Faculty & Staff Sexual Harassment Resources Guide

A Guide for Faculty & Staff: Responding and Assisting Students with Sexual Harassment on Campus

If a student should disclose a sexual harassment situation to you:

  • Be sure to create a safe environment for the student by actively listening and caring in a non-judgmental and supportive manner
  • Ensure and assess the student's immediate physical and mental safety. If student appears to be in danger or crisis, contact public safety at 203-371-7995 or 203-371-7911 (emergency) or counseling services at 203-371-7955
  • Inform the student of the confidential resources on campus:
    • Wellness & Counseling Services
    • Campus Ministry
    • Campus Advocate
  • Remind the student, before they share any specific details, that you are required to inform the Title IX coordinator who will assist them
  • Continue to ensure the student's safety and wellbeing by providing the student with resources on and off campus, as well as their reporting options
  • Students should receive and, if feasible, review a copy of Sacred Heart University's sexual harassment student resources & referral options flyer. This flyer will provide them with resources both on and off campus. Do your best to connect students with counseling services or another confidential resource if they so choose
  • Try to not ask specific questions or make a judgment about the incident. You are there to listen and care not investigate
  • To continue to ensure the student's safety, you are required to report the disclosure and make contact to SHU's Title IX coordinator at 203-396-8392 or titleixcoordinator@sacredheart.edu
  • Title IX requires that you, as a responsible employee, provide any details or specifics you were given about the incident, including identifying all information of any students involved. If the student has requested confidentiality, include that in your report
  • Ultimately, we want to provide all students the care and support that will allow them to move forward and be successful while at SHU

Sacred Heart University is firmly committed to maintaining a learning, living, and working environment for the University community free of sexual harassment. The Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy describes the University’s policy toward sexual harassment of any kind including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/relationship violence (intimate partner), domestic violence, and stalking, It also provides guidance for those who have been involved in an incident of sexual harassment, outlines the University’s disciplinary response to alleged incidents, and identifies campus and community resources within the University responsible for managing the policy and programs associated with it. Sacred Heart University’s policy is intended to comply with relevant state and federal statutes and it applies to faculty, staff and students.

Resources & Referral Options for Students Addressing Sexual Harassment on Campus

In the event that a student discloses sexual harassment information to you, provide them with the following resources and options.

On Campus

  • SHU Public Safety: 203-371-7911 (emergency) or 203-371-7995 (non-emergency)
    Provides 24/7 emergency services

Off Campus

If you are involved in an off campus emergency, you are encourage to call 911 for emergency services from Fairfield, Bridgeport, or Trumbull police departments.

  • Fairfield Police: 203-254-4800
  • Bridgeport Police: 203-576-7671
  • Trumbull Police: 203-261-3665

On Campus

  • Counseling Services: 203-371-7955
    A free confidential resource, providing individual and group counseling and other mental health support for students
  • Campus Ministry: 203-371-7840
    A welcoming and confidential place providing support and guidance

Off Campus

  • The Center for Family Justice: 203-334-6154
    Provides a 24/7 crisis hotline, victim's advocacy, and counseling services
  • Sexual Assault Hotline: 203-333-2233
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • SHU Counseling Services: 203-371-7955
  • Campus Ministry Chaplains: 203-371-7840
  • SHU Health Services: 203-371-7838

On Campus

  • SHU Health Services: 203-371-7838

Students are encouraged to go to SHU Health Services for medical services during regular business hours. SHU Health Services is able to provide health services and referrals (no rape kit available).

Off Campus

  • St. Vincent's Hospital
    2800 Main Street
    Bridgeport, CT
    203-576-6000
  • Bridgeport Hospital
    267 Grant Street
    Bridgeport, CT
    203-384-3000

For a sexual assault, rape kit exams are available at any local hospital. The exam includes preventative treatment for STIs, pregnancy, and evidence collection. There is no cost to you for this exam and it should not be charged to your insurance. You may contact The Center for Family Justice for a Victim's Advocate to accompany you to this exam. A police report or criminal complaint is not required to receive this medical assistance.

On Campus

  • Title IX Coordinator: 203-365-7572
  • Dean of Students: 203-371-7916
  • Residential Life: 203-416-3417

These resources can assist and facilitate housing and academic accommodations, referrals, and disciplinary procedures.

Right to Pursue University Conduct Action and/or Legal Proceedings

The University encourages all those who have experienced any form of sexual harassment to report the incident promptly; to seek out all available campus and community resources; and pursue University conduct action and/or legal proceedings against the offender.

Retaliation

Both Title IX and Sacred Heart University prohibits retaliation against any person for using this reporting system, or for participating in investigations or subsequent proceedings. The University will take steps to prevent retaliation and take a strong responsive action if it occurs. Complainants should report any subsequent problems of harassment or retaliation.