University Health Services

Princeton University strives to be an intellectual and residential community in which all members can participate fully and equally in an atmosphere free from all manifestations of bias and from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Respect for the rights, privileges and sensibilities of each other is essential in preserving the spirit of community at Princeton. Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are, therefore, regarded as serious offenses. Every member of the University community should be aware that Princeton does not tolerate sexual harassment and assault and that such behavior is prohibited by both federal and state law and by University policy. It is the intention of the University to take whatever action may be needed to prevent, correct and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates its policy.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

What is sexual harassment?

The University defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to or rejection of such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in University activity;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting an individual;
• such verbal or physical conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work, academic performance, or living conditions by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment makes victims feel uncomfortable, hindering their ability to function in school, at work, or in social settings. Both men and women can be targets of sexual harassment, and it can occur between individuals of the same gender. Sexual harassment comes in many forms – it may be intentional or accidental, subtle or obvious. Although the context of alleged harassment must be fully examined, examples may include:

• an undergraduate calling and e-mailing someone he or she has a crush on, even though this person has clearly indicated no interest in them.
• a supervisor regularly making sexually suggestive remarks in front of his staff, despite having been asked to stop by several staff members.
• a student who was dating her instructor and now believes her grade is not an accurate reflection of her work, but an act of retaliation because she ended the relationship.
• members of an eating club who ask a prospective member to describe sexual fantasies, and when she refuses, say, “You won’t get into this club if you don’t know how to take a joke.”
• an employee sending unsolicited pornographic material and obscene messages to another employee via e-mail.

How do I stop sexual harassment?

People who harass will have no reason to stop unless they are challenged. Therefore, it is imperative to support and encourage targets of harassment to come forward. Indeed, supervisors have an institutional and legal responsibility to respond to these concerns appropriately. However, many people do not report their experiences. They are afraid they will not be believed or that others will say they "asked for it." It's natural in such circumstances to feel uncomfortable and worried. Yet, ignoring or minimizing the problem will not make it go away.

Sometimes the problem cannot be solved on your own, but your first step should be direct action, telling the harasser to stop behavior that makes you uncomfortable.

• Be direct, and firmly tell him or her to stop harassing you. Don’t apologize and don’t smile. Clearly communicate your disapproval of behavior with which you are uncomfortable and which you consider to be harassing.
• If face-to-face communication is uncomfortable or unsuccessful, consider writing a letter. Identify the incidents and how you were affected, including that you would like the harassment to stop. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself, and possibly to show a counselor, if you decide you need someone with whom to discuss the issue.
• Keep a record of events, including the date, time, place, witnesses, and a description of what was said and done.
• Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Contact the SHARE program or any of the other confidential counselors at Counseling and Psychological Services.

How does the University respond to reported incidents?

You should know that if you believe you have been sexually harassed, you have options for addressing such conduct. The University's response system is designed to afford a complainant (the person who is bringing a charge) and a respondent (the person who is answering a charge), a fair, prompt, and appropriate resolution process. The process is designed to help persons who need support as they address these incidents and incorporates both informal resolutions and formal disciplinary procedures.

A formal sexual harassment complaint is handled by the appropriate University judicial system. The protocol for handling informal and formal complaints is available at SHARE and at UHS.

If you witness or experience harassment based on sexual orientation, SHARE provides a completely confidential place to discuss your concerns. You will obtain information, and help with initiating a complaint or filing a private report. The Ombuds officer, deans of student life and directors of studies are all available to answer questions and provide information on University policies and procedures for resolving conflicts between individuals and/or groups. In addition to those above, you may also report an incident to the Department of Public Safety or LGBT Student Services.

Are reports of sexual harassment confidential?

You are assured the highest level of confidentiality when conversing with the confidential counselors listed on the UHS web site. Conversations with confidential counselors are not disclosed to anyone (unless there is a threat of physical harm to that individual or others) without the expressed permission of the person seeking advice. Members of the University community who wish only to talk about their experience and are gathering information about the University system for responding to incidents of sexual harassment, should first seek the advice of a confidential counselor to ensure that those conversations receive the maximum degree of protection from disclosure.

Private communication with designated individuals (PDF) afford complainants and respondents private but less confidential communication. The primary role of the designated individuals is to see that the institution responds promptly and fairly to complaints of sexual harassment. Designated individuals are able to answer questions, provide guidance, discuss options, mediate informal complaint resolutions, and, when necessary, refer persons to other appropriate resources.

