Support for Victims

Both the accuser and the accused have the right to have an advisor of their choice from the University community accompany them throughout the entire judicial process and the right to be informed of the University’s final determination and sanction, if any, imposed against the accused student. Sanctions imposed for violation of the University’s sexual assault policy may include but are not limited to suspension or permanent expulsion. Students who are victims of sexual assault may also desire to pursue criminal charges. The University’s judicial process acts independently of any legal proceedings.

Upon request, the University will change a sexual assault victim’s academic and housing assignments if the changes requested are reasonably available.

The Student Services Office sponsors a series of seminars designed to increase students’ sexual awareness and explain steps to take to enhance personal safety. Announcements are distributed informing students of dates and times of these events.

Health Services/ Mental Health Issues
The Office of the Health Services Director is available to all students, faculty, and staff. The Health Services Director, a registered nurse, is on duty Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm during the academic year. Her office is located on the ground floor of the Campus Center. She can be reached at ext. 3262. During evening hours or on the weekends, medical emergencies should be directed to Security.

The University has emergency procedures in place to address behavioral incidents that may affect campus security.

Public Safety Department: (267) 341-3361
Frankford Hospital Crisis Center: (215) 949-5252
Holy Family University Counseling Center: (267) 341-3232
Women Organized Against Rape: (215) 985-3333

Reporting Sexual Assaults
If a sexual assault occurs, the victim is encouraged to come forward for support and assistance and to report the incident. Victims are also encouraged to contact the Public Safety Department immediately.

When a sexual assault has occurred, it is very important to preserve any potential evidence by not showering or straightening up the crime scene. Once in contact with the victim support officer, the individual is accompanied to the Rape Trauma Unit at Frankford Hospital for immediate medical attention. The individual is apprised of all options for filing a complaint, both on campus and off, including the right to report fully to the Philadelphia Police, to file an anonymous report with the Philadelphia Police, or to file no report with the Philadelphia Police. The choice is solely up to the individual. The victim-support officer will outline the procedures and potential consequences of all these options.

Sex offender/ Registry
The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act went into effect on October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where state law-enforcement-agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires that sex offenders already registered in a state provide notice to each institution of higher education in the state as to where the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

Information regarding registered sex offenders on campus of Holy Family University may be obtained from the following agencies:

Philadelphia Police Department
One Franklin Square
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215.686.1776
Fax: 215.686.3053

Pennsylvania State Police