Syracuse University is committed to providing safe and supportive spaces for students who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence. The University simultaneously strives to maintain a safe learning and living environment for all students in a manner that is consistent with state and federal laws. It is important for students to be well-informed regarding the confidential resources available to them in the event that they have experienced sexual or relationship violence.
The Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, Counseling Therapists, University Health Care Providers, Chaplains at Hendricks Chapel, and the University Ombuds (graduate students only) are all considered to be privileged and confidential resources. These individuals are neither required nor permitted to provide any identifying information regarding an incident of sexual assault or relationship violence to any outside party without the consent of the student involved in the incident. More specifically, these individuals will not provide any identifying information about a reported incident of sexual assault or relationship violence to the Syracuse University Title IX Coordinator for Students or any law enforcement agency without a complainant’s permission.
All employees of Syracuse University other than those mentioned below are considered “responsible employees.” As such, they are responsible for the culture of the University and compliance with University policies. Thus, they are required to report any incident of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexual or relationship violence, including the identities of both the affected student and alleged perpetrator, to the Title IX Coordinator for Students. Examples of “responsible employees” include staff members who work in Student Experience or Academic Affairs (e.g., all faculty, resident advisors, athletic team coaches, and academic advisors).
On-Campus Resources
Barnes Center Counseling and Sexual and Relationship Violence Response (SRVR) Team
Available 24/7 by calling 315-443-8000. The SRVR team consists of members of the Counseling staff who are trained and have experience supporting survivors of sexual and relationship violence. Counseling staff members are a privileged resource and are not required to report any information, unless immediate danger is a concern. Members of Counseling staff and the SRVR team can assist by providing support in the following ways:
- Accompany a student to the Department of Public Safety should the student decide to report the incident
- Review supportive measures such as obtaining no-contact orders, change of housing or course load/class schedule requests, and short- or long-term leaves of absence
- Connect with support groups for survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence
- Coordinate with other offices and services
- Consult with members of the University community regarding ways to support individuals who have been impacted by sexual or relationship violence
- Facilitate medical evaluation and evidence collection as needed and/or desired
- Help in safety planning
- Provide emotional and psychological support
- Provide trauma-informed counseling
- Review legal and procedural information regarding reporting options to the university and/or law enforcement
Barnes Center at The Arch, Healthcare
Available by calling 315-443-8000. Members of the Barnes Center Health team can assist by providing the following services and support:
- Sexual health and physical exams and providing STI testing, treatments, prophylaxis, and emergency contraceptives. ** Of note, Barnes Center Health providers do not collect evidence for reporting. This can be done within 96 hours by the sexual assault nurse examiner at a Syracuse area hospital.
- Coordinate with other offices and services
- Provide referral to SRVR Team and Barnes Center Counseling
Hendricks Chapel Chaplains
Available by calling 315-443-2901. Chaplains from various faiths and spiritual backgrounds are available to provide supportive services, including:
- Faith-based Counseling
- Coordinating with other offices and services
- Providing referrals to SRVR Team and Barnes Center Counseling
- Community Resources
University Ombuds
Available by calling 315.443.1087 or emailing them at ombuds@syr.edu. This is a confidential resource for staff, faculty, and graduate students only.
- They provide faculty, staff, and graduate students with an informal, confidential, neutral, and independent resource to address concerns or questions openly without fear of retaliation or judgment.
- Please visit the University Ombuds Services page for more information about their services.
Off-Campus Resources
Vera House
Available by calling 315-468-3260. Members of the Vera House team are trained to provide support and advocacy services to survivors of sexual and relationship violence. Vera House staff provide the following services:
- Counseling
- Advocacy
- Legal
- Shelter
- Review and support around the reporting process
Additional Off-Campus Resources
New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 1.800.942.6906. (Text messages can be sent to 844.997.2121)
New York State Division of Human Rights: http://www.dhr.ny.gov/.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov/.
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/know.html.
Syracuse Police Department Abused Persons Unit: 315.435.3016.
NewYork State Police: 1.844.845.7269.