If you have experienced Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct:
Any Arcadia University student, faculty, or staff member who has experienced sexual harassment or sexual misconduct is encouraged to report the incident to the University. Reporting the incident allows the Office of Equity & Civil Rights to provide supportive measures to those involved.
The Office of Equity & Civil Rights can provide supportive measures including making changes to work or class schedules, changes to on-campus housing, issuing no contact directives and many other resources.
In emergencies or immediately following an incident of sexual assault, we encourage you to consider contacting law enforcement and/or seeking medical assistance. Public Safety will provide transport upon request.
Where Can I Find Help?
- Emergency Situations: Contact Public Safety and/or 911 if you are in any immediate danger.
- Arcadia University Department of Public Safety
Phone: 215-572-2999 or Extension 2999 from any campus phone - Cheltenham Township Police Department
Emergency: 911
Phone: 215-885-1600
Location: 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Arcadia Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety is available 24-hours a day, year-round
Emergencies: 215-572-2999 or x2999 from any campus phone
For all other calls, dial 215-572-2800 or x2800 from any campus phone.
Confidential Resources
Abington Memorial Hospital
Phone: 215-481-2000 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Location: 1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
A medical provider at Abington Memorial Hospital (“AMH”) can provide emergency and/or follow-up medical services and provide a forum to discuss any healthcare concerns related to the incident in a confidential medical setting. AMH can conduct a medical exam through a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (“SANE”). A medical exam will treat any injury or trauma and address concerns about sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
The University encourages individuals to consider bringing a support person for accompaniment during the exam. Public Safety is also available to transport you to a medical exam.
There is a limited window of time following an incident of sexual assault to preserve physical and other forms of evidence. Taking the step to gather evidence immediately does not commit an individual to any course of action. However, preserving evidence may assist in proving that an alleged crime occurred or in obtaining a Protection from Abuse Order from a judge. The decision to seek medical attention at AMH and to gather any evidence will remain confidential and will preserve the full range of options to seek resolution through the criminal legal system and/or the University’s complaint processes. In Pennsylvania, an individual can submit to a medical exam anonymously.
Arcadia Student Health Services
Student Health Services (“SHS”) is staffed by certified nurse practitioners, part-time physicians, and secretarial support. Students are assessed and treated for illness and injuries by nurse practitioners with physician consultation and referral when necessary. Sexual health information, including STI testing, counseling and birth control options are available through SHS.
Student Health Service Remains Open for In-Person Appointments and Remotely using Telehealth: For your safety, we are open for appointments only. Please call 215-572-2966 to speak with our office staff and schedule appointments. Staff will be monitoring the phone line consistently throughout the day. You may also email shs@arcadia.edu for non-appointment related questions.
(215) 572-2966 or x2966 from any campus phone
Heinz Hall, Ground floor
Arcadia Counseling Services
In the event of a serious mental health emergency (risk of harm to self and/or others), please contact Public Safety at 215-572-2999, dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
For the health and safety of Arcadia’s community, services will continue to be offered remotely. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, contact 215-572-2967 or counselingservices@arcadia.edu.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, open until 7 p.m. by appointment.
(215) 572-2967 or x2967 from any campus phone
Heinz Hall, Ground floor
Carebridge Employee Assistance Program
(Contact Human Resources department for web access code)
Services offered:
- 24/7 Crisis phone counseling
- 6 free counseling sessions yearly
- Access to legal consultation
(800)-437-0911
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc. (VSC)
1 - 888-521-0983 (24-hour crisis line)
325 Swede St.
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 277-0932
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7223) OR 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR)
* Serves all genders, not just women
WOAR provides free services to anyone who has experienced sexual violence.
WOAR can provide counseling and education, as well as hospital and court accompaniment.
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WOAR does not provide legal advice or assistance.
24-hour Hotline: (215) 985-3333
(215) 985-3315
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite #800, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Arcadia Anonymous Reporting
Lighthouse Hotline: 1-866-943-5787
Requests for Confidentiality
Conversations with the Title IX Coordinator and/or Deputies are kept as confidential as possible, but information about incidents of sexual misconduct must be shared with relevant administrators if the University needs to take action for reasons of community safety. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration.
