Why and how was the sexual assault protocol developed?

Why and how was the sexual assault protocol developed?

The Fall 1989 and Spring 1990 semesters were times of tension and controversy at Rutgers University. Students confronted the University about a number of issues, including their perception that acquaintance rape was becoming a problem of increasing proportions. Because questions were raised concerning the University's manner of dealing with this issue, President Edward J. Bloustein created an Acquaintance Rape Task Force to assess how the University handled the problems associated with acquaintance rape and to recommend a plan to address the issues. This report, accepted by a newly appointed President, Francis L. Lawrence, made a significant change in the University's response to the issues of acquaintance rape in particular, and all types of sexual and dating violence in general.

The Acquaintance Rape Task Force found good services available to the community and recognized the large number of knowledgeable and committed staff members and students working on the issue of acquaintance rape. To further this effort