Victim’s Assistance
Campus Advocacy Services (CAS) are provided by Counseling Center Staff, including Campus Victim Advocate catherine.vanbomel@purchase.edu
Privileged and Confidential Resources
At Purchase College there are two campus offices whose staff members provide confidential support and resources: one is Counseling and Behavioral Health Services and the other is Health Services. Both offices are bound by their professional ethics and HIPPA regulations to keep client/patient information confidential. They will not report crimes to law enforcement or college officials without your permission, except in extreme circumstances involving a medical and/or safety emergency.
On Campus Resources
- Students seeking emergency response on campus contact the Counseling and Behavioral Health Services: (914) 251-6390 or walk-in to the Counseling Center located on the lower level of the Humanities Building during business hours. After 5 pm and on weekends the confidential CBHS Office answering service is the Nurse Advice Line: 1-888-969-3911. The answering service will have a nurse first speak with the student then connect those requesting first response for sexual assault with the Counselor on Call. Students may also walk into Headquarters or call NYSUP at 914.251.6911 to request the On Call Counselor or the Campus Victim Advocate.
- In a medical or safety emergency, contact University Police (914) 251-6911. UP Officers are not confidential resources. however students who walk into University Police or call UPD may ask for the Victim Advocate and Campus Advocacy Services (CAS) before making a report.
- Health Services: (914) 251-6380 or hse@purchase.edu
- Employees seeking a confidential resource can contact the Employee Assistance Coordinator: (914) 251-6098 or EAP@purchase.edu.
Off Campus Resources
Below are two off-campus confidential resources which do not provide any information to the college:
- Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program (SAAVE) is the bilingual hotline, 1.833.220.2444 at the Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla. Between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., please call 914.493.3650 for appointments and information. The SAAVE program provides medical exams and off-campus counselors and advocate services for victims.
- Victim Assistance Services of Westchester Community Opportunity Program (VAS) They have two hotline phone numbers: 855-VAS-CALL and (914) 345-9111. They are located at 2 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523. For non-crisis business the office phone number is (914) 345-3113. The VAS fax number is (914) 345-3513. Contact: Victoria Markouizos (manager), vmarkouizos@westcop.org
Crisis services offices will generally maintain confidentiality unless you request disclosure and sign a consent or waiver form. More information on an agency’s policies on confidentiality may be obtained directly from the agency.
For more information about Sexual Violence Prevention and Response at Purchase College.
For more information about the Sexual Violence Response Policy at Purchase College.