Protection of Minors
Every Arcadia community member has a duty to report if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect based on information shared with them by the child or any other individual or by their own observations or knowledge. An Arcadia community member suspecting abuse is required to make a report to Children and Youth Services and also to notify the Director of Public Safety at (215) 572-2999. Under Pennsylvania law, a child is any individual under the age of 18.
Policy against Retaliation
Retaliation can take many forms. It may be committed by or against an individual or a group, and a Complainant, reporter, Respondent, third party, and any employee charged with implementing this Policy and the related Procedures may also be the subject of Retaliation by another individual. It is a violation of this Policy to retaliate in any way against an individual because they raised allegations under this Policy.
Acts of alleged Retaliation should be reported immediately to the Director of OECR/Title IX Coordinator and will be promptly investigated by OECR. The University is prepared to take appropriate steps to protect individuals who have been or fear that they may be subjected to Retaliation. Reports of Retaliation with student Respondents will be adjudicated through Appendix B of the Procedures. Appendix C of the Procedures will be used for adjudication of employee Respondents.
Charging an individual making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of proceedings under this Policy does not constitute Retaliation. A determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party has made a materially false statement in bad faith.
Supportive Measures
The University will offer and implement appropriate and reasonable supportive measures, that do not burden the other party, upon Notice of alleged Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and/or Retaliation by a Complainant.
Supportive measures are individualized services, accommodations, and other assistance that the University offers and may put in place, without fee or charge. Supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the University’s Education Program or Activity, protect the safety of all Parties and the University’s educational environment, and/or deter Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and/or Retaliation, without being punitive or disciplinary in nature or unreasonably burdening the other party.
Rights of Complainants and Respondents
Persons who make a complaint and those who are responding to complaints have the following rights:
- The option to notify law enforcement;
- The option to have an advisor present during interviews that are part of a University-initiated investigation;
- To be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding;
- To be notified of counseling and support services available;
- To be notified of options to change academic, living, or work arrangements.
Additional Resources
Planned Parenthood
Affordable health care services, including: STI screenings, emergency contraception, abortion referrals, and pregnancy testing.
Hours:
Monday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday 7:30 a.m. –1 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. –2 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday Closed
1221 Powell Street Norristown, PA 19401
610-279-6095
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
PCAR can help connect you with community resources as well as provide legal advice and assistance.
PCAR also has a host of online resource that you can access using the link below.
Toll-free hotline: 1-888-772-7227
(800) 692-7445
Legal assistance: (717) 901-6784
Domestic Violence Resources
Women’s Center of Montgomery County
24-hour toll-free Hotline: 800-773-2424
Main Office: 107 E Main St, Norristown, PA 19401 ; 610-279-1548
Wyncote Office (closest to Arcadia): 215-635-7344
Services:
- Individualized peer and group domestic violence counseling – Telephone counseling, information and referral
- Legal advocacy
- Court and hospital accompaniment
- Emergency relocation funding for victims of domestic violence
Laurel House
24-hour toll-free hotline: 1-800-642-3150
Non-emergencies: (610) 277-1860
Services:
- Shelter
- Counseling
- Domestic Abuse Response Team (works with law enforcement)
- Medical Advocacy
- Legal Representation
Young Adult Intimate Partner Violence Support Group
Thursdays at 4 p.m.
Open to young adults (age 18 to 23) currently in our recovering from an abusive dating relationship.
LGBTQIA+ Centered Resources
Mazzoni Center
Comprehensive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ community
- education
- counseling
- sexual wellness/ STI testing
- legal services
Main Phone: 215-563-0652
Health Center Phone: 215-563-0658
Legal Services Phone: 215-563-0657
1348 Bainbridge Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Attic Youth Center
Offering services for LGBTQ+ youth, including life skills center, support services, counseling, educational training, and resources.
215-545-4331
255 South 16th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
William Way Center
The William Way LGBT Community Center encourages, supports and advocates for the well-being and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in the Greater Philadelphia region through service, recreational educational and cultural programming.
