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- Faculty Toolkit: Be the Bridge
Be the Bridge is a faculty toolkit for the prevention of, and response to, sexual and dating violence. This includes incidents of sexual assault, dating and intimate partner violence, and stalking.
You are a bridge to connect students to campus and community support. We are grateful for the relationships you build in your role as faculty. Will you join us in taking a strong, visible stand against sexual and dating violence? Together, we can create a safer campus community for all our students.
Responding to Incidents
Every member of the faculty, administration, and staff of St. John’s University, acting in their capacity as an employee of the University, is obligated to immediately report any incident of sexual assault, rape, or other forcible sexual offense; dating violence, intimate partner violence, or stalking against any member of the University community upon learning of the incident. This is in accordance with the St. John’s University Human Resources Policy Manual and the Title IX legal mandate.
Even when the individual requests confidentiality of the incident, the employee has a responsibility to report it. While you cannot promise confidentiality, you can offer support and direct assistance for the student to access supportive services.
If a student reports information that describes imminent danger, call 911 and Public Safety directly from any campus phone. If no immediate danger exists, you still have a responsibility to report what you learned, even if the student does not want to. You should call immediately.
Public Safety can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 718-990-5252.
You may offer to accompany the student to the Public Safety building or request a Public Safety officer come to the student.
Following a report, the Title IX Coordinator or their deputy will investigate and respond to the complaint.
Danielle Haynes, Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, serves as the Title IX Coordinator. Her office is on the Queens campus in the Office of Human Resources, University Center Suite C. She can be reached at 718-990-2660 or [email protected].
Jackie Lochrie, Assistance Vice President & Dean of Students, serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the Division of Student Success. Her office is located on the Queens campus in Bent Hall, Garden Level. She can be reached at 718-990-6568 or [email protected].
Kristin Quinn, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics. She can be contacted at 718-990-6736 or [email protected].
The Campus Support Advisor (CSA) is a trained St. John's administrator who serves as a confidential resource to survivors. The CSA will provide information on St. John's procedures, discuss all remedies available to students, and facilitate referrals for other needs.
CSA can be reached at 718-990-8484, [email protected], or by scheduling an appointment via the Medicat portal.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has mental health professionals available to offer free and confidential support to any survivor in need. Counseling services are available in person on the Queens campus or virtually.
CAPS is located in Marillac Hall Room 130 and can be reached at 718-990-6384.
The After Hours Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support: 718-990-6352.
Student Health Services (SHS) has medical professionals available to support survivors with medical assistance, support, and referrals. Services are available on the Queens campus.
SHS is located at the rear entrance of DaSilva Hall and can be reached at 718-990-6360.
Supporting Survivors
It’s important to assess for imminent safety concerns. You can ask the student, “Are you concerned about your safety right now?” If so, or if they mention safety issues such as fear of going home, call 911 and Public Safety directly from any campus phone.
The first response a survivor receives after disclosing an experience of sexual violence significantly influences their recovery from trauma. We have the power to respond compassionately and appropriately to support their healing.
Start by believing. It’s important to leave any doubts or preconceived notions at the door and focusing on believing and supporting the student before you. You can say, “I believe you,” or “I’m sorry this happened.”
Be supportive. Listen without interrupting, be comfortable with varied expressions of emotion, acknowledge their courage in coming to you and you can even say, “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
Know what not to say and do. Avoid asking “why” questions or judging their actions. Avoid telling them what to do, rather, ask “What would be most helpful for you right now?” Avoid phrases such as “It will be ok” or “It doesn’t sound that bad” as this can minimize their real experience and feelings.
Find out what they need for class. What support systems are you able to provide the student with to help them be successful in the class? Ask or offer support in ways you are able, such as through deadline extensions.
Public Safety
Public Safety is available 24/7 by calling 718-990-5252. They can assist with transportation to a local hospital, reporting an incident to the University, local law enforcement, and/or the local District Attorney’s Office.
Title IX Coordinator
The Title IX Coordinator can be reached at 718-990-2660 or [email protected]. Following a report, the Title IX Coordinator or their deputy will investigate and respond to the complaint.
