Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

• If You Believe an Incident of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking Has Occurred
• University Response to a Reported Incident of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking
• Access to Medical and Safety Options
• Procedures the University Will Follow When a Crime of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking is Reported
• Assistance for Victims: Rights & Options
• Protective Orders 
• Supportive Measures
• Criminal Prosecution
• Information on Pursuing an Informal Resolution or Formal Complaint with the University Pursuant to Harvard University’s Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct Policy and Subsequent Proceedings
• Privacy Concerns
• How to Be An Active Bystander
• Prevention and Awareness Programs and Campaigns
• Resources for Advice and Counseling 
• Harvard Resources 
• Community Resources
• Definitions of Crimes for Clery Act Criminal Statistics
• Certain Definitions Under Massachusetts Law

Harvard University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the University community is, on the basis of sex, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination in that it denies an individual equal access to the University’s programs or activities. The University prohibits domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in its community, whether occurring on or off campus, and will take appropriate actions to investigate and adjudicate violations pursuant to its policies, described in this section and available in full through the link below. 

The University’s Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, as linked below, addresses conduct prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Clery Act as amended by the Violence Against Women Act.  The University’s Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy is designed to address sexual misconduct that falls outside the jurisdiction of the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, but may still be covered by the Clery Act and other laws:

            Harvard University Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy (Regarding conduct occurring on or after August 14, 2020).

            Harvard University Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy (Regarding conduct occurring on or after August 14, 2020).

The Policies may be viewed in their entirety at this website: https://csndr.harvard.edu/university-title-ix-policies

The Policies are accompanied by Procedures that describe in detail the steps and rights in the process to investigate and adjudicate cases brought under these Policies. The Procedures may be viewed in their entirety at this website: https://csndr.harvard.edu/university-title-ix-policies.

To learn more about policies applicable to conduct that pre-dates August 14, 2020, we encourage you to connect with your local Title IX Resource Coordinator and/or the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying (NDAB) & Title IX Compliance Team within the Office for Community Support Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR). 

In addition to the requirements of Title IX, the Policies and Procedures have specific elements and requirements under the Violence Against Women Act Amendments to the Clery Act. Those specific Clery Act policy statements are described below.

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A variety of resources are available at the University and in the area to assist those who have experienced sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Individuals considering making a disclosure to University resources can access information about privacy and confidentiality related to different University resources at https://csndr.harvard.edu/title-ix. The University is committed to providing all possible assistance in understanding these issues and helping individuals to make an informed decision.

Those who have experienced sexual misconduct have the right to report to the University and/or to State or local law enforcement, the right to seek assistance from the University in making a report to University, State, or local law enforcement, and the right not to report. 

It is important to understand that, while the University will treat information it has received with appropriate sensitivity, University personnel nonetheless may need to share certain information with those at the University responsible for responding to or preventing sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct. For example, University officers, other than those who are prohibited from reporting because of a legal confidentiality obligation or prohibition against reporting, must promptly notify the School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator about possible sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, regardless of whether a complaint is filed. Such reporting is necessary for various reasons, including that it: (1) ensures that persons possibly subjected to such conduct consistently receive accurate information about the resources and options available from a trained person in a position to assist them; (2) ensures that individuals have access to supportive measures to address any emerging or ongoing challenges; (3) enables the University to proactively address any community safety concerns, including patterns of possible sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct; and (4) where appropriate, enables the University to take steps to protect the Harvard community. This reporting by University officers will not necessarily result in a formal complaint; rather, the School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, in consultation with the University Title IX Coordinator, will assess the information and determine what action, if any, will be taken. Information will be disclosed in this manner only to those at the University who, in the judgment of the University Title IX Coordinator or School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, have a need to know. 

Should individuals desire to discuss an incident or other information only with persons who are subject to a legal confidentiality obligation or prohibition against reporting, they should ask University officers (or independently reach out) for information about such resources, which are available both at the University, such as the confidential SHARE Team, and elsewhere. Additional information regarding confidential resources can be found at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/confidential-support-share.

University officers are available to discuss these other resources and to assist individuals in making an informed decision.

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The University encourages the reporting of all concerns regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. Sometimes individuals are hesitant to report instances of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct because they fear they may be charged with other policy violations, such as underage alcohol consumption.

Because the University has a paramount interest in protecting the well-being of its community and remedying sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, other policy violations will be considered, if necessary, separately from allegations under this Policy. 

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If you are in immediate danger and need help or want to speak to a specially trained officer about your situation, call the HUPD at 617-495-1212. When you report an incident to HUPD, you will be provided with physical protection and transportation to a medical facility, if necessary. By contacting HUPD, you are not making a commitment to file charges or to testify in court. If you are uncertain whether a situation constitutes a criminal offense and/or a violation of University policy – either the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy or the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy (which covers misconduct that falls outside the jurisdiction of the Interim Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy), – you can consult with the HUPD, confidential Sexual Harassment/Assault Resources & Education (SHARE) Counselors, a local Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator or Associate Title IX Coordinator, or the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), and/or other resources on or off campus. You also may reach out to a staff member at your School or Unit, or another resource to seek support and information. Additional information regarding community resources can be found at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/tix-resources.

While you are strongly encouraged to report instances of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to law enforcement, including HUPD and/or local police, you have the right to choose not to make a report. Upon request, other University officials can assist you in notifying HUPD and/or local police. If you report that you have been the victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, whether on or off campus, you will be provided with a written explanation of your rights and options as well as resources and services available both at Harvard and in the community. 

If you believe an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking has occurred and you are considering filing a formal complaint or pursuing legal action, there are several steps to consider, if possible, immediately or soon after the incident(s). HUPD strongly recommends that you:

•           Contact the Police

•           Call the HUPD at 617-495-1212 (Cambridge Campus) or 617-432-1212 (Longwood Campus) to report the incident. (You may also, if you prefer, report the offense to a local police department, such as Cambridge, Boston, or Somerville, even if the incident occurred on campus. 

                        • The Cambridge Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit may be reached           directly by calling 617-349-3381. 

                        • The Boston Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit may be reached directly by calling 617-343-4400. 

                        • The Somerville Police Department’s Family Services Unit may be reached directly by calling 617-625-1600 ext. 7237.) 

•           Connect with Confidential Support

•           For immediate assistance, the SHARE Team maintains a confidential hotline, 617-495-9100, which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by SHARE counselors. SHARE counselors offer a range of confidential support to students, staff, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships (including domestic violence and dating violence), and gender discrimination. SHARE counselors offer counseling, groups, advocacy, accompaniment, safety planning, consultation, and community referrals. For all non-urgent matters, please contact the SHARE main line at (617) 496-5636 or email CommunitySupport_share@harvard.edu. Please note, from June 1st through August 14th, the SHARE confidential Hotline is forwarded to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC).