215-732-2220
1315 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
info@waygay.org
Youth Health Empowerment Project
Offers an inclusive, trauma-informed, gender affirming approach to healthcare for adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24), providing access to comprehensive primary care, sexual and reproductive health services, integrated behavioral health, PrEP (Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV), and other relevant social services.
215-344-1632
1207 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday- Friday 9am-5pm
Hotlines (call/ text), Online Chats, and Resources for Crisis Intervention
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
National Sexual Assault Hotline (free, confidential, 24/7)
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or, Online Chat
LoveIsRespect
Resources on issues surrounding dating abuse and forming healthy relationships, as well as crisis intervention.
Hotline and Online Chat: Speak to a trained peer advocate 24/7
Call 1-866-331-9474
(1-866-331-8453 TTY for Deaf/hard of hearing individuals)
Text* loveis (capitalization does not matter) to 22522 (message and data rates apply)
GBLT (Gay, Lesbian, Transgender) National Help Center
Collection of web resources to connect to online and local services
Hotline hours: Eastern time: Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
GBLT National Hotline (toll-free):1-888-843-4564
info@GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org
FORGE
Serves transgender and non-conforming survivors of domestic and sexual violence
Call to be connected to resources in your area: 414-559-2123
The Network La Red
The Network/La Red’s 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T) folks, as well as folks in SM/kink and polyamorous communities who are being abused or have been abused by a partner.
Voice: 617-742-4911
Toll-Free: 800-832-1901
The Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
Supports LGBT survivors of abuse by offering resources, community education, and direct services
Call 206-568-7777 (9am-5pm)
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
Hotline for victims of sexual assault Advocates for and provides legal advice and counsel of sexual assault
victims, including individuals in the LGBTQ community.
Hotline, call 1-888-772-7227 (toll-free)
For general inquiries or requests for assistance, call 1-800-692-7445 or 717- 728-9740
For legal assistance: 717-901-6784
The Trevor Project
Provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention resources to LGBTQ+ community 24/7 hotline and online chat.
24/7 Hotline, Call the TrevorLifeLine: 1-866-488-7386 (text START to 678678)
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project
Crisis intervention, support, legal advocacy, emergency safe home, and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
24hr hotline: 800-832-1901
National Center for Transgender Equality
Social justice advocacy organization working to to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
Empowers LGBTQ+ people to tell their stories
Human Rights Campaign
Civil rights organization providing resources to promote equality
National LGBTQ Task Force
Resources and training for LGBTQ+ activists
The Audre Lorde Project-TransJustice
Political group with resources for trans and gender non-conforming people of color
I Am: Trans People Speak
Website to empower transgender people and raise awareness of the diversity that exists within transgender communities
The Trans 100
Celebrating and acknowledging excellence within trans community
National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
Resources for coming out later in life, caregiver support, abuse, and cultural competence
COLAGE
Works to unite people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer parents into a network of peers and supports them
Legal Assistance
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Toll free helpline 1-877-429-5994
Legal Aid provides free representation for victims of domestic violence or sexual violence in Protection from Abuse cases, Protection from Intimidation cases, Protection from Sexual Violence cases, legal change of name cases, and many more.
625 Swede Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-275-5400
Transgender Law Center
Trans-led organization grounded in legal expertise to help fight for liberation
Helpline for questions regarding laws and policies that affect transgender people (NOT for personal/ individualized legal advice or representation)
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Project aimed at improving access to services that support self-determination of gender identity and express through community education and providing legal help
Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund
Legal help
Provides public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, community organizing, and public policy efforts
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Legal help
Social justice and advocacy organization
Lambda Legal
Pursuing high-impact litigation, public education, and advocacy on behalf of equality and civil rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and people with HIV
Resources for Male Survivors
1 in 6
National chat helpline for men available 24/7 and weekly chat-based online support group facilitated by a trained advocate or counselor
Jim Hopper, Ph.D.
Resources and articles related to trauma surrounding childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault on adult men and their loved ones
