Yale strives to be a community free of sexual misconduct. Through prevention and education work with students, faculty, and staff, we aim to intervene in and preempt all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, harassment, intimate partner violence, and other forms of sexually intimidating or threatening conduct. Yale seeks to build an environment that is safe and supportive for women, men, and people of all gender and sexual identities. These community efforts are supported by regulations prohibiting sexual misconduct of any kind.
Nonetheless, Yale recognizes that cases of sexual offenses will still sometimes occur. In these situations, the University strongly urges victims and witnesses to take action, including pursuing criminal or disciplinary sanctions. We also urge you to seek support. Sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct can have a profound impact on your personal and academic life; many people find it helpful to discuss these issues with friends, mentors, and professional counselors.
Yale provides a range of services, resources, and mechanisms for victims of sexual misconduct. Please click through to the linked sites for more detailed descriptions. In all cases, you can begin with an exploratory conversation—i.e., making contact does not commit you to any action. (In serious cases, the University will need to take action but the University will strive to respect your wishes regarding confidentiality.)
| Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education: Advocacy, Information, and Counseling 203-432-2000 (24/7) |
SHARE (the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education Center) is often the best place to start. Trained counselors are available at any time of day or night via their direct hotline to speak with victims, their supporters, or other community members with questions or concerns. Your conversation will be kept completely confidential; you do not even need to give your name. SHARE Counselors do more than provide support. They can share with you crucial information about medical, legal, and disciplinary options, and help you make decisions about how to proceed. They can facilitate conversations with any of the resources below, and serve as your advocates through any legal or juridical procedures. |
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203–432-4400 |
The Yale Police Department has officers who are trained sexual assault/rape investigators. They work closely with the New Haven state's attorney, the Yale SHARE Center, the University’s Title IX Coordinator and various other departments within the University. Talking to the police does not commit you to collecting evidence or pressing charges; with very few exceptions, all decisions about how to proceed are up to you. All reports are kept confidential. |
| UWC 203-589-0142 (business hours) |
The University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct is Yale’s internal disciplinary and grievance board for addressing complaints of sexual misconduct; it is made up of trained faculty, administrators, and students from across the University. As of July 1, 2011, the UWC will hear both formal and informal complaints against members of the Yale Community. (The Executive Committee will no longer handle cases of sexual misconduct.) Core UWC members are available for exploratory conversations or to take complaints. |
| Sexual Harassment Grievance Board |
NOTE: As of September 2011, the functions of the Yale College Sexual Harassment Grievance Board will be taken over by the University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct. |
| Title IX Coordinators 203-432-4446 (business hours) |
Yale students have specific rights under Title IX to be protected from sex discrimination on campus. This includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator can help address any concerns you might have about sexual misconduct or Yale’s response. You can contact Valarie Stanley, the University's Title IX Coordinator, or Pamela Schirmeister, the Title IX Coordinator who works specifically with Yale College. |
| Yale Health Acute Care Department 203-432-0123 (24/7) |
Acute Care can provide medical treatment after a sexual assault. Along with tending to any injuries, they can offer emergency contraception and STI testing. They are not able to collect forensic evidence; for that, you will have to go to the Yale-New Haven Emergency Room. (If you call SHARE first, they can make sure the ER is ready for your arrival and will have a counselor accompany you.) |
There are many other sources of general support and information on campus, including:
