Rutgers Health VPVA

RH VPVA has a vision for a safe and supportive campus community free from violence and harassment.

VPVA Mission

Provide all-encompassing support for all who are impacted by violence or harassment.
Empower and educate Rutgers Health members to prevent and respond to interpersonal violence (relationship abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment).
Build a safer culture based on responsibility and respect.

Guiding Principles

Oppression & IPV: We honor that interpersonal violence and harassment are rooted in oppression and tied to all inequities for marginalized groups. We strive for inclusivity & advancing equity to increase safety for all.
Prevention is possible: We believe that creating a safer campus includes not only response to survivors but creating discussions that center on prevention practices. surrounding bystander intervention, healthy relationships, and dismantling harmful norms.   
Empowerment/Strengths-based: We best serve the community when we focus on the strengths of survivors and bystanders. We believe that by promoting reflection from members of the community, we can change attitudes and beliefs that lead to harm.
Trauma-informed approach: Our focus is building a safe space for RBHS members to come forward, and building a response that recognizes the impact of trauma.
Collaboration: We believe our work can only be done through building relationships with other leaders and agents of change to provide a full scope of services.
Survivor-centered approach: We prioritize the needs and well-being of those who have experienced harm. We move forward with respect for confidentiality and recognition that we are part of an institution but aim to be advocates to survivors first and foremost.
Everyone has a role: We believe everyone needs to be engaged to create well-being, inclusion, and respect in the community.

Additional Resources

If you or someone you know has experienced harassment or violence, there are additional resources for you to access to get some help.

For confidential resources on campus

Office for Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance
RBHS students: 973-972-4636
New Brunswick (non-RBHS) students: 848-932-1181
Newark (non-RBHS) students: 973-353-1918
Camden (non-RBHS) students: 856-225-2326

Student Wellness Program/Counseling
Newark: 973-972-5429
Piscataway/New Brunswick: 732-235-5933

Rutgers Health Services
Newark campus: 973-972-8219
New Brunswick/Piscataway campus: 732-235-8993

For non-confidential resources on campus

Title IX Office
Reporting an incident against a student
File complaint online (and if preferred, anonymously)
RBHS Title IX Coordinator Susan Hamilton: susan.hamilton@rutgers.edu
Call 973-972-9794

Office of Employment Equity, OEE
Reporting an incident against a faculty/staff member
Call 848-932-3979
Review steps for filing complaint
OEE Director, Melissa Ercolano, JD: melissa.ercolano@rutgers.edu

Law Enforcement/RUPD
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 973-972-4491

For off-campus resources

New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault Statewide Hotline
For sexual violence assistance in your county
https://njcasa.org/find-help/
800-601-7200

New Jersey Coalition To End Domestic Violence 24hour Helpline
For domestic violence assistance in your county
https://www.njcedv.org/
800-572-7233