Sexual Violence

In January of 2016, the Bureau of Justice Statistics released the Campus Climate Validation Study. This study confirmed that sexual violence occurs at an alarming rate on college campuses, showing that on average 1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men experience sexual violence while in college. These statistics are even higher for the LGBTQIA students.

Alvernia University believes that all people deserve to have their basic human dignity and sexual sovereignty respected. Everyone has the right not to be acted upon sexually by someone else unless and until he or she gives clear, knowing, and voluntary consent. At Alvernia, we want our students to be aware of our Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy in the Student Handbook. We believe that any violation of the sexual harassment and misconduct policy is a very serious matter.

Survivors of sexual violence who wish to seek assistance on campus should review the Sexual Misconduct Policy Brochure. Paper copies of this brochure are available at the Medical and Counseling Center and the Office of Residence Life. Reports to the university are not required, but are encouraged. The University does recommend that survivors seek help in some way, whether on- or off-campus, but it recognizes that this is the choice of the survivor. Also, reporting an assault does not necessitate pursuing legal or judicial action.