Supporting Students Remotely

Remote Response to Student Disclosures of Interpersonal Violence

The transition to online learning during the COVID-19 crisis will continue to present challenges, including supporting students remotely during a time of heightened risk of domestic violence and familial abuse1, substance abuse and mental health emergencies2. Students who are already more vulnerable to economic instability, health insecurity and systemic racism face additional risk. Below are some best practice tips for supporting students who may disclose interpersonal violence during the crisis:

Assess for Immediate Danger: If a student discloses interpersonal violence (intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and/or stalking online or in-person) online and they are in immediate danger and/or require medical attention, encourage them to call 911 immediately.

Explain limits of confidentiality: Let the student know that you can protect their privacy, but you cannot promise confidentiality. Tell the student that as a responsible employee of the University, you are required to report the incident to the college’s Title IX Office or Office of Employment Equity, but you will not tell anyone else. Consider including this sample syllabus statement on Canvas or your online course platform to alert students prior to disclosures, or send an e-mail with the statement and the attached resource page. More information can be found at endsexualviolence.rutgers.edu.

Listen and Validate: Let the student know that the violence is not their fault. Validate the emotions that they may be experiencing (shame, fear, anger) and that it is not easy to make such disclosures. Remember there is no ‘right’ way to respond to trauma.

Provide Resources and Choice: Remind students that although you are required to report the incident to the Title IX Office, they have the right to file a complaint or not to file a complaint with the college online or via phone. Provide them with the resources listed below.

Reach Out for Support: Remember that you do not have to address these issues alone. Do not hesitate to reach out to Rutgers Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) or Title IX Offices for consultation (contact information below).

Rutgers Resources for Students

The following resources are available remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Please check the individual office’s website or call for updated hours.

Victim Services Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA)

• New Brunswick: 848-932-1181
• Newark: 973- 353-1918
• Camden: 856-225-2326
• RBHS: 973-972-4636

Rutgers University Police Department (Non-Emergency, In case of Emergency call 911)

• New Brunswick: 848-932-7111
• Newark: 973-972-7551
• Camden: 856-225-6009
• RBHS: 973-972-4491

Title IX Offices

• New Brunswick: 848-932-8200
• Newark: 973- 353-1906
• Camden: 856-225-6422
• RBHS: 973- 972-9794

Mental Health and Counseling Services

• New Brunswick: 848-932-7884
• Newark: 973- 353-5805
• Camden: 856-225-6005
• RBHS: 1-800-327-3678

University-wide Rutgers

Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP): Free phone and telepsychology services to help students and faculty/staff obtain short term supportive therapy or facilitate referral to therapists in network.

Other Resources

New Brunswick

• coronavirus.rutgers.edu (Includes university-wide information on Rutgers Student Food Pantry and Emergency Housing Assistance)
• Rutgers Dean of Students Office-Currently offering assistance with emergency housing, emergency financial assistance, food assistance and more.
• Student Legal Services-Free Professional Attorney for all Undergraduate and Graduate Students
• Student Health Services-Includes Updated Hours and Access Information
• Rutgers Student Health Advice Nurse Line: 800-890-5882- Free service for non-urgent medical issues

Newark

• MyRUN Covid 19 Updates: Includes information on emergency housing and other supports
• Rutgers Newark Student Health Services: 973-353-5231 (Telemedicine Available)
• MyRUN Food Pantry: Monday and Wednesday 1pm-4pm and Friday 10am-noon in PRCC Room 226. Email questions to pantry_run@newark.rutgers.edu

Camden

• Camden Coronavirus Updates: Includes information on emergency housing and other supports
• Rutgers Camden Wellness Center: 856-225-6005
• Rutgers Camden Food Pantry RBHS
• RBHS Coronavirus Updates
• RBHS Student Health Services: (973) 972-8219 RBHS Newark; (732) 235-5160 RBHS Piscataway/NB New Jersey Resources
• New Jersey Sexual Assault Programs by County
• New Jersey Domestic Violence Programs by County
• NJ Hope Line (Suicide Prevention): 855-654-6735

National Resources

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free:1-800-799-7233 and through chat.
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free:800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
• National Crisis Text Line: Text KNIGHTS to 741741. To speak directly with a counselor of color you can text STEVE to 741741.
• The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9am-3am CT:1-877-565-8860 This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
• The Deaf Hotline is available 24/7 through video phone (1-855-812-1001), email and chat for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled survivors.
• National Parent Helpline Monday -Friday 12pm-9am CT emotional support and advocacy for parents:1-855-2736
• The Jed Foundation- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Young People
• Therapy for Black Girls-Resources, Information and Therapist-finder tool
• TalkSpace- Online and Text Therapy
• Technological Safety Resources and Guide to Emergency SOS for iPhone