•           Seek Medical Care

            You deserve immediate care, and members of the Harvard community have several on- and off-campus options. Seek medical assistance, including post-exposure prophylaxis, through HUHS, a primary care doctor, an STI testing site, or an emergency room. You can seek counseling assistance through a SHARE counselor or through HUHS and/or medical accompaniment through a SHARE counselor. Even if you do not identify any urgent medical needs, you may be injured or at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or becoming pregnant. You also may want to consider seeking a sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAECK)n to obtain forensic evidence. In order to do so, please seek medical care at a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Site, such as Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Beth Israel Deaconess Center, Boston Medical Center, and others. You do not have to file a police report in order to seek a sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAECK).       If you would like, HUPD can arrange for an officer to transport you to Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) whether or not you decide to file a police report. You may call and request transportation to HUHS without divulging that you have been the victim of such an offense. Simply request a medical transport to HUHS and an officer will respond.

•           Preserve Evidence

            Preserve any physical evidence that may be necessary to assist in legally proving that an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking occurred. The HUPD, SHARE counselors, and HUHS can advise and assist you in the preservation of such evidence. If possible, it is advised that you not bathe, douche, smoke, change your clothes or clean the area where you were assaulted if the assault took place within the past 120 hours so as to not wash away evidence. If you do change your clothes or remove anything, store it in a brown paper bag cardboard box. Try to write down everything you can remember about your experience regarding the event(s), including location, time of day, any physical descriptions, and any information you remember concerning the person’s identity. Use the Notes application in your phone or record yourself stating your memories. You do not have to have a hard copy of your notes or recollections. Save copies of email, text messages, social pages, pictures, logs, or any other documents that could be helpful in an investigation the incident.

•           Contact Title IX Resources

            Seek information and access resources by contacting your School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator or the NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team. Title IX Resource Coordinators within your School or unit are available to explain and implement supportive measures (individualized supports that help individuals participate in campus life at Harvard and continue with their studies or work). To find your local School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, please visit: https://csndr.harvard.edu/title-ix. The NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team is responsible for coordinating Harvard’s compliance with Title IX and University policies addressing sexual harassment (which includes sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and other sexual misconduct, the procedures to file a formal complaint, and resources and options available both within the Harvard University community and beyond. The NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team can be reached by email at CSNDR_TitleIX@harvard.edu, or by telephone: (617)-496-0200, and is located in the Smith Campus Center, Suite 901, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge.

•           File a formal complaint alleging a violation of University policies with the University Title IX Coordinator at CSNDR_TitleIX@harvard.edu. The NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team and the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) are responsible for implementing the University's grievance procedures, which will determine whether a student committed a policy violation.  ODR is a neutral body that impartially investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment and/or other sexual misconduct against students, staff, and, for most Schools, faculty. ODR investigations are handled by professional investigators working with the involved Schools and units. Any member of the Harvard community may reach out to ODR to request information, including information about how to a formal complaint or about seeking informal resolution. ODR can be reached by email at odr@harvard.edu, or by telephone at (617) 495-3786, and is located in the Smith Campus Center, Suite 901, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge.

You can expect the following to occur when you report an incident to the HUPD:

•           HUPD offers emotional support, guidance and options for counseling to any individual who is a victim of a sensitive crime, such as rape, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, harassment and stalking. HUPD's specially trained officers will help guide you through a step-by-step process of exploring all available options.

•           The HUPD's Sensitive Crime Unit, which includes detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division and selected patrol officers, will be assigned to the case. All members of the Unit have been trained in the investigation of sexual offenses and other sensitive crimes and the impact of the crime on the victim. 

•           A uniformed or non-uniformed officer, by request, will respond to your location to assist you in obtaining medical treatment, assure your safety, and obtain a description of the perpetrator.

•           You will be interviewed (you may specifically request a female or male officer). All statements you make may be used during any subsequent legal proceedings. The officer will ask you for the location and time of the incident, a description of the perpetrator, and a description of any injuries. You may choose to take a break or stop the interview at any time.

•           You have the right to seek a sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAECK) to ensure that you have suffered no physical injury and to complete a medical report that can be used in a court proceeding if charges are pressed. The examination will be conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and generally take 4-6 hours at the hospital. Having a forensic medical examination does not mean you must file a police report or pursue criminal charges. For a full list of hospitals with SANE nurses, visit the Boston Region Designated Hospitals on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services website.   In order to seek a SAECK, go to the emergency room of one of the hospitals with a SANE nurse. If you would like someone to accompany you to the hospital, please contact Harvard's confidential SHARE Team (Office phone number: (617) 496-5636; 24/7 Confidential Hotline: (617) 495-9100; CommunitySupport_SHARE@harvard.edu), or an off-campus resource such as the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center for medical advocacy and accompaniment.

•           If an HUPD officer responds to your location and has reason to believe that you or another family or household member has been abused or is in danger of being abused, the officer must:

            * Remain on the scene a reasonable time to prevent further abuse.

            * Assist the person experiencing abuse in obtaining medical treatment by providing or obtaining transportation.

            * Assist the person in locating and getting to a safe place.

            * Give the person experiencing abuse a written explanation of their rights and options, reading it in English and, whenever possible, in the victims native language. 

            * Assist the person in applying for a restraining order (including activating the emergency judicial response system when the court is closed for business) if they would like, inform the person that the abuser, if arrested, is eligible for bail and may be promptly released.

•           Your identity will be maintained in confidence. Although a Timely Warning about the incident may be circulated in cases that present a serious or continuing threat to the Harvard community, HUPD withholds victims’ names as confidential. Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality and to respect the legitimate privacy concerns of all involved individuals.

•           You will be provided information in writing about both internal and external resources, including how to bring a formal complaint within the University. Additional information pertaining to resources and options, including supportive measures can also be found on the CSNDR’s website.

You can expect the following to occur when you report an incident to a School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator:

Title IX Resource Coordinators serve in a neutral role and support all members of the Harvard community. Title IX Resource Coordinators have specialized experience in responding to disclosures of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct in the Harvard community. They are also aware that your concerns may be of a sensitive nature and can offer support to help you continue with your work or studies while maintaining appropriate discretion. 

Contacting your School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator is not the same as filing a formal complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator. Rather, Title IX Resource Coordinators are a resource to help you make an informed decision about which pathways are right for you. 

School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinators can: 

•           Provide information about available resources, including informing the individual of their right to engage with and/or notify HUPD or the appropriate law enforcement authorities. 

•           Provide information on the University's Policies and procedures, as well as any additional School or unit policies

•           Explain the process for filing a formal complaint

•           Facilitate informal resolution, as appropriate, between the parties, with a goal of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution

•           Offer supportive measures with consideration of the impacted parties wishes with respect to supportive measures

Supportive measures are individualized supports to help those who are impacted by a incidents of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, participate in campus life at Harvard and continue with their studies or work.

