Hospitals are not required to report non-identifying information to the College or anyone else. However, hospitals providing care to individuals reporting sexual assault are required to: • Collect and maintain the chain of custody of sexual assault evidence for not less than 30 days unless the patient signs a statement directing the hospital not to collect it; • Advise the individual seeking medical treatment related to sexual assault of the availability of local rape crisis services or victim assistance organizations to accompany the individual through the sexual offense exam; • Medical services to individuals reporting sexual assault who request such coordination and services; and • Provide emergency contraception upon the patient’s request. Even if an individual who has experienced sexual violence does not have injuries requiring emergency attention, the College encourages that individual to seek medical care as soon as possible. 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: • Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc.: 607-722-4256 • A New Hope Center 607-687-6866 • Rise: 607-754-4340
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 Mid-New York: 607-231-5900 (http://www.lasmny.org/)
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.
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