Photo of Rutgers Clothesline Project: Sign reads "Bearing Witness to Interpersonal Violence" and t-shirts of various colors hang from a clothesline between two trees, the t-shirts have words on them

Enhancing Victim Services at Rutgers University

Overview of the Project

The following offers guidance and resources on the Rutgers University path toward addressing and ultimately ending, interpersonal violence. As part of the Enhancing Victim Services Project, the Center for Research on Ending Violence works closely with campus partners to create a series of Technical Assistance Documents covering best practices, the latest in research and innovative programs and other topics. The project is supported by a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant administered through the NJ Attorney General's Office, and has been funded since 2017 and continues through August 2025. 

Key Activies

How the Project Began

During the 2017-18 academic year a federal Victims of Crime Act grant was awarded to Rutgers University through the NJ Office of the Attorney General to increase support for victims/survivors of sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus. The “Enhancing Victim Services throughout Rutgers University” project is housed at the Center for Research on Ending Violence (REV) where Dr. Sarah McMahon, serves as the principal investigator for the grant.

Objectives of Continued Collaboration

One such objective being, the sustained efforts of the VPVA offices on each campus in addition to targeted outreach to specific populations. The grant will also focus on connected with faculty and stuff to ensure their awareness of resources as well. The grant has allowed campuses to expand outreach to victims of other types of crime on campus. The grant is working to incorporate an intersectional, anti-racist lens with an expanded focus of this work.

University-Wide Messaging

The REV Center continues to develop university-wide messaging through various collaborations such as participation in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, creating various PSA's, and working toward a centralized website highlighting the resources that exist on campus for victim/survivors. The Center for Research on Ending Violence is providing technical assistance to each of the campuses.

Resources for Students

  • If you have experienced sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking, it is natural to feel overwhelmed or have concerns. There are options available for you to get through this moment. We believe that it is important for you to make the decision that is right for you.

    You have an option to speak to resources that are confidential or non-confidential. Confidential sources, like VPVA and health services, are not required to report the information that you share. Non-confidential sources, however, such as faculty and Title IX Coordinators, must report these incidents. For more information on confidentiality and privacy, visit Title IX.

  •  

    The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance is committed to creating a community free from violence. The Offices on each campus provide services designed to raise awareness of and respond to the impact of interpersonal violence and other crimes. Through a combination of direct service, education, training, policy development, and consulting to the University and broader community, the offices serve as a critical voice in changing prevailing beliefs and attitudes about violence.

    The Offices for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) are partially funded by the Enhancing Victim Services Grant through the Attorney General's Office (AG-VOCA).

    The following pages offer guidance and resources on the Rutgers University path toward addressing and ultimately ending, interpersonal violence. As part of the Enhancing Victim Services Project, the Center for Research on Ending Violence works closely with campus partners to create a series of Technical Assistance Documents covering best practices, the latest in research and innovative programs and other topics.

  • Health services on campus can provide medical attention that includes testing for STIs or pregnancy, assessing the need for preventative medication, and examination for any injuries or trauma.

    If you are interested in evidence collection from an examination, the local hospital has forensic nurse examiners that can preserve evidence in case you may be interested in reporting the incident.  

  •  

    Health services on campus can provide medical attention that includes testing for STIs or pregnancy, assessing the need for preventative medication, and examination for any injuries or trauma.

    If you are interested in evidence collection from an examination, the local hospital has forensic nurse examiners that can preserve evidence in case you may be interested in reporting the incident.  

  • Students have the option to access services on campus but can make the decision to seek assistance in the community outside of Rutgers University. In each county in New Jersey, there are sexual violence programs and domestic violence programs that offer an array of services. These services can include a 24-hour hotline, counseling, referrals, and accompaniments to legal proceedings. For statewide information, visit the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault or the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence.

  •  

    There are ways that the university can assist you in providing additional support or protection following an incident. Both Title IX and VPVA can discuss accommodations that are necessary to increase your sense of well-being. Some examples of these measures include security escort, changes in on-campus work or class schedules, assignment extensions, transportation, and emergency housing.

    Connecting to these resources on your campus 

    Newark

    VPVA
    Blumenthal Hall, Room 203
    973 353-1918

    Title IX
    Coordinator: Scott Strother
    Paul Robeson Campus Center, Room 316B
    973-353-1906

    Health Services
    973-353-5231

    RUPD
    Dial 911 for emergency or call 973-353-5111

    Local DV/SV Programs
    Sexual Violence: SAVE of Essex County
    973-353-5111

    Domestic Violence: Rachel Coalition
    973-740-1233

    New Brunswick

    VPVA
    3 Bartlett Street, College Ave Campus
    848-932-1181

    Title IX
    Coordinator Jackie Moran
    Bishop House, Room 206
    848-932-8200

    Health Services
    848-932-7402

    RUPD
    Dial 911 for emergency or call 732-932-7211

    Local DV/SV Programs
    Sexual Violence: Center for Empowerment
    (732) 321-1189

    Domestic Violence: Women Aware
    732-249-4504
     

    Camden

    VPVA
    Campus Center, 3rd Floor
    856-225-2326

    Title IX
    Coordinator Allison Wisniewski
    Campus Center, 326 Penn Street
    856-225-6422

    Health Services
    856-225-6005

    RUPD
    Dial 911 for emergency or call 856-225-6111

    Local DV/SV Programs
    Sexual Violence: SERV
    1-866-295-SERV (7378)  

    Domestic Violence: Camden County Women’s Center
    856-227-1234  

    RBHS

    VPVA

    Services scheduled based on your location
    973-972-4636

    Title IX

    If you have questions about Title IX at RBHS, contact Susan Hamilton
    Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs
    973-972-5374 or susan.hamilton@rutgers.edu

Resources, Toolkits, and Reports

The following have been produced through the work of the Enhancing Victim Services Project and are intended for wide use.