Unlike confidential counselors, who have protected confidentiality, designated individuals, with knowledge of actionable harassment, have institutional responsibility to take prompt and appropriate steps to resolve complaints. It may be determined that the allegations constitute such a serious threat to the well-being of the community that an informal resolution is inappropriate. In such cases, the University reserves the right to pursue further action. [top]

SEXUAL ASSAULT

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault refers to nonconsensual sexual contact of which both men and women may be victims. This includes all forms of rape, attempted rape, and nonconsensual sexual physical contact. The University defines rape as sexual assault involving an act of penetration, and considers it to be an especially serious offense. Unfortunately, sexual assault is a violent crime rarely reported to police, often because victims believe nothing can be done or that it’s a private matter, they fear police response, or they don’t think it’s important. It is also difficult to talk about the experience, especially if one experiences.

Acquaintance rape is a common form of sexual assault. It is reported that 4 out of 5 women know their attackers. Prosecution for rape does not require that the victim explicitly said “no” to her attacker. Somtimes victims are not able to give consent due to intoxication, fear, or for some other reason.

All forms of sexual assault and all attempts to commit such acts are regarded as serious University offenses, which are likely to result in suspension, required withdrawal, or expulsion. Under New Jersey criminal law, prosecution may take place independently of charges under University regulations (See Policy Statement).

What are my rights if I experience sexual assault?

The state of New Jersey has established a law to articulate the requirements for campus policies, procedures, and services designed to insure that the needs of individuals affected by sexual assault are met. Princeton University is in full compliance with the law and provides on-campus resources to effectively respond to your concerns. You have the right:

• to be free from pressure to either report or refrain from reporting crimes;
• to be informed of all reporting options before deciding whether or not to file a formal report;
• to have any allegations of sexual assault investigated and adjudicated by the appropriate campus, civil, and criminal authorities;
• to be notified of existing campus and community medical, counseling and mental health services whether or not the crime is reported to campus or civil authorities;
• to receive, when required, the full, prompt cooperation of campus personnel when obtaining, securing, and preserving evidence.

Detailed information about victim's rights and University complaint procedures can be obtained at SHARE Services, the Department of Public Safety, the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Dean of Faculty, and the Vice President for Human Resources. However, only conversations with SHARE are confidential. Other offices may be obligated to investigate complaints of sexual assault.

What are my options when reporting sexual assault?

You should know that if you believe you have been sexually assaulted, you have options for addressing such conduct. You may wish first to discuss the problem privately with a counselor/advisor in SHARE or the other confidential counselors. Their services are available to all students, faculty and staff of the University

The University's response system is designed to afford a complainant (the person who is bringing a charge) and a respondent (the person who is answering a charge), a fair, prompt, and appropriate resolution process. The process is designed to help persons who need support as they address these incidents and incorporates both informal resolutions and formal disciplinary procedures.

To resolve a complaint informally, a University designated individual (PDF) will privately mediate an agreement between two parties who do not need to meet face to face. If the terms of the agreement are kept, the matter is considered closed and no disciplinary action is involved. The resolution of a formal sexual assault complaint is handled by the appropriate University judicial system. The full text of the protocol for handling informal and formal complaints is available from SHARE. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment or assault, the full context in which the alleged incident occurred must be considered. Procedures for resolving complaints regarding sexual harassment and assault are detailed in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities.

Reporting to the Office of Public Safety:

In compliance with the federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the Department of Public Safety will notify the campus community of any sex offenses reported to them without using the name of the victim. Reporting the assault to the Department of Public Safety may help the University investigator identify the offender and prevent victimization of other people. However, Public Safety is required to confidentially inform the appropriate Dean of Undergraduate Students or Dean of the Graduate School. Because the University regards any allegation of sexual assault as a serious offense, every effort will be made to investigate incidents reported to campus officials.

Reporting to Police:

By reporting the assault to the police and preserving evidence, you will have a foundation for future prosecution should you decide to press criminal charges. Reporting the offense to the police does not obligate you to press charges. A SHARE counselor can discuss legal options and assist in contacting off-campus resources. Call the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-3134. Emergencies: 911.

What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

If sexual assault or attempted sexual assault requires emergency intervention, call the Department of Public Safety at 911 from any campus phone. Rape can cause medical and emotional problems for which you should seek help immediately. You don’t have to brave the situation alone – talk to a counselor or a friend.

If you believe you have been sexually assaulted, you should go to a safe place immediately and find someone you can trust, either a friend, relative, or a confidential counselor at University Health Services. Talking about the incident and expressing your emotions are major steps toward recovery. As soon as possible you should be checked out by a medical professional at UHS or a hospital. If you need transport, call the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-3134. However, before you go to the hospital, do not shower, bathe, douche, eat, drink, or do anything else that may jeopardize evidence of the rapist’s DNA on your body. If the rape occurred within the last 5 days, you can still have physical rape evidence collected. Such evidence will provide a powerful tool for criminal prosecution, in the event that you choose to pursue prosecution within the criminal justice system.

Visits to UHS for medical treatment and counseling are confidential. A qualified sexual assault counselor will meet with you and provide emotional support and information on disciplinary and legal options. Conversations with UHS clinicians and counselors are not disclosed to anyone (unless there is a threat of physical harm to that individual or others) without the expressed permission of the person seeking assistance. After a sexual attack, it is natural to experience fear, shock, a desire to forget it happened, and uncertainty about your femininity. It’s often hard not to blame yourself, but remember it’s not your fault and that no one deserves to be raped.

What counseling resources are available?

During the academic year, emergency medical and counseling services are available at UHS 24 hours a day. SHARE Services, located on the second floor, is open Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.. After hours and weekends, go to Inpatient Services, 2nd floor of the McCosh Health Center, or call (609) 258-3139, and the counselor-on-call will be available.

When you go to SHARE, you are NOT making a report or a formal complaint. All discussions are private and confidential and do not commit you to further action. Conversations with counselors are not disclosed to anyone without your expressed permission, unless there is a threat of physical harm to you or others.

No matter when the assault occurred or what you decide to do, consider counseling. Sometimes talking can be the most important step to healing. You may contact SHARE at any time to arrange an appointment. Friends of survivors may seek counseling and support as well.

SHARE will:

• Provide information on legal and disciplinary reporting options;
• Support a complainant through any private University complaint;
• Assist confidentially to manage the impact on academic and living situations following a sexual assault
• Assist in obtaining on- and off-campus resources for medical, legal or emotional support.

What can I do to reduce the risk of sexual assault?
 

• Do not pressure or coerce someone into having sex. Remember, "no" means "no."
• Do not listen to, tolerate or tell rape jokes.
• Stay aware of your sexual desires and limits and communicate them clearly.
• Be aware of social pressures or expectations to hook up.
• Trust your intuition.
• Be direct about your limits - you don't have to be nice at your own expense, especially if it means doing something you don't feel right about.
• Don't assume that if a man or woman wears "sexy" clothes and flirts, he or she wants to have sex.
• Look out for your friends - especially if they drink. Most acquaintance rapes occur where one or both parties are intoxicated. Remember, having sex with someone who is mentally or physically incapable of consent, is rape.
• Remember, sex without consent is a crime.

What are Rape Drugs?

One of the challenges faced by a man or woman who drinks socially is knowing what’s in their drink – not just the amount and type of alcohol, but whether there is something more dangerous. When secretly slipped into a beverage, even a glass of lemonade, sedating substances can leave anyone vulnerable to sexual assault. You may not be able to see, smell, or taste the drug. And you don’t have to be at a bar or a club – it could happen in any social setting. The tragic fact is there are people who are willing to use their power to violate others. Federal laws make it a serious, criminal offense to possess or distribute these date-rape drugs. The most common date-rape drugs are Rohypnol and Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

Rohypnol, or “Roofies,” is legally prescribed in over 50 countries as a treatment for insomnia, and as a pre-anesthetic medication. Currently the drug is sold as a white, dime-size pill that dissolves quickly in alcohol and other beverages. However, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Rohypnol is making the pill easier to distinguish when mixed with liquid. They plan to produce pills that will turn the drink a different color and not fully dissolve. Like GHB, Valium, and Xanax, Rohypnol is a sleep-inducer. The effects are similar to those of GHB, including loss of coordination, sluggishness, nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, and lowered blood pressure. High doses produce memory loss.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as “Liquid E” or “Grievous Bodily Harm,” depresses the central nervous system, and produces a euphoric and hallucinatory state. Although the drug is sometimes produced as a powder, tablet, or capsule, GHB is generally ingested orally after being mixed in a liquid. Because this liquid is often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it’s easy to mix in someone’s drink without the person noticing. In an overdose, unconsciousness can occur after 15 minutes, and coma within 30 to 40 minutes. A person under the influence of GHB will show signs of poor coordination, difficulty breathing, weakness, nausea, drowsiness, and confusion. The sedative effects lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Sometimes GHB is taken to counter the stimulating effects of ecstasy, an amphetamine.

