Sexual Violence Victim/Survivor Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

The State University of New York and SUNY Delhi are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in college-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:

The right to:

  • Have disclosures of sexual violence treated seriously.
  • Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police.
  • Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or incident and participate in the conduct or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution.
  • Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
  • Be treated with dignity and to receive from college officials courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services.
  • Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations.
  • Describe the incident to as few individuals as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
  • Be protected from retaliation by the College, any student, the accused, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution. 
  • Access to one level of appeal of a determination.
  • Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual or accused throughout the conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process.
  • Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or conduct process of the college.

Options in brief:

Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:

  • Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention.
  • Confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation.
  • Confidential resources include licensed counselors on and off campus, medical professionals on and off campus, and the clergy.
  • Individuals who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.
  • If in doubt about confidentiality, ask.

Make a report to an authority who can address complaints:

  • Ruth Ehrets, Assistant Director of HR/Title IX Coordinator (for faculty/staff concerns), Human Resources, 607-746-4498, 105 Bush Hall, ehretsrh@delhi.edu - for all questions regarding Title IX or to file a sexual harassment or discrimination complaint against a student, staff or faculty member or vendor
  • Rebecca Harrington, Deputy Title IX Coordinator (for student concerns),  607-746-4865, Russell Hall F209, harrinrl@delhi.edu - for all questions regarding Title IX or to file a sexual harassment or discrimination complaint against a student, staff or faculty member or vendor
  • Lacey Williams: Director of Students Rights and Responsibilities, 607-746-4443, Russell Hall 127 - to report Student Code of Conduct violations or to request a “No Contact Order”
  • Health & Counseling Services: 607-746-4690, Foreman Hall, healthservices@delhi.edu - to seek confidential medical treatment and counseling services
  • University Police: 607-746-4700, North Hall - for emergency assistance or to report a crime or request a “No Contact Order” or order of protection
  • Delhi Village Police: 607-746-2249, 9 Court Street, Delhi
  • Delaware County Sheriff: 607-746-2336, 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi
  • NY State Police: 911 or 607-432-3211, 199 Oneida Street, Oneonta
  • Safe Against Violence: 866-457-7233 or 607-746-6278, 35430 State Route 10, Hamden, provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes