S.O.S. News
WE NEED YOU!
S.O.S. is accepting applications thru October 28th and will train new volunteers over two weekends in January. Questions? Get the answers from current volunteers at our Interest Meeting on Tues 10/18 at 6pm in the Williamson Room, Perkins Student Center, or find out more on this website! If you want experience with crisis intervention & victim advocacy, skills in facilitating peer prevention programs, a unique community service opportunity, or you have career goals related to the work of S.O.S., then we are the right UD activity for you! Apply online!
Reporting Options
- Call 911 if you are in danger or in need of medical attention.
For sexual assault, intimate partner violence or stalking that has occurred ON CAMPUS:
- You may report the incident directly to University Police, 911 or 831-2222, who would take a report, investigate, and present the case to the Attorney General's Office for possible criminal prosecution by the State of Delaware. If you report to UD Police, the initial report would likely be taken by a patrol officer, and then you would be contacted later for a more in-depth interview with a detective who will conduct the investigation. You may request a female officer; however, based upon staffing and scheduling of women officers, they may not be able to assure you that a woman will respond. The University Police can also put you in touch with a Victim Services Officer to assist you.
- If you were physically or sexually assaulted on campus by another University of Delaware student, this is a violation of the University's Code of Conduct and you have the option to hold the person accountable through the Office of Student Conduct. As the victim, you can expect to be asked to speak at a University Hearing. Any other people who may have witnessed any part of the incident may also be asked to speak as witnesses. You are allowed to have one person present with you during the hearing for support. That person may be a trained SOS Advocate, close friend, Resident Assistant, Victim Services Officer, faculty member, or anyone you trust to be there for you.
- In addition to conducting the criminal investigation, if you report the crime to UD Police and the alleged perpetrator is also a UD student, UD Police would likely also represent the University in a student conduct hearing against the perpetrator for charges of violation of UD Code of Conduct.
- In the residence hall, your Resident Assistant or Hall Director may complete an Incident Report and/or help you to contact University Police. You may also complete your own Incident Report about the attack. You can opt not to have your name listed on the Incident Report if you choose not to report the crime, but a Residence Life professional staff member would be informed of your identity for purposes of follow up assistance. If you do wish to report the crime for UD Code of Conduct violations, the Incident Report would likely be used in the Student Conduct hearing process.
For sexual assault, intimate partner violence or stalking that has occurred OFF CAMPUS:
- If your assault occurred off-campus in Newark and you want to press criminal charges against the perpetrator, you would report it to the Newark Police Department by dialing 911. The University Police have jurisdiction for those crimes committed on University of Delaware property. Police agencies have an obligation to take any crimes presented to them to the Attorney General's office, even if the victim does not wish to pursue a criminal case. Ultimately it is the decision of the AG's office whether or not the case will be dropped or charges will be pressed against the alleged perpetrator.
- Similarly, if your assault occurred elsewhere in New Castle County, dial 911 and they will send an officer from the appropriate jurisdiction to take your report.
- If the assault happened off-campus but both victim and perpetrator are UD students, and you wish to bring Code of Conduct violation charges against the perpetrator, contact the Office of Student Conduct directly by calling 831-2117.
- Once the Office of Student Conduct receives an Incident Report, a police report, or direct report from you (the victim), then charges may be brought against the alleged perpetrator by the University. As the victim, you can expect to be asked to speak at a University Hearing. Any other people who may have witnessed any part of the incident may also be asked to speak as witnesses. You are allowed to have one person present with you during the hearing for support. That person may be a trained SOS Advocate, close friend, Resident Assistant, Victim Services Officer, faculty member, or anyone you trust to be there for you.
Additional Reporting Information:
- If you are considering filing a report and pressing charges, it is important that you go to the hospital for a forensic examination so that evidence may be collected to assist in a criminal case. While the desire to shower may be powerful, refrain from showering or disposing of clothing, which likely contain critical forensic evidence to support a criminal case. Take the clothes you wore during the assault to the hospital with you, and you may wish to take along a fresh change of clothing.
- It is also important that you report to police as soon as you are able so that you are able to provide as many details as you can remember while they are fresh in your mind. (It is normal for additional details to come to light in time, especially if alcohol or other drugs were a factor.)
- An S.O.S. advocate can answer questions you have about this process, provide support and a listening ear, and inform you about all of your options to assist you in your decision-making process. Call 831-2226 and ask to be put in touch with S.O.S. The staff will take a first name and phone number and the Victim Advocate on duty will call you back within 10 minutes. . If you prefer an advocate who is not from the UD Campus, you may call Rape Crisis Contact Lifeline at 1-800-262-9800 to talk with an advocate. Services provided by S.O.S. & Contact Lifeline are strictly confidential.
- Victims who file a police report (whether the case is pursued by the Attorney General's Office or not) are eligible to have medical, counseling, lost pay from days off, and a list of other expenses paid for by the Victim's Compensation Assistance Program. The S.O.S. Coordinator has copies of the application forms at Wellspring and can assist with the application process. For assistance, make an appointment with the Coordinator by calling 831-3457 during business hours.
- For more information about the state's Victim Advocacy Program as well as the legal process, visit the Delaware Attorney General's Home Page. The Attorney General's website also has a page specifically focussed on Victim's Rights and Victim's Assistance programs in the state of Delaware. If the crime did not occur in Delaware, you may want to check out your home state's Attorney General's Office for information accurate to your situation. The National Center for Victims of Crime also has good info on Victim's Rights.
To reach the SOS Victim Advocate on duty (24 hrs/day) call 831-2226. The person who answers will take a first name and phone number and the advocate will call you back within 10 minutes.
Upcoming Events!
Sun., Feb. 19th, 6:30pm
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part One)
Trabant MPR C
Did you know as a student leader you can have a profound impact on your peers by providing support, resources, and knowledge? By modeling healthy attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that promote respect, equality, and a culture of non-violence you are leading by example! Your influence can have a resounding impact on your peers and your relationships with them. This program will help you develop the skills you need to understand dating violence, model respect and equity, as well as provide you with resources helpful to those affected by abusive relationships. Experts in the field will provide an interactive and informative approach to help you identify ways you can make a positive difference – here at UD and beyond. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part One)
Trabant MPR C
Did you know as a student leader you can have a profound impact on your peers by providing support, resources, and knowledge? By modeling healthy attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that promote respect, equality, and a culture of non-violence you are leading by example! Your influence can have a resounding impact on your peers and your relationships with them. This program will help you develop the skills you need to understand dating violence, model respect and equity, as well as provide you with resources helpful to those affected by abusive relationships. Experts in the field will provide an interactive and informative approach to help you identify ways you can make a positive difference – here at UD and beyond. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
Wed., Feb. 29th, 7:00pm
Film: "Miss Representation"
Trabant Theatre
A documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, premiered at 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on Oprah Winfrey Network, looks at the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. It exposes how American youth are being sold the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty, sexuality, and appearance rather than their intelligence. Following the film will be a speaker who will share her personal struggle with an eating disorder. Sponsored by National Eating Disorders Awareness Council, for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the Blue Hen Leadership Program, and co-sponsored by S.O.S. and Wellspring.
Film: "Miss Representation"
Trabant Theatre
A documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, premiered at 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on Oprah Winfrey Network, looks at the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. It exposes how American youth are being sold the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty, sexuality, and appearance rather than their intelligence. Following the film will be a speaker who will share her personal struggle with an eating disorder. Sponsored by National Eating Disorders Awareness Council, for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the Blue Hen Leadership Program, and co-sponsored by S.O.S. and Wellspring.
Sun., March. 19th, 6:30pm
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part Two)
Trabant MPR C
What message are you sending with your event flyers, Facebook events, and other marketing materials? Your publicity tells individuals more than the date, time and location of your event. Your flyers can tell a person what your organization/event stands for, values, and promotes. This program will help you understand how marketers sell certain messages through their products and how to deconstruct those messages. You will also develop the skills needed to create publicity that promotes equality, respect, and healthy relationships. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part Two)
Trabant MPR C
What message are you sending with your event flyers, Facebook events, and other marketing materials? Your publicity tells individuals more than the date, time and location of your event. Your flyers can tell a person what your organization/event stands for, values, and promotes. This program will help you understand how marketers sell certain messages through their products and how to deconstruct those messages. You will also develop the skills needed to create publicity that promotes equality, respect, and healthy relationships. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
Wed., April 25th, at 5:30pm catch the FREE BUS to DOVER (register in advance). Doors open at 6pm, event begins at 7pm.
21st Annual Crime Victims' Tribute with Guest Speaker Kathleen Bonistall
Bus leaves from Trabant Univ Ctr at 5:30pm. Event takes place at the Dover Sheraton, 1570 North Dupont highway, Dover, DE 19901
The 21rst Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute is part of Delaware’s recognition of National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012. The Tribute honors crime victims who have died and those who continue to struggle daily with the aftermath of their own or a loved one’s victimization. There are many displays such as the memorial wall filled with artwork, poems and letters written by victims, survivors and friends, and other displays in which victims are able to openly express their thoughts and feelings. Participants can bring their own letters or art pieces to add to the displays. Victims’ advocates throughout the state display resource materials to assist victims in their healing journey. This year’s speaker is Kathleen Bonistall, mother of UD student Lindsay Bonistall who was raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in May 2005. The Bonistall family founded PEACE OUTside Campus, the Lindsay Bonistall Foundation to promote peaceful, safe living environments off-campus. Mrs. Bonistall will talk about how the crime has impacted her life and share a message of hope for all victims, survivors, advocates and law enforcement. Part of UD's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. FREE BUS provided by Student Activities & Programs will leave Trabant at 5:30pm but you must REGISTER to RIDE.
21st Annual Crime Victims' Tribute with Guest Speaker Kathleen Bonistall
Bus leaves from Trabant Univ Ctr at 5:30pm. Event takes place at the Dover Sheraton, 1570 North Dupont highway, Dover, DE 19901
The 21rst Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute is part of Delaware’s recognition of National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012. The Tribute honors crime victims who have died and those who continue to struggle daily with the aftermath of their own or a loved one’s victimization. There are many displays such as the memorial wall filled with artwork, poems and letters written by victims, survivors and friends, and other displays in which victims are able to openly express their thoughts and feelings. Participants can bring their own letters or art pieces to add to the displays. Victims’ advocates throughout the state display resource materials to assist victims in their healing journey. This year’s speaker is Kathleen Bonistall, mother of UD student Lindsay Bonistall who was raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in May 2005. The Bonistall family founded PEACE OUTside Campus, the Lindsay Bonistall Foundation to promote peaceful, safe living environments off-campus. Mrs. Bonistall will talk about how the crime has impacted her life and share a message of hope for all victims, survivors, advocates and law enforcement. Part of UD's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. FREE BUS provided by Student Activities & Programs will leave Trabant at 5:30pm but you must REGISTER to RIDE.