Supportive measures may be implemented at any time and may include: 

•           Course-related extensions and adjustments 

•           University-issued and enforced no contact orders 

•           Work and/or course schedule adjustments 

•           Changes in housing and seating 

•           Leaves of absence 

•           Increased monitoring of certain areas of the campus 

These are just a few examples of supportive measures. School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinators work with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that supportive measures are individually tailored to meet each individual's unique needs.  

If you have questions about supportive measures, do not hesitate to reach out to your School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator (https://csndr.harvard.edu/local-title-ix-resource-coordinators).

It is important to know that you do not have to file a formal complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator or a report with HUPD in order to receive supportive measures. 

You have the right to seek a medical examination to ensure that you have suffered no physical injury and to complete a medical report that can be used in a court proceeding if charges are pressed. The examination will be conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at a hospital designated as a SANE site. Having a forensic medical examination does not mean you must file a police report or pursue criminal charges. For a full list of hospitals with SANE nurses, visit the Boston Region Designated Hospitals on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services website (EOHHS). If you would like someone to accompany you to the hospital, please contact Harvard’s confidential SHARE Team or an off-campus resource such as the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center for medical advocacy and accompaniment:

• Accessing a local hospital Emergency Department (ED): Hospitals in the local area provide a range of care pertaining to: treating violence-related injuries, forensic evidence collection (Sexual Assault Nurse Examination- SANE), screening for, preventing and treating infection and HIV, and pregnancy prevention services.** If you would like to access a local ED, you may:
  • Choose to present at an ED on your own or with someone you trust.***
  • Contact the confidential SHARE Team, who can offer support that includes trauma-informed counseling, education and support groups, advocacy, accompaniment to meetings, the hospital, police, etc. and information about legal processes and the University’s formal complaint processes. You may reach SHARE’s confidential 24-hour hotline at 617-495-9100.
• Going to HUHS: While not a SANE site, HUHS can provide you with medical care, including a physical exam, STI testing, and emergency contraception. Please call 617-495-5711 to seek care and discuss further options with HUHS: 
  • Urgent Care is located at Smith Campus Center 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday and most Holidays.
  • If you need mental health support, the CAMHS Cares Line is available 24/7/365 at 617-495-2042. CAMHS staff are available for urgent care during business hours at the same number.
  • Call HUHS Urgent Care Nurse Advice Line at 617-495-5711 after hours.
  • Note that HUPD will transport you to HUHS; you do not need to share with HUPD the reason you need to seek medical attention. You can call HUPD at 617-495-1212.
• Talking with HUPD: If you are not currently in a safe place or if you have an emergency, you can call HUPD at 617-495-1212. Community members are encouraged to store HUPD’s phone number in their cell phone contacts.

*Note: If you call 911 from an on-campus phone, the call will go to either the Cambridge Police or the Boston Police depending on their location. As the HUPD maintains a good working relationship with both departments, they will typically inform the HUPD of the 911 call. Calling 911 from a cell phone will connect you with the Massachusetts State Police, which then will transfer the call to the appropriate jurisdiction, unless the incident occurred on state-owned property (e.g. the area around the Charles River and Fenway).

** Note: Many services related to sexual assault and other crimes may be accessed free of charge or may be eligible for reimbursement. If you have concerns about using insurance, or need assistance in accessing resources, please contact SHARE or one of the SANE site hospitals below.

***Note:  For a full list of hospitals with SANE nurses, visit the Boston Region Designated Hospitals on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services website.

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The University has procedures in place that serve to be sensitive to those who report sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including informing individuals, in writing, about their right to file criminal charges as well as the availability of counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services on and/or off campus as well as additional supportive measures to prevent contact between the impacted person and an accused party, such as changes to housing, course related exceptions and adjustments , protective orders, transportation and working situations, if reasonably available. The University will offer the impacted person supportive measures, in writing, and will make clear that they are available regardless of whether harm occurred on or off campus and regardless of whether the impacted person files a formal complaint or makes a report to HUPD or local law enforcement. Students and employees should contact their School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator or the University Title IX Coordinator or Associate Title IX Coordinator within CSNDR’s NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team for more information on supportive measures. 

If a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is reported to the University, below are the procedures that the University will follow:

Regarding conduct occurring on or after August 14, 2020

•           Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures 

•           Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Procedures

Complete copies of all relevant policies and procedures can be found at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/university-title-ix-policies.

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Regardless of whether a victim elects to pursue a criminal complaint or whether the offense is alleged to have occurred on or off campus, the University will assist victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and will provide each victim with a written explanation of their rights and options. Such written information will include:

•           the procedures victims should follow if a crime of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking has occurred; 

•           information about how the University will protect the confidentiality of victims and other necessary parties; 

•           a statement that the University will provide written notification to students and employees about victim services within the University and in the community; 

•           a statement regarding the University's provisions about options for, available assistance in, and how to request changes to academic, living, transportation and working situations or other protective or supportive measures; and 

•           an explanation of the procedures for disciplinary action within the University

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The University complies with the 2005 Violence Against Women Act as well as Massachusetts law in recognizing Abuse Prevention Orders (obtained pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 209A) and other valid orders of protection from Massachusetts or any other State or tribal court. Any Harvard person who obtains an order of protection from domestic or dating abuse, harassment, stalking or sexual assault from any State in the country or federally recognized tribal court should provide a copy to the HUPD and to their School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator. SHARE counselors remain available as a confidential resource regarding seeking information and support on and/or obtaining protective orders.

The HUPD will: (1) attempt service of protective orders on defendants; and (2) arrest persons who are in violation of protective orders if there is a violation on campus. Additionally, HUPD will accept copies of active protective orders previously served so that information regarding the parties are made part of HUPD's record management system and can be shared with all HUPD officers. 

Any person holding a protective order may meet with an HUPD officer to develop a safety action plan, the goal of which is to reduce risk of harm to the person while on campus or coming and going from campus. Each case is assessed independently. In coordination with other University offices, HUPD will help to put in place safety measures that may include but are not limited to the use of a temporary escort, special parking arrangements, changing classroom location, supervisor, work location, and/or allowing a student to complete assignments from home, depending on the course. 

The University cannot apply on behalf of someone else for an abuse prevention order, no contact order or restraining order but can assist a person in obtaining such an order.

The University also may issue an institutional no contact order if deemed appropriate. Violators of an institutional no contact order are subject to discipline. For more information regarding how to obtain a University-issued no contact order, students and employees should contact their School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator or the University Title IX Coordinator or Associate Title IX Coordinator within CSNDR’s NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team. 

Upon receipt of a report, disclosure, or formal complaint of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, Harvard University will provide written notification to students and employees about supportive measures available to them, including course related extension and adjustments, University-issued and enforced no contact orders, work and/or course schedule adjustments, changes in housing or seating, leaves of absence, or increased monitoring of certain areas of campus. academic, living, transportation, protective orders and working situations. 

The written notification will include information about how and where to request supportive measures (including the name, title, and contact information for the School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator), notice that an impacted party does not need to file a formal complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator or report with HUPD in order to receive supportive measures, and information on the process for filing a formal complaint. When determining supportive measures, the University will consider the impacted parties wishes. 

Individuals seeking supportive measures or needing assistance in requesting supportive measures should contact their Title IX Resource Coordinator or the University Title IX Coordinator or Associate Title IX Coordinator within CSNDR’s NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team. Contact information for Title IX Resource Coordinators can be found at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/local-title-ix-resource-coordinators. Contact information for the University Title IX Coordinator and Associate Title IX Coordinator can be found at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/staff. 

If you have experienced an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, you may want your assailant identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in court. If you choose to proceed in this manner, notify the HUPD immediately for assistance and guidance.

For an understanding of the rights of a crime victim in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, please refer to the Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. Chapter 258B) or visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/victim-bill-of-rights-english/download to download a summary. The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-for-victim-assistance also has created a guide for crime victims; the guide can be accessed directly at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/the-aftermath-of-crime-guidebook/download.

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Regardless of whether you choose to pursue criminal prosecution, you may decide to initiate a formal complaint under Harvard's Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy (which includes, without limitation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) or Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

Some incidents of sexual harassment and/or other sexual misconduct may be resolved through an informal resolution process without a full investigation. If informal resolution is appropriate, an ODR investigator, your local Title IX Resource Coordinator, or the University Title IX Coordinator or their designee will work with the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Informal resolution is a voluntary process. Additional information about requesting an informal resolution is available in the applicable procedures. 

If you are considering filing a formal complaint or seeking informal resolution, you are encouraged to consult your School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University's Associate Title IX Coordinator, the University's Title IX Coordinator, or ODR. 

ODR impartially investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct against students, staff, third parties, and, for most Schools, faculty. ODR investigations are handled by professional investigators working with the involved Schools and units. Any member of the Harvard community may meet with ODR to request information or advice, including how to file a formal complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator and assistance in seeking informal resolution.

You are encouraged to bring your concerns to the relevant School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator, or staff in ODR, but may, if you choose, contact another School or University officer, who will refer the matter as appropriate. 

Individuals can access all University Policies as well as the relevant procedures for resolving allegations under these policies at: https://csndr.harvard.edu/university-title-ix-policies. 

Below is a brief summary of the procedures for seeking informal resolution and filing formal complaints for cases involving students, staff, and, in some cases, faculty. 

As noted above, the University maintains three procedures to address sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct occurring on or after August 14, 2020:

• Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
• Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Interim FAS Policies and Procedures Addressing Title IX Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct

The applicable procedures is determined by the affiliation of the Respondent (i.e., A person who is alleged in a complaint to have engaged in conduct prohibited by the applicable Policy.) and whether the conduct alleged falls under the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy or the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

For students, the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Title IX Procedures  applies to sexual harassment that is committed by students, faculty, staff, Harvard appointees, or third parties against a person in the United States, whenever the misconduct occurs:1. On Harvard property; or 2. Off Harvard property, if the conduct was in connection with a University or University recognized program or activity which includes locations, events, or circumstances over which the University exercised substantial control over both the person accused of the conduct and the context in which the sexual harassment occurred, and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the University. 

The Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to sexual misconduct that is committed by students, faculty, staff, Harvard appointees, or third parties, whenever the misconduct falls outside of the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and occurs: 1. On Harvard property; or 2. Off Harvard property, if: a) the conduct was in connection with a University or University-recognized program or activity; or b) the conduct may have the effect of creating a hostile environment for a member of the University community.

Questions about which procedures apply for disclosures of violations before or after August 14, 2020 may be directed to your School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator, or the Director of ODR.

The proceedings under each of the above procedures include a prompt, fair, and impartial process from the initial investigation to the final result. The process is to be completed within reasonably prompt timeframes that are established in the procedures and that include a process for the extension of timeframes for good cause with written notice to the parties of the delay and its reasons. Note that the timelines differ between the procedures. 

For students, the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy state that:

The initial review, investigation, hearing, and determination regarding responsibility, including the outcome of any remedies process, will be completed and the final determination regarding responsibility provided to the Complainant, the Respondent, the University Title IX Coordinator, the School Title IX Resource Coordinator, and the appropriate officer in the School or unit, ordinarily within 90 business days of receipt of the formal complaint. The Investigative Team or the Hearing Panel, as applicable, may impose reasonable timeframes to enable the timely completion of a proceeding. Timeframes for all phases of a proceeding apply to all parties equally. There may be circumstances requiring longer timeframes. Timeframes may be extended, for example, in the interest of the integrity and completeness of the initial review, investigation, hearing, and any remedies process, to accommodate witness availability, or to comply with requests by or not to prejudice investigations or processes of external law enforcement, or for other legitimate reasons, including the complexity of the investigation and the severity or extent of alleged misconduct. The Investigative Team or the Hearing Panel, as applicable, will notify the parties of any extensions of timeframes.

With slight distinctions, the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Against Students Pursuant to the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy state that:

The investigation will be completed and the final report provided to the Complainant (or the Reporter, if applicable), the Respondent, the School Title IX Coordinator, and the appropriate officer in the School or unit, ordinarily within 75 business days of receipt of the formal complaint. The administration of discipline in cases involving students is subject to the authority of the faculty; thus, as appropriate, having received the report, the School separately will consider the imposition of discipline through its own processes and notify the parties as appropriate…The Investigative Team may impose reasonable timeframes to enable the timely completion of a proceeding. Timeframes for all phases of a proceeding apply to all parties equally. There may be circumstances requiring longer timeframes. Timeframes may be extended, for example, in the interest of the integrity and completeness of the initial review and investigation, to accommodate witness availability, or to comply with requests by or not to prejudice investigations or processes of external law enforcement, or for other legitimate reasons, including the complexity of the investigation and the severity or extent of alleged misconduct. The Investigative Team will notify the parties of any extensions of timeframes.

Proceedings are conducted in a manner that is consistent with the University’s procedures and transparent to the parties and their advisors of choice. Parties will receive timely notice of any meeting to which they are required or are eligible to attend. Parties, as well as investigators, School designees, hearing panelists, appellate panelists, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process will be provided timely and equal access to any information that will be used during formal and informal disciplinary hearings and meetings. 

Any individual designated as a University Title IX Coordinator or a School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, investigator, School designee, hearing panelist, appellate panelist, or any person designated to facilitate an informal resolution process will not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent in a case to which they are assigned.

The steps and the procedure are described briefly below and complete information may be found in the relevant procedures:

Informal Resolution

•           To access informal resolution under the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Pursuant to the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, a formal complaint must first be filed.

•           To access informal resolution under the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Pursuant to the Other Sexual Misconduct Policy, a request may be made either orally or in writing to a School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator, or the Director of ODR. 

Filing a Complaint and Initial Review

•           The formal complaint process begins by filing a complaint that alleges sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct.

•           The complaint should state the name of the harasser (if known) and describe the incidents of harassment, including the date(s) and place(s) of such incident(s). The complaint may include a list of any sources of information (e.g., witnesses, correspondence, records). 

•           ODR will conduct an initial review that includes efforts to gather a more complete understanding of the allegations. The Investigative Team will determine, based on the evidence, if the formal complaint shall proceed to investigation or if a dismissal or administrative closure is warranted. 

Investigation

•           Following the decision to begin an investigation, the Respondent will be provided the opportunity to submit a response to the allegations, including all sources of information (e.g., witnesses, correspondence, records).

•           The Investigative Team will review the evidence and conduct individual interviews with the Complainant and the Respondent and, as appropriate, with other witnesses, which may include those identified by the parties as well as relevant officers of the School or University or others. 

•           Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, the parties will be given an equitable opportunity to review and respond to the evidence, consistent with the applicable procedures. 

Investigative Report 

•           In cases involving the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Pursuant to the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, prior to the hearing process (described below) the investigative report will be provided to the Complainant, Respondent, and their personal advisors (if any). The investigative report includes recommended findings of facts applying a preponderance of the evidence standard and gives the parties the opportunity to submit a written response. The standard of evidence used is a preponderance of the evidence, which means a finding by the University that it is more likely than not” that the violation occurred. 

•           In cases involving the Interim Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints Pursuant to the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy, at the conclusion of the investigation, the Investigative team will make findings of fact, applying a preponderance of the evidence standard, and will determine based on those findings of fact whether there was a violation of the Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. A written draft of the findings of fact and analysis will be provided to the parties, who are then given the opportunity to submit a written response to the draft. The investigative team will consider any written responses before finalizing the report, which will then be provided to the Complainant (or reporter, if applicable), the Respondent, the School or unit Title IX Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator, and the appropriate School or unit. 

Hearing 

(Applies only to cases reviewed under the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy)

•           Following the conclusion of the investigation, the investigative report will be provided to a trained panel of decision-makers (comprised of trained experts within and outside the Harvard community), who conduct a live hearing. 

•           The Hearing Panel will issue a determination regarding responsibility, applying a preponderance of the evidence standard. The written determination will then be provided to the School or unit, so that it may separately consider the imposition of discipline through its own processes. At the conclusion of the School/unit discipline process, the Hearing Panel will be notified of the decision regarding discipline for inclusion in the final determination, which will be simultaneously provided to both parties in writing. 

Appeals 

•           Parties may appeal the dismissal of a formal complaint or any allegation therein, the decision of the Investigative Team, or (if applicable) the Hearing Panel's determination regarding responsibility. The grounds for appeal can be found within the applicable procedures. The parties will be simultaneously notified of the process to appeal, any change to the result following an appeal, and when the results become final. 

•           Appeals are considered by an impartial panel selected from a pool of annually trained faculty and administrators. All appeals are based solely on the written record. The parties and the School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator will be simultaneously informed of the outcome in writing. 

Sanctions 

Pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act Amendments to the Clery Act, the University publishes here a full list of available sanctions for students and employees found responsible for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking under the University's process. 

Students 

•           During calendar years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the available sanctions for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking were: warning, reprimand, probation, involuntary leave of absence, suspension, requirement to withdraw, dismissal, and expulsion.

Employees 

•           During calendar years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the available sanctions for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking were: verbal or written warning, suspension, or termination. 

Personal Advisors: 

The Complainant and Respondent each have the opportunity to bring a personal advisor of their choice to any meeting or other proceeding to which they are invited or required to attend that is part of the investigation, including initial review or hearing (as applicable). The University will not limit the choice of advisor or presence of a personal advisor for either party. During interviews, personal advisors may not speak for their advisees, although they may ask to suspend the interviews briefly if they feel their advisees would benefit from a short break. During the hearing process, as referenced above, applicable only to formal complaints under the Interim Procedures for Handling Complaint Pursuant to the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, personal advisors will conduct cross examination at the live hearing.

General Information 

All proceedings conducted shall be prompt, fair, and impartial. The University Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-makers, individuals who facilitate the informal resolution process, and School and unit disciplinary boards receive annual training consistent with requirements of Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act Amendments to the Clery Act, and State law. Consistent with State and federal law, training materials are publicly available at: oge.harvard.edu/our-professional-training

In all instances, the administration of discipline rests with the School or unit of the Respondent and imposition of discipline is handled through the School/unit process. Such processes are addressed in detail in each School's/unit's student handbook or policies. 

For additional information about the informal resolution process or the formal complaint process, you may reach out to a School or unit Title IX Resource Coordinator, the University Title IX Coordinator or Associate Title IX Coordinator, or ODR. You can also find additional information in the applicable procedures.

Access to Records and Privacy

HEA Victim Notification

Harvard University will, upon written request, disclose to the reporting victim of a crime of violence, incest, or statutory rape, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by Harvard against a student who is the perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the reporting victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the victim for the purposes of this paragraph.

Further, Harvard may, in its discretion, disclose the final results of an internal disciplinary proceeding involving a student who is alleged to have committed any crime of violence, incest, or statutory rape if it has been determined as a result of that proceeding that the student committed a violation of Harvard's rules or policies with respect to that conduct. The disclosure may include the student's name, the violation committed, and the sanction imposed.

Such disclosures do not constitute a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The University protects the confidentiality of persons who report having been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. As a general matter, HUPD does not publish the name of crime victims nor does it include identifiable information regarding victims in the HUPD crime log, in campus Timely Warnings, online, or in the annual crime statistics that are disclosed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. Harvard shares personally identifiable information only with those who have a specific need to know and maintains as confidential information relating to any supportive measures to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair Harvard's ability to provide the supportive measures. 

In addition, in accord with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 97D and Chapter 265, Section 24C, HUPD will not publish, disseminate or otherwise disclose the name of any victim of rape or assault with intent to rape, and will maintain all reports of rape and sexual assault (or attempts to commit those offenses) or abuse perpetrated by family or household members in a manner that will ensure their confidentiality. When applicable, however, reported incidents will be included in the Clery Act annual crime statistics, though without any identifying information.

Under M.G.L., Chapter 112, Section 12A1/2, when a victim of rape or sexual assault is seen at Harvard University Health Services, HUHS is required to forward a confidential report to the Police Chief or Commissioner in the jurisdiction in which the alleged assault occurred. This report will not include the victim's name, address, or other identifying information, but will describe the general area where the attack occurred. When applicable, these reported incidents also will be included in the Clery Act annual crime statistics.

Students may opt out of public disclosure of directory information (as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA) by requesting what is known as a FERPA Block. Students who wish to put in place a FERPA Block must inform an appropriate School official, usually the School's Registrar, in writing, of that decision. Employees who would like assistance in keeping their identifiable information confidential should contact Human Resources. Regardless of whether a victim has opted out of allowing the University to share "directory information,” personally identifiable information about the victim and other necessary parties will be treated as confidential and only shared with persons who have a specific need-to-know, i.e., those who are investigating/adjudicating the report or those involved in providing support services to the victim, including supportive and protective measures. 

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Everyone at Harvard deserves to feel safe, valued, and capable of contributing to a caring community. We can show care by speaking up and seeking support when we notice situations that seem inconsistent with community values, individual agency, and respect for boundaries. Active bystanders are individuals who notice potentially harmful situation and take action to offer support. By being active bystanders, we are taking part in a shared movement, alongside other collective efforts, to reduce harm in our communities.

Helping Harvard Become a Community

of Active Bystanders

Active bystander intervention is just one framework for preventing violence. It is primarily intended for individuals or small groups who notice potential harm in interpersonal situations. 

How each of us intervenes is influenced by the sense of safety and power we have in a given moment. This can be different based on histories of inequality, dimensions of identity, and social location. Therefore, context plays a significant role in whether and how we intervene. Consider the strategies below in determining how you might intervene.

Active Bystander Strategies

DIRECT ACTION

We are more likely to directly intervene when we feel safe doing so. Direct action means taking steps to actively discourage, diffuse, or disrupt a situation in the moment. 

Examples: Saying, “Stop!” or “Are you okay?” when you notice escalation; speaking up when you think certain language is disrespectful; reminding someone to get consent before recording or sharing photos or videos of others. 

DISTRACTION

Creating a distraction, or diverting attention, can take many forms, and can be helpful when direct action does not feel safe. Creating a distraction is not the same as avoiding the issue but, rather, creates opportunity for the person being targeted to seek safety. 

Examples: Changing the subject; interrupting a situation to ask a question; requesting accompaniment to a different space (e.g., looking for an exit, asking for directions to a restroom) to break up the group. 

DELEGATE

Reaching out to a trusted resource, leader, or peer may be helpful when direct action does not feel safe. “Delegating” does not mean passing the problem to someone else but, rather, brings in the right supports to be able to safely address situations involving potential harm. Delegating can also mean bringing in perspectives of those you trust to help weigh in on a situation, so you are not alone. 

Examples: Connecting with a nearby friend of the person causing harm or being harmed; locating the host of an event if you have concerns. Consider stating, "I think ____ could use your help,” or "Did you see what's happening over there. Who can we ask for help?” 

DELAY

Sometimes taking action in the moment is not possible. Instead, you can consider delaying leaving a space to remain with the person experiencing harm or at risk of experiencing harm. Doing so might provide a chance to observe, document, and/or check in with that person. “Delaying” can also mean following up with the person who was impacted by harmful conduct or the individual(s) who contributed to the harm. 

Examples: Offering to connect a person with resources such as the confidential SHARE Team or referring to Title IX resources if a person has questions about their rights and options. Consider asking, "Are you okay? I saw what happened,” or "Could I give you SHARE's hotline number? It is free and confidential, and might be able to help.” 

Personal Safety: Reducing our Risk of Harm

People of all identities and backgrounds experience sexual and gender-based harassment. While the responsibility for harassment lies with the individuals who enact the harm, we may reduce our own exposure to harm by remaining informed about our rights and resources. Thus, the information below is not mutually exclusive of other forms of prevention but is included to enhance personal safety wherever possible.

It is important to remember that everyone has different needs, perspectives, and experiences, so choosing steps that work for you individually is essential. You are encouraged to select among, or add to, the following considerations.

•           Know your rights. You have the right to participate in Harvard's programs and activities free from discrimination and harassment. You have a right to set boundaries. You have a right to access resources and to be informed. It may be helpful to review the types of conduct prohibited under the University's Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy, as well as the University's commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment.

•           Consider power dynamics. Where does the power reside in your relationships and how is it distributed or shared? If you have concerns about how power is being used in any of your relationships, consider contacting one or more of the resources in this guide, which can help you understand its effects on your learning, your work, and your wellbeing.

•           Have a plan. If you are going out for the evening with friends, have you discussed your plans before going out? Do you feel like drinking? Where do you want to go? Having a clear plan ahead of time can help friends look out for one another.

•           Traveling. Consider your travel plans to and from places. Do you want to make arrangements to travel with friends? If you go out as a group, do you want to come home as a group? Do you wish to avoid situations in which you would be isolated, or with people you do not know or trust? Have your friends agreed not to leave one another behind?

•           Have a conversation. Have you and your sexual partner(s) discussed your needs, boundaries, and priorities? You might consider exploring with your partner(s) issues such as use of protection methods, privacy, agreements about recording on digital devices, and how you communicate throughout sexual encounters.

•           Call for Help. If you or someone you know is feeling uncomfortable, scared, or pressured, you can call for help any time. You can contact professionals you trust, which may include the Harvard University Policy Department (HUPD) at 617-495-1212. Please note that HUPD does not inquire about immigration status and is not involved in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. You may also contact local police if you need an immediate response.

•           Build knowledge. Get involved with campus resources that build knowledge and cultivate communities that are free of harassment and harm. Visit oge.harvard.edu/prevention-education for more information or to schedule training for your community, organization, or school.

•           Wherever you are, keep in mind these general safety tips:

•           Move through lighted areas after dark

•           Know what transportation is accessible

•           Lock the doors to your home, car, etc.

•           Have your keys and phone easily accessible

•           Save the HUPD phone number in your cell phone 617-495-1212 so it is accessible

•           Call the Campus Escort Service (HUCEP) at 617-494-8237 if you are uncomfortable changing locations on your own

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Harvard University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the University community is, on the basis of sex, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity.   

To ensure that commitment is met with regards to sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct, the University has a central Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR), which works with the Harvard community to foster an environment free from discrimination, interpersonal violence, and the impacts of such harm.  CSNDR brings together the former Office for Gender Equity (OGE) and the Office for Community Conduct (OCC) under one umbrella and provides for greater efficiency, access, and integrated resources for the entire Harvard community – students, staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows. 

CSNDR is comprised of three teams – the confidential SHARE Team (Sexual Harassment/Assault Resources and Education), the Prevention Team, and the NDAB (Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying) and Title IX Compliance Team. Community members are welcome to reach out to these teams for support at any time.

• The confidential SHARE Team continues to be a survivor-centered, confidential resource dedicated to supporting Harvard community members who may have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships, or discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. The SHARE Team believes that you deserve safety, dignity, and belonging in your body and community and supports people and communities related to:
  • The impact of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships, and discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Accountability and support for individuals and communities, who may have caused harm 

SHARE offers:

• Survivor support Counseling and groups
  • Advocacy and accompaniment
  • Resource navigation and consultation
  • 24/7 confidential hotline: (617) 495-9100
  • Workshops to foster culture change such as everyday accountability practices, how to support a peer, and trauma-informed practices
  • Tabling and community presence
  • Resources if you are helping a friend, peer, or colleague

Meetings with the SHARE Team are free, voluntary, confidential, and privileged. Contact SHARE:

CommunitySupport_SHARE@harvard.edu

Smith Campus Center Suite 624

Office: (617) 496-5636

Hotline (617) 495-9100

csndr.harvard.edu/share

• The Prevention Team works with students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows to reduce interpersonal harm, improve systems and structures, and catalyze culture change toward equity for every member of the Harvard community. 

  • Take part in prevention!
  • Explore the Learning Hub on the Prevention Team’s website
  • Join the Prevention Team for workshops and trainings on topics such as engaging in everyday consent practices, fostering open communication in teams, active bystander intervention, and more
  • Invite Prevention to your campus events, including trainings, retreats, resource fairs, panels, and plenary sessions
  • Request consultation to improve culture and climate in your organization
  • Ask about opportunities to join prevention-related coalitions and committees across campus
  • Contact the Prevention Team to co-organize programing for your community

  Learn more at csndr.harvard.edu/prevention or email us at csndr_prevention@harvard.edu

• The NDAB and Title IX Compliance Team serves as both a direct line of support for community members and a central hub of information regarding the University’s Policies and Procedures on Non-Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Other Sexual Misconduct. The Compliance Team also serves as a resource for Harvard’s networks of Local Designated Resources (LDRs), who help support community members with concerns relating to discrimination and bullying, and local Title IX Resource Coordinators, who help support community members with concerns relating to sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. The Compliance Team works to help community members understand their rights and explore options, including how to submit a formal complaint, seek informal resolution, access resources, and/or utilize supportive measures to help individuals continue their education and/or work at Harvard.  Learn more at csndr.harvard.edu/compliance or email at csndr_compliance@harvard.edu.

• Among the Prevention Team’s learning and development initiatives is the administration of eLearning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Each year, all incoming and all returning students are required to complete custom School-level eLearning modules that reviews the University's Policies, procedures, supports, bystander intervention, and resources.

Additionally, each year all benefits-eligible faculty and staff are regularly required to complete an eLearning module that reviews the University's anti-discrimination policies, including the University’s Title IX Policies, procedures, supports, and resources, including their roles as responsible employees. These interactive virtual trainings allow students, faculty, and staff to become familiar with confidential resources, as well as their School and unit Title IX Resource Coordinators, and engage in scenarios that pertain to their specific roles at the University.

Students, faculty, and staff are also welcome to participate in several University-wide outreach programs, live educational events, and consultative workshops, as well as request in-person training for departments and groups (for example, many Schools and units invite the teams within CSNDR and School and unit Title IX Resource Coordinators to provide in-person training for all incoming students).

CSNDR's teams provides education, engagement, and outreach programming on a range of issues, including:  

•           The role of community climate in promoting gender equity and inclusivity in the University environment

•           Harvard's policies and procedures that address sexual harassment and misconduct 

•           Descriptions and examples of prohibited conduct 

•           Notice that Harvard's policies prohibit retaliation

•           The definition of consent provided in Harvard's Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct policy: agreement, assent, approval, or permission given voluntarily and communicated verbally or by actions 

•           Information regarding University procedures, including where and how to file a formal complaint

•           Information on the standard applied to investigations of formal complaints: preponderance of evidence

•           Bystander intervention strategies

•           Information regarding on-campus and off-campus resources, including confidential resources

•           Information regarding urgent support, victim advocacy, and short-term and long-term counseling and advising

•           Information on obtaining supportive measures, including examples of supportive measures (e.g., counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escorts, restrictions on contact, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, or increased security and monitoring of certain areas of campus)

•           Information on the University's values

•           Respecting the rights, differences, and dignity of others

•           Demonstrating honesty and integrity in all dealings

•           Pursuing excellence conscientiously in one'ss work

•           Being accountable for actions and conduct in the community 

•           Cultivating bonds and bridges that enable all to grow with and learn from one another

•           Information on the University's commitment to gender inclusivity and each community members' role in creating an inclusive climate 

•           Information on the contributing factors – such as the dynamics around power and culture surrounding alcohol use – that may lead to environments where sexual harassment is likely to occur

•           Information on how to anonymously disclose concerns via Harvard's Resource for Online Anonymous Disclosure Tool

More information on the University's efforts, programming, and outreach can be found at https://csndr.harvard.edu/prevention.

Undergraduate Students

Beyond online training, all incoming undergraduate students participate in a large format live event called Communities of Care, during which members of the College Title IX Office within the Dean of Students Office and CSNDR's SHARE Team and Prevention Team facilitate dialogue on community values, building a supportive community, inclusion and belonging, and active bystander intervention. 

Following this program, students participate in one of several Entryway Conversations, led by Proctors and Peer Advising Fellows (PAFs). As part of orientation, student participation in their Entryways includes discussion focused on bystander intervention strategies, information on how to support peers who have been impacted by interpersonal harm, and supportive campus resources. 

Graduate and Professional Students

CSNDR collaborates with campus partners across the University, including Title IX Resource Coordinators at each of the graduate and professional schools to develop eLearning and orientation curriculum on prevention and awareness for incoming and returning students as part of orientation programs and throughout the academic year. During these programs, students receive information on: the role of active bystanders in academic communities, reporting options after experiencing sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, support resources on campus; confidentiality; and the University’s Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy 

The University and various social service providers in Cambridge and Boston offer a range of counseling and support services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. If you choose not to take advantage of these resources immediately, you should find a friend, counselor, or other support person to comfort you and to help you deal with the experience. That person should be with you throughout the crisis situation and follow up, and should help you regain a sense of control over events.

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HUPD, staff within CSNDR, including confidential SHARE Counselors, as well as Title IX Resource Coordinators, and HUHS are well trained to aid students, faculty, and staff who are impacted by sex offenses, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. In addition, officers in each School and unit are available to help. Students can identify these individuals through their Dean's offices or offices for student affairs. 

Staff within CSNDR, including confidential SHARE Counselors as well as School and unit Title IX Resource Coordinators can speak with students, faculty, and staff about options, support services, and how to file a formal complaint under the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy or Interim Other Misconduct Policy, as applicable. Each School has Title IX Resource Coordinators designated to serve students, faculty, and staff. 

To identify a Title IX Resource Coordinator for your School or unit, please visit: https://csndr.harvard.edu/local-title-ix-resource-coordinators. Harvard faculty and staff also may find assistance and support at their Dean's offices, the offices of human resources at each school or department, or the Central Administration's Office of Human Resources. The Harvard International Office is available to help students, faculty and staff with visa and immigration concerns. 

Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) (CSA) 

617-495-1796 

http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/personal-and-violent-crime

CSA

The Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities Prevention Team and NDAB & Title IX Compliance Team (CSA) 

617-496-0200 

https://csndr.harvard.edu/

Office for Dispute Resolution (CSA) 

617-495-3786 

http://odr.harvard.edu 

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) (CSA) 

617-495-5711 

www.huhs.harvard.edu

Harvard International Office (CSA)

617-495-2789 

http://www.hio.harvard.edu/   

Harvard Ombuds Office, Cambridge (CSA- Confidential)
Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, Suite 748
1350 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 748
Cambridge, MA 02138

Confidential Telephone: 617-495-7748
Email: ombuds_cambridge@harvard.edu

Harvard Ombuds Office, Longwood (CSA- Confidential)
164 Longwood Ave., First Floor
Boston, MA 02115

Confidential Telephone: 617-432-4041

Confidential and Privileged 

The SHARE Team (confidential and Privileged) 

617-496-5636 

Confidential Hotline:

617-495-9100

CommunitySupport_SHARE@harvard.edu 

Counseling & Mental Health Services, HUHS (confidential and privileged) 

617-495-2042 

https://huhs.harvard.edu/counseling-and-mental-health   

Harvard Chaplains (confidential and privileged) 

617-495-5529 

www.chaplains.harvard.edu  

Behavioral Health, HUHS (confidential and privileged) 

617-495-2323 

https://huhs.harvard.edu/behavioral-health  

Harvard Employee Assistance Program (for Harvard University staff and faculty) (confidential) 

877-327-4278 

http://hr.harvard.edu/employee-assistance-program

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(Community Resources are not legally required to report crimes to the University) 

Anti-Violence Project (AVP) Hotline

Hotline (English/Spanish): 212-714-1141

AVP operates a free bilingual (English/Spanish), 24-hour, 365-day-a-year crisis intervention hotline that is staffed by trained volunteers and our professional counselor/advocates to offer support to LGBTQ & HIV-affected victims and survivors of any type of violence. 

Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK)

Hotline: 617-338-2355

ATASK's 24-hour, multilingual helpline is staffed by trained advocates who together speak a total of 12 Asian languages and dialects including Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, and Toisanese), Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Callers to ATASK receive crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and information about domestic violence and restraining orders. 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC): Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery

Phone: 617-667-8141

The Rape Crisis Intervention Program provides the following services:

•           Emergency room services, open 24/7, offering medical care, forensic evidence collection, and crisis counseling

•           Crisis counseling and trauma-focused therapy for survivors, their families and friends

•           Support groups

•           Follow-up medical care

•           Medical accompaniment for HIV-post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

•           Assistance navigating medical, criminal justice, and other institutions and systems Assistance accessing community resources and services

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

Hotline: 800-841-8371; TTY: 800-439-2370

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center operates a free, confidential, 24-hour hotline for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, their families and friends. BARCC also provides medical advocacy, legal services, counseling services, counseling and education groups, and case management. 

DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended)

Hotline: 888-314-3683 or 617-471-1234

DOVE offers a crisis hotline that operates 24/7 all year. The hotline offers a confidential, nonjudgmental, and supportive ear, and provides information on available options and resources. 

Fenway Health

Violence Recovery Program: 617-927-6250, TTY 617-859-1256

Through Fenway's Helplines, you can receive help, information, referrals, and support for a range of issues including anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence.

GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)

Phone: 800-455-GLAD (800-455-4523), Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; gladlaw@glad.org 

Immigration Equality

Legal Emergency National Hotline:

212-714-2904 (open weekdays)

Immigration Equality provides legal services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals concerning immigrant rights issues.

Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)

Helpline: 617-864-7600

MAPS provides confidential Portuguese-language sexual assault and domestic violence services, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); TTY: 1-800-787-3224; Live Chat: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 toll-free hotline for anyone affected by domestic violence. It also offers live chat services via its website every day from 8:00 am to 3:00 am. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 additional languages.

National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — RAINN)

Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673);

Live Chat: https://hotline.rainn.org/online 

The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline is a free, live, online alternative to phone hotlines for victims of sexual violence and their friends and families. The online hotline uses a secure and anonymous instant messaging format that allows users to type messages back and forth with trained counselors. RAINN does not capture the IP address or any personal information about the user, and does not store transcripts of conversations. All messages are encrypted so the text cannot be intercepted and read by someone else. 

National Sexual Assault Phone Hotline (operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — RAINN)

Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a free 24/7 telephone hotline operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The hotline automatically redirects callers to local rape crisis centers based on the area code and first three digits of the caller's phone number. RAINN does not keep a record of the caller’s phone number.

The Network/La Red (TNLR)

Hotline: 617-742-4911; TTY: 617-227-4911

TNLR's English/Spanish hotline provides confidential support, information, safety planning, and referrals to anyone who has experienced LGBTQ partner abuse as well as folks in the SM/kink and polyamorous communities who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. TNLR also offers information and support to friends, family, or co-workers concerning domestic violence in LGBTQ communities.

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence

Hotline: 800-899-4000

The hotline staff are trained to provide supportive and confidential services in English and Spanish 24/7 all year, to those concerned about their relationships or concerned about a friend or family member. Hotline advocates listen, provide general information about dating and domestic violence, help create personal safety plans, and connect callers with local resources.

Refugee and Immigration Assistance Center (RIAC), Boston

Phone: 617-238-2430; riac@riacboston.org

RIAC is authorized by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide immigration legal services. RIAC offers comprehensive, professional, and confidential immigration services for low- and moderate-income immigrants.

RESPOND Inc.

Hotline: 617-623-5900

The RESPOND crisis hotline is available 24/7 all year. It provides emotional support, resource referrals, and information on legal options, statewide shelter availability, and community resources to anyone who has experienced domestic violence.

SafeLink Domestic Violence 

Hotline: 1-877-785-2020; TTY: 1-877-521-2601 (both operated by Casa Myrna) SafeLink is a statewide, 24/7 toll-free hotline for anyone in Massachusetts who is affected by domestic violence. Calls are free, confidential, and anonymous. SafeLink advocates are multilingual and have access to translation services for more than 130 languages.

Saheli Boston

Helpline: 1-866-4SAHELI (1-866-472-4354); info@saheliboston.org

Saheli provides language-specific information and support services for South Asian women who have experienced domestic violence. Callers to Saheli's helpline will receive a response within 24 hours. 

Transition House

Hotline: 617-661-7203;

info@transitionhouse.org

Transition House provides emergency shelter, transitional, and supported housing and youth prevention education to the Cambridge community. Transition House operates a confidential, 24- hour crisis line.

Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)

Address: 115 Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Boston; Phone: 617-399-6720, ext. 19

VRLC represents sexual assault victims within the civil context. Through a model of community collaboration, VRLC has created a network of allies—medical providers, counselors, lawyers, and others—dedicated to improving legal services for rape victims.

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Definitions of Crimes for Clery Act Criminal Statistics

Certain Definitions Under Massachusetts Law

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