Most health care providers will encourage an individual seeking medical treatment related to a sexual assault to authorize collection of evidence. (Note: If the individual has not been seen by medical personnel at the time a report is received, the individual will be immediately advised to do so. The College will provide transportation, if needed.) Be aware that medical office and insurance billing practices may reveal information to the insurance policyholder, including medication and/or examinations paid for or administered. The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to assist in compensating victims for health care and counseling services, including emergency compensation. More information may be found at: http://www.ovs.ny.gov/files/ovs_ rights_of_cv_booklet.pdf, or by calling 1-800-247-8035. Options are explained here: http://www.ovs.ny.gov/ helpforcrimevictims.html.
Please note that even individuals who can typically maintain confidentiality are subject to exceptions under the law, including when an individual is a threat to him or herself or others and the mandatory reporting of child abuse.
III. VICTIM ADVOCACY The following agencies also provide assistance to individuals who pursue criminal complaints: • The following agencies also provide assistance to individuals who pursue criminal complaints • United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY Victim Witness Unit 518.431.0247
To learn more about these programs, visit the website for the New York State Office of Victim Services (http:// www.ovs.ny.gov/), which funds local victim assistance programs.
IV. LEGAL ASSISTANCE The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York: 833.628.0087 (https://www.lasnny.org/location/albany-office/)
V. VISA AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE Contact the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, 500 12th Street, SW Stop 5600, Washington, D.C. 20536-5600 or call the SEVP Response Center at 703.603.3400. VI. STUDENT FINANCIAL AID For information regarding financial aid, contact the Office of Postsecondary Access, Support and Success, New York State Education Department, Room 505W, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234 or by calling 518.474.3719.
Other resources available to persons who report being the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, include:
http://www.rainn.org – Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/sexassault.htm - Department of Justice http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html – Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights
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