Crime Victim & Witness Services

A guide for Penn State students, faculty and staff

Victim Services

Any Penn State student, employee or guest of the University who has been the victim of, or witness to, a crime is eligible for victim services. These services typically include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Consultation about problem situation, incident or crime
- Exploring options available for solving problem
- Crisis intervention and ongoing support
- Information and referral
- Explanation of court and legal procedures
- Assistance in preparing for, and accompaniment to, hearings and court appearances
- Accompaniment during police interviews
- Notification to instructors of time missed from class due to criminal incident

You are encouraged to contact the victim/witness advocate at 814-865-1864 during regular business hours to discuss your situation or to arrange for an appointment. It is the advocate’s goal to see that you are treated with consideration, respect and sensitivity in all your interactions with the legal system. Contacting the victim/witness advocate does not mean that you are obligated to file a police report. Our aim is to provide you with the necessary information and support to enable you to make the best choices available.

The Impact of Crime

Most people experience a range of emotions including shock, disbelief, anger, self-blame and fear when they have been victimized, either by a stranger, or more frequently, by someone they know. It is important for you to know that what happened is not your fault, and that help is available. Because each situation is unique, the victim/witness advocate will listen to your concerns, answer your questions and assist you in understanding what options are available to best meet your needs.

Definitions of Common crimes

Harassment: A person commits this offense when he intends to harass, annoy or alarm another person by striking, shoving, kicking that person, following a person in or about a public place or engaging in a course of conduct which alarms or annoys another person and which serves no legitimate purpose.

Simple assault: A person commits this offense by causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another.

Harassment by communication or address: A person commits this offense when he intends to harass another by making a telephone call or sending an email without the intent of legitimate communication, anonymously telephoning another person repeatedly, using vulgar and indecent language, or phoning at extremely inconvenient hours.

Terroristic threats: A person commits this offense if he threatens to commit any crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another.

Sexual assault: A person commits this offense when he engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent.

Rape: A person commits this offense when he engages in sexual intercourse with another person by the use of force, or the threat of force.

How to Help a Friend

If someone you know has been the victim of a crime, whether it’s rape, burglary, harassment, or even a stolen wallet, being victimized is traumatic and devastating. Victims need special support and caring from their friends.

Be willing to listen without judging or giving advice. Be supportive. Avoid blaming the victim. It’s never the victim’s fault. Don’t tell the victim how or how not to feel. It’s normal for victims to experience a variety of emotions. Encourage action. Suggest contacting the victim/witness advocate, the police, a counselor and/or seeking medical attention if needed. Be patient and understanding. There is no timetable for recovery.

Safety Tips

- Don't walk alone at night. Call the Escort Service at 814-865-WALK for a safe walk home.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Being intoxicated makes you vulnerable to all types of crime.
- Lock your doors and cooperate with residence hall security measures.
- Walk confidently. Don't wear headphones while walking or jogging.
- Avoid being in a vulnerable situation with someone you don't know.
- Always trust your instincts.

Questions and Answers

Please follow this link to find out answers to commonly asked questions and concerns that have been voiced by individuals in the past:
http://www.psu.edu/dept/police/Q_A.htm

Victim Resources and Contact Information

Medical services:
- Centre Community Hospital, emergency department, 814-234-6110

University Health Services:
- Women’s Health Department, 814-863-2633 (8am to 5pm)
- General Medicine, 814-863-0774 (8am to 5pm)

Emotional Support:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 814-863-0395
- Center for Women Students, 814-863-2027
- Women's Resource Center, 814-234-5222 (daytime); 814-234-5050 (24-hour hotline)

Police:
- Emergency, dial 911
- Penn State University Police, 814-863-1111
- State College Borough Police, 814-234-7150
- Patton Township Police, 814-234-0273
- Ferguson Township Police, 814-237-1172
- Bellefonte Police, 814-353-2627
- Pennsylvania State Police-Rockview, 814-355-8945 or 814-863-4646
- Police non-emergency, 800-479-0050

Student Misconduct Complaints:
- Penn State Office of Judicial Affairs, 814-863-0342

Escorts (dusk until dawn):
- Penn State Escort Service, 814-865-WALK (865-9255)

***

The victim/witness advocate is located in the Eisenhower Parking Deck, room 30-C. Use the main entrance to University Police on the south side of the parking deck. For appointments, call 814-865-1864, or email the victim/witness advocate, E-Mail Pam Gerber at E-Mail