Because sedative drugs, such as GHB and Rohypnol, may be slipped into drinks, alcoholic or not, without easy recognition by the drinker, you should be careful not to leave your drink unattended or take a beverage from someone you don’t know well. If you believe you may have been drugged, get transport to UHS immediately for medical treatment. A free urine test ordered through UHS can prove you’ve been drugged, if obtained within 12 hours for GHB and within 72 hours for Rohypnol. If you want the option of reporting the assault to the police, you must be tested. [top]

RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE

What is relationship violence?

Relationship violence (dating or domestic violence) is the actual or threatened physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic abuse of an individual by someone with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship.

Relationship violence is a silent epidemic. It is rarely discussed and rarely seen because abusive partners frequently appear charming in public, but violent and angry behind closed doors. However, relationship abuse is the leading cause of injury to women. Relationship violence occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

Does your partner or former partner:

• Always have to be right?
• Anger easily?
• Hit, punch, slap, or push you?
• Constantly criticize you for little things?
• Force you to have sex against your will?
• Humiliate you in front of others?
• Stalk you or check up on you all of the time?
• Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
• Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
• Try to control where you go, who you see, what you do?

An atmosphere of isolation and silence can sometimes support a pattern of violence. Seek help if you feel you are in an abusive relationship.

What are some warning signs that my partner may become abusive?

Your dating relationship is potentially dangerous if you…

• Are afraid of your partner’s temper and anger.
• Feel you are responsible for your partner’s feelings and behavior.
• Have become isolated and have few friends other than your partner.
• Give in easily to demands because you are afraid to "upset" your partner.
• Have grown up to expect abusive behavior to be a part of your life.
• Are afraid to end the relationship because of your partner’s threats of suicide or other violence.

How can I help my friend who is abused?

Your friend’s inability to walk away from an abusive relationship probably baffles you. It’s frustrating to see friends stay in violent relationships, but there are often tough obstacles to overcome in order to get out of such relationships. People may stay because they fear for their safety, not knowing what violent actions their partners will take if they leave. An abused partner may still receive emotional support and social enjoyment from the partner, making one feel optimistic that problems of violence will resolve on their own. One may attribute the partner’s abusiveness to situational factors such as stress or alcohol, refusing to believe that the negative behavior is a reflection of the partner's personality. If the person has been forced to give up other friendships, the partner remains an important source of support. This social isolation is dangerous because it contributes to the sense that there is nowhere to turn. Therefore, the best thing to do if you suspect a friend is being abused is to let them know you are a reliable and trustworthy friend. Express your concern calmly in a private setting and let them know the options for getting help, such as counseling at UHS, and go to the police if there is a fear for safety.

Myths That Fuel Denial About Relationship Violence

Myth: If you love someone enough, you can change his or her abusive behavior.
Fact: You are not responsible for the behavior of an abusive partner. Behavior is a choice and you are not to blame for somone else's violent or abusive behavior.

Myth: If one stays with an abuser, it must not really be that bad.
Fact: People stay in abusive relationships for a number of reasons: Peer pressure, love, fear, not recognizing the abuse for what it is, belief that the abuser will change. Staying in a relationship does not necessarily imply safety.

Myth: It is okay as long as there is no hitting.
Fact: Verbal and emotional abuse can be as devastating as physical violence. No form of abuse or control should be tolerated.

Myth: Jealousy and possessiveness are signs of true love.
Fact: Jealousy and possessiveness are signs that your partner sees you as a possession. It is the most common early warning sign of abuse.

Myth: Relationship abuse does not occur in same sex couples.
Fact: There are heterosexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual abusive partners.

What campus resources deal with relationship violence?

If you are being hurt by or feel afraid of someone you are close to or you know someone who is, there is help available. Please contact SHARE at (609) 258-3310.

If you are hurting or threatening someone emotionally or physically, you need to get help. Please contact [top]