announcement
Expanded policy addresses sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking
Posted Sep 30, 2013 -- dobeck
Temple University has implemented an expanded policy, “Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking,” in accordance with new requirements of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA).
VAWA, which takes effect in March 2014, expands the definitions of and reporting requirements for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and asks colleges and universities to expand on and inform their communities about educational programs and resources on the prevention of sexual assault and violence.
“In addition to bolstering educational requirements, the intent of VAWA is to give victims one place to go for resources and help," said Stephanie Ives, dean of students at Temple.
We are aware that the vast majority of sexual assault cases on college campuses go unreported, she said. “Legislation like VAWA is critical to raising awareness and ultimately reducing the incidence.”
The “Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking,” policy outlines and details the university’s education and prevention programs, the procedures for reporting a complaint and the assistance available for victims.
Students and staff who want more information or need help can turn to a number of campus resources:
All Temple staff will help victims contact resources to report incidents and to get help. Victims of sexual assault can report incidents to Temple’s Campus Safety Services, which oversees Temple Police, or to the local Police Department for each campus. Municipal police work in partnership with Temple Police. They can also contact Temple’s Tuttleman Counseling Services or its Wellness Resource Center. Reports may be made confidentially and/or anonymously. More information on reporting incidents can be found at the Wellness Resource Center. Students needing medical care can go to Temple’s Student Health Services.
The university's Wellness Resource Center conducts ongoing education and prevention programs for students related to the prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, starting at new student orientation.
Temple’s Tuttleman Counseling Services offers free, confidential individual and group counseling to students who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Tuttleman also helps coordinate health care, crisis intervention and systems advocacy within the university community.
Both the Wellness Resource Center and Tuttleman Counseling Services conduct educational training and workshops to sensitize students, faculty and staff to the problems of sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship abuse and other forms of sexual violence.
Temple’s Human Resources Department facilitates ongoing training and education on policies and prevention programs for university employees, starting at new hire orientation. Human resources also provides support for employees who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
Temple Resources
Campus Safety Services – Temple Police
Temple Student Health Services
External resources
Philadelphia Police Department
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Congreso (multiservice organization focused on Latino Communities)
William Way LGBT Community Center