counseling and Consultation, Student Health Services and Office of
Wellness Education).
Any assault should be reported directly to the Office of Public
Safety. Filing a report with a University officer will not
obligate the victim to prosecute nor will it subject the victim to
scrutiny or judgmental opinions from the officers. Complaints filed
with the University are subject to adjudication as outlined in the
Student Handbook. The Student Handbook also delineates the rights
of both the accuser and the accused. Filing a report
will:
- Ensure that a victim receives the necessary medical treatment
and tests
- Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence
- Assure the victim has access to free confidential
counseling
Students should also be encouraged to report any incident to the
Dean of Students, any faculty member, administrator, clergy, etc.
should they feel more comfortable.
When a sexual assault victim contacts the Office of Public Safety
or another university administrator, a member of the NYPD Sex
Crimes Unit will be notified. The victim of a sexual assault
may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal
justice system and the University Code of Conduct system.
Counseling for the victim is available through the University’s
Center for Counseling and Consultation. Additional support
services can be obtained through the New York City Victim bureau
and the NYPD.
The University’s Student Handbook provides additional information
on our Sexual Abuse Policy including definitions, criminal
penalties, what should a victim do, how to help a friend and local
resources. Anyone ultimately found guilty of these charges will be
subject to appropriate University sanctions ranging from suspension
to expulsion. In addition, the University will assist in the
prosecution of criminal actions filed against alleged
violators. The University will change the victim of a sex
offense's academic and living situations if changes are requested
and are reasonably available.