A student can also receive interim supportive remedies, such as a no-contact order, classroom or housing adjustments, and connections to on- and off-campus resources.
Campus Support Advisor
The Campus Support Advisor can be reached at 718-990-8484, [email protected], or by scheduling an appointment via the Medicat portal.
A trained St. John's administrator who offers confidential support to survivors. Together, they can discuss any questions, review the reporting process, and refer to on- and off-campus supportive services.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can be reached at 718-990-6384 and in Marillac Hall, Room 130.
CAPS has mental health professionals available to offer free and confidential support to survivors.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services (SHS) can be reached at 718-990-6360 and in the rear entrance of DaSilva Hall.
SHS has medical professionals available to offer free and confidential medical assistance and support to survivors.
Campus Ministry
Ministers are available for spiritual support. They can be reached at 718-990-6255 and in Sullivan Hall, First Floor.
- New York State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides crisis intervention, shelter services, and referrals.
- English: 800-942-6906 Spanish: 800-942-6908
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to.
- 988 (call or text)
- Womankind: Uses the multidimensionality of its Asian heritage to work alongside survivors of gender-based violence as they build a path to healing.
- 888-888-7702 or www.iamwomankind.org
- New York Family Justice Centers: Offer free and confidential assistance to survivors and victims, including case management, economic empowerment, counseling, civil legal and criminal legal assistance.
- 718-575-4545 or 126-02 82nd Avenue, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
- Barrier Free Living: Supports individuals with disabilities to live dignified lives free of all forms of abuse and bias.
- 212-533-4358 or www.bflnyc.org
- Mount Sinai SAVI (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention): SAVI is dedicated to validating, healing, and empowering survivors and their supporters to lead safe, healthy lives through advocacy, free and confidential counseling, and public education.
- 212-423-2140
- New York Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center: The Victim Intervention Program (VIP) and SAFE Program (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) offer compassionate and specialized medical care, forensic examination and documentation, and crisis counseling through the Emergency Departments following incidents of sexual violence.
- 212-746-9414
- New York City Policy Department, Special Victims Unit:
- 911 or 646-610-7272
For comprehensive support options available to students on- and off-campus, visit the You Are Not Alone Guide.
Advocacy in the Classroom
It’s on us, ALL OF US, to change the dynamic of sexual violence, and to do what we can to make it stop. Students see this campaign at different events and workshops across campus throughout the year. Hearing the same message, or a similar one, from their faculty will reinforce the cultural norm that sexual violence is not tolerated at St. John’s University. With just a few seconds, you can help establish concern for student safety and bystander intervention as the campus norm. With repeated exposures across settings, students and colleagues will begin to have the expectation that everyone plays a part in community safety.
Below are some ways you can take part in St. John's “It’s On Us” campaign and remind our students to intervene in potentially harmful situations and to be a part of making our campus safe for all.
- Establish expectations by modeling the three D’s of Intervention (Direct, Delegate, Distract) if something inappropriate is said or done in class.
- Share the following It’s On Us campaign videos with your students!
- White House PSA On Sexual Violence at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNMZo31LziM
- St. John’s University Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdC4dAq2NCs
- Include a brief statement on your course syllabus reflecting your commitment to a safe campus and listing campus resources (including yourself) if someone needs a safe person to seek help. Sample syllabus statement:
- St. John’s University takes pride in being a welcoming and safe community. Please join me in preventing sexual violence by intervening when you notice a harmful situation. It’s on us to be part of the solution by interrupting harm. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of sexual violence, St. John’s University offers many resources. Visit www.stjohns.edu/sexualassault to learn more about what options are available.
- Have an endorsement statement attached to your email signature line, such as:
- “It’s on US to stop sexual violence!” or “It’s on us to stop sexual violence. To learn more, register for a workshop at www.stjohns.edu/itsonus.”
- Download the It’s On Us logo for your own use:

- Display a reporting options poster, 3 D’s poster, and/or local resource brochures in your office and/or classroom. Contact the Director of Violence Prevention & S.O.A.R. Initiatives at 718-990-6550 or [email protected] for copies. You can also go to www.stjohns.edu/sexualassault and click the “Reporting Sexual Assault” link on the left hand column to find the online version of the Reporting Options At-A-Glance Title IX Poster. If our students are aware of the Title IX procedures, St. John's will be able to prevent incidents, as well as, respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Have a St. John’s It’s On Us Bystander campaign item (i.e. magnet, button, cling, etc.) hanging in your office. For available items, contact the Director of Violence Prevention & S.O.A.R. Initiatives at 718-990-6550 or [email protected].
- Insert a slide in all your PowerPoint presentations that includes information about St. John’s It’s On Us Bystander campaign. Display it before and after class.
A simple quote can carry big impact. Add a quote to your email signature of your class PowerPoints.
- “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edwards Everett Hale
- “The world is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” Albert Einstein
- “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
- “I am here and so are you. And we matter. We can change things.” Ella Baker
- “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” Martin Luther King, Jr
- “Washing one’s hand of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” Paulo Freire
- “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” Mohandas Gandhi
- “To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform.” Theodore H. White
- “There are opportunities even in the most difficult moments.” Wangari Matthai
Curriculum Integration
Sexual and dating violence crosses many fields of study. Integrating this topic into your courses provides important context on discussing prevention and response. We have compiled examples for how you can integrate it through readings, lectures, and various assignments. For guidance on relating it to your specific discipline, please contact Danielle DiNapoli, Director of Violence Prevention & SOAR Initiatives, at [email protected] or 718-990-6550.
- Popular rape myths and an analysis of why they are so difficult to dispel
- The portrayal of intimate partner violence or rape culture in popular media
- The history and application of the Violence Against Women Act
- The role of the bystander in preventing sexual violence
- The economic impact of interpersonal violence
- Rates and impact of male victimization experiences (which includes, but is not limited to, child abuse)
- Outcomes of famous domestic violence and rape trials
- “Why Didn’t They Just Leave?”: The cycle of violence and the barriers for survivors to leave an abusive relationship
- How technology has revolutionized stalking and survivor safety
- The evolution of sexual education in schools and its impacts on knowledge and prevention of sexual violence
- Objectives and impact of the federal Office of Violence Against Women (OVW)
- Challenges with rape and domestic violence legislation and how it impacts survivors experience with the justice system
- Violence against women from a global perspective
- The history and evolution of Title IX and its impacts on colleges and universities
- Intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community
- Medical Safety: Screening and treating protocols used by medical staff for survivor safety
- The psychological effects of rape victimization
- An exploration of national movements targeting sexual violence prevention (e.g. #MeToo, Take Back The Night, etc.)
- The influence of social media on survivor solidarity, resource sharing, and movement momentum
- An exploration of colleges and universities response protocols and resource offerings for survivors of sexual violence
Choose an article to read from the following list and journal about what you learned from this article. While journaling, also record whatever thoughts come to mind, things you had difficulty understanding or would like to know more about and conclude with a statement that describes your honest reaction to the information presented.
Contact Danielle DiNapoli, the Director of Violence Prevention & S.O.A.R. Initiatives, at 718-990-6550 or [email protected] to request copies of the articles
- Sharon Aneta Bryant and Gale A. Spencer, “University Students’ Attitudes About Attributing Blame in Domestic Violence” Journal of Family Violence, Dec 2003, Vol. 18 Issue 6, p 369-376.
- Mary P. Brewster, “Power and Control Dynamics in Prestalking and Stalking Situations” Journal of Family Violence, Aug 2003, Vol. 18 Issue 4, p 207-217.
- Ann Burgess, “Stalking Behaviors Within Domestic Violence” Journal of Family Violence, Dec 1997, Vol. 12 Issue 4, p 389-403.
- Nancy J. Shook, “Courtship Violence Among College Students: A Comparison of Verbally and Physically Abusive Couples” Journal of Family Violence, Mar 2000, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p 1-22.
- Michael A. Anderson, “‘Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?’ A Descriptive Study of Victim Reported Impediments to Her Safety” Journal of Family Violence, Jun 2003, Vol. 18 Issue 3, p 151-155.
- Marsha E. Wolf, “Barriers to Seeking Police Help for Intimate Partner Violence” Journal of Family Violence, Apr 2003, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p 121-129.
- Joetta L. Carr, “Risk Factors for Male Sexual Aggression on College Campuses” Journal of Family Violence, Oct 2004, Vol. 19 Issue 5, p 279-289.
- Jennifer Broach, “Beyond Traditional Definitions of Assault: Expanding Our Focus to Include Sexually Coercive Experiences” Journal of Family Violence, Nov 2006, Vol. 21 Issue 8, p 477-486.
We have provided some examples below of films and shows that can be used to spark discussions or create assignments that explore various themes related to sexual and dating violence.
Please contact Danielle DiNapoli, Director of Violence Prevention & S.O.A.R. Initiatives at 718-990-6550 or [email protected] to discuss how to relate these to your specific disciplines.
- Unbelievable: Inspired by true events, this limited series examines the story of a young woman accused of lying about rape and the two detectives who followed the path to the truth.
- I May Destroy You: The series explores consent, trauma, and the impact of violence while it tells the story of Arabella, a woman who is sexually assaulted after having her drink spiked on a night out.
- The Hunting Ground: An expose of rape culture on campuses. The film follows undergraduate rape survivors pursuing their education and justice, despite ongoing harassment and the devastating toll on them and their families.
- Spotlight: The film follows Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team as their investigative journalists uncover cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in Boston by numerous Catholic priests.
- Surviving R. Kelly: A six-part documentary series explores the sexual abuse allegations against R. Kelly as told by some of the victims.
- Audrie & Daisy: The film examines the real-life ripple effects on families, friends, schools, and communities when two underage young women find that sexual assault crimes against them have been caught on camera.
- Athlete A: This film follows the intrepid reporters, brave gymnasts, and legal team that put Larry Nassar behind bars and exposed decades of abuse at USA Gymnastics.
- Hold Me Right: Hold Me Right follows both survivors and perpetra- tors through the harrowing journey of speaking up, healing, and moving forward.
- She Said: Following the remarkable true story, She Said follows reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor’s attempt to expose the truth many fear to tell by shaking up the system and empowering courageous women to retake their strength through stories of survival.
- The Invisible War: A groundbreaking investigative documentary about one of America’s most shameful and best-kept secrets, the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military.
- I Am Evidence: Exposes the alarming number of untested rape kits in the United States through a character-driven narrative, bringing much needed attention to the disturbing pattern of how the criminal justice system has historically treated sexual assault survivors.
- Attend a community or campus event which is focused on violence prevention or victim support (examples include: Take Back the Night rally, Clothesline Project).
- Interview a local or campus service provider about their work and their opinions on prevention of violence.
- Organize or participate in a project to further the prevention efforts on campus.
- Attend a Bystander Intervention Leadership Training; sign up at www.stjohns.edu/itsonus.
- Attend a Knowing YES! Affirmative Consent Training; sign up at www.stjohns.edu/knowingyes.
- Write an article for the local or campus newspaper about the importance of violence prevention.
You are a bridge to connect students to campus and community support. Working together, we can create a safer campus community for all our students.
Dear Faculty Member,
St. John’s University has been recognized by the Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women for our interdisciplinary approach to preventing and responding to violence. With the national rates of sexual violence showing 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men will experience assault while attending a college or university, the responsibility to protect and support each St. John’s student is an important one shared by all members of the Institution.
We understand your lives are tremendously busy and for that, we appreciate your willingness to partner with us to reduce violence, improve safety, and thereby improve the quality of education available to all students. We have compiled this toolkit in the hopes of offering simple suggestions that you can refer to or implement throughout the semester to allow you to actively create a safer campus without having to leave your classroom or office.
This document outlines how to connect a student in crisis to resources on and off campus, what to do when a student discloses an incident of sexual or dating violence, and proactive steps you can take to create a safer campus. We hope you find this toolkit helpful.
Thank you for all you do in creating a safe space for our students.
Jackie Lochrie
Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
718-990-6568
[email protected]
Danielle DiNapoli
Director of Violence Prevention & SOAR Initiatives
718-990-6550
[email protected]