Preserving Evidence
The College encourages all individuals to preserve any evidence relating to reports of gender-based misconduct. Evidence may be important for an investigation, a criminal prosecution, or to obtain an Order of Protection. Evidence may include: text messages, emails, social media communications, phone records, photographs, documents, clothing, bedding, DNA, and medical documentation and information.
Individuals who have experienced a recent sexual assault are encouraged to seek medical care and should consider seeking a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“SAFE Exam”) at a local hospital. This exam includes an assessment and treatment of injury, addresses the concerns of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and serves as a way to collect evidence. SAFE Exams are free, and transportation can be arranged through the Office of Tittle IX and Nondiscrimination. BRAVE counselors (845-758-7777; ask for BRAVE) and the Rape/Sexual Assault Hotline (845-452-7272) can also assist with access to SAFE exams. Individuals may undergo a SAFE Exam without making a report to law enforcement. Prior to the exam do not bathe, wash, douche, smoke, change clothing, or brush one’s teeth. When possible it is best not to take fluids or use the bathroom before the examination. For purposes of evidence collection, the SAFE Exam should be conducted within 96 hours of an incident. Even in instances when individuals do not want forensic evidence collected, health care providers can still treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections.
Individuals who have experienced a recent sexual assault are encouraged to seek medical care and should consider seeking a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“SAFE Exam”) at a local hospital. This exam includes an assessment and treatment of injury, addresses the concerns of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and serves as a way to collect evidence. SAFE Exams are free, and transportation can be arranged through the Office of Tittle IX and Nondiscrimination. BRAVE counselors (845-758-7777; ask for BRAVE) and the Rape/Sexual Assault Hotline (845-452-7272) can also assist with access to SAFE exams. Individuals may undergo a SAFE Exam without making a report to law enforcement. Prior to the exam do not bathe, wash, douche, smoke, change clothing, or brush one’s teeth. When possible it is best not to take fluids or use the bathroom before the examination. For purposes of evidence collection, the SAFE Exam should be conducted within 96 hours of an incident. Even in instances when individuals do not want forensic evidence collected, health care providers can still treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections.