Sexual Violence Support & Advocacy

Here to Support You

UAlbany supports all students and works to help them thrive. We recognize that students have, and bring, a multitude of life experiences to the University and that some of those experiences include violence and harm.  

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual or intimate partner violence, there are resources available on campus and in our local community that are here to validate and support you as you access the services that feel right for you in your healing journey.

 

For Your Safety

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Reporting Options

The Office of Equity & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) conducts neutral, unbiased investigations into reports of sexual violence. 

Emergencies

Emergency responders, a sexual assault hotline and support for urgent medical needs and mental health needs are all available at any time of day or night.

 

On-campus Resources 

UAlbany offers a variety of resources to support students who have experienced harm from sexual or intimate partner violence and those who are closest to them, sometimes referred to as secondary survivors. 
 

advocacy
Advocacy Services — Office of Health Promotion (OHP)

Note: This is a confidential resource, which means they will not contact University officials or law enforcement without your explicit permission (except for in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency).

Advocacy is available to support students who have experienced trauma. We can help you: 

  • Process experiences of violence and harm in a supportive but non-clinical manner 

  • Weigh options and outcomes of possible action steps 

  • Create a safety plan and arrange accommodations  

  • Meet with campus administrators and communicate with professors 

  • Navigate other available resources 

To access advocacy services, please contact the Office of Health Promotion at [email protected] or 518-956-8477. Our office is located in Seneca Hall's basement on Indigenous Quad, which is on the Uptown Campus.

Visit the Office of Health Promotion webpage for more information on our advocacy services.

Note: Advocates from the Albany County Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC) offers on-campus office hours. Learn more about CVSVC services.

Mental Health Care — Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Note: This is a confidential resource, which means that CAPS clinicians will not share your information without your explicit permission (except in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency). 

Students have access to counseling and consultation services at CAPS, where clinicians are available to address adverse experiences and other mental health concerns. 

Additionally, the Trauma and Resilience Specialist is available to support students who have experienced trauma from violence, racism and other adverse experiences.  

Make a CAPS appointment.

Medical Health Care — Student Health Services (SHS)

Note: This is a confidential resource, which means that SHS providers will not share your information without your explicit permission (except for in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency). 

SHS provides compassionate and inclusive healthcare to all registered UAlbany students. 

Available medical services include general medical care, gynecological services, lab tests, pharmacy services and STI testing. 

Make an SHS appointment.

Spiritual Support — Interfaith Services

Note: This is a confidential resource, which means Interfaith Services chaplains will not contact University officials or law enforcement without your explicit permission (except for in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency). 

Interfaith Services can provide you with space and opportunities for worship and connection to spirituality and faith, as well as help you access on-campus chaplains. 

Administrative Reporting Option — Office of Equity & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator)

Anyone may report instances of sexual violence to the Office of Equity & Compliance if the complaint is against a UAlbany student or employee. 

UAlbany's Office of Equity & Compliance is responsible for: 

  • Responding to all reports of sexual misconduct 

  • Providing information about on- and off-campus support services 

  • Assisting victims/survivors with accessing academic, residential and safety accommodations, regardless of whether a complaint is filed 

  • Conducting prompt, fair and unbiased administrative investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct to determine if there was a violation of UAlbany policy

Learn more about the Title IX reporting process.

Criminal Reporting Option — University Police Department (UPD)

Anyone — including students, faculty and staff — may report instances of sexual violence to the University Police Department (UPD) if the complaint is against a UAlbany student or employee.  

UPD conducts criminal investigations into such complaints to determine whether there has been a violation of New York State law. 

UPD is a non-confidential reporting option. Like other police departments and other non-confidential reporting options, they will send reports of sexual misconduct to the Office of Equity & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator). 

Off-campus Resources 

Advocacy Services — Albany County Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC)

Note: This is a confidential resource, which means they will not contact University officials or law enforcement without your explicit permission (except for in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency). 

UAlbany has partnered with the Albany County Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC) to support and serve students who are victims/survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and interpersonal violence.  

CVSVC offers emergency room accompaniment following a sexual assault or intimate partner violence, as well as counseling, medical advocacy and legal advocacy. Their Campus Coordinator can help you explore your options without pressure.  

Get in contact with a CVSVC Advocate in one of the following ways: 

  • The Sexual Assault Hotline (518-447-7716) is available 24/7.  

  • Call 518-447-7100 to schedule an appointment with CVSVC.

Note: On-campus office hours with a CVSVC advocate are temporarily suspended.

Sexual Assault Nurse Exams — Local Hospitals

The 24/7 emergency departments at Albany Medical CenterSt. Peter's Hospital and Albany Memorial offer sexual assault nurse exams.

Albany County Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC) advocates can accompany you to these exams. 

During this type of exam, a specially trained medical provider diagnoses and provides treatment for any injuries, collects forensic evidence, and explains and offers medications to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy (if applicable). Note: St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Memorial do not provide emergency contraception.  

Victims/survivors who are examined in emergency rooms will qualify to have the forensic exam portion of their emergency room charges paid by the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS). Other services on their emergency bill may be covered by OVS if a victim does not have medical insurance or Medicaid. Advocates can help you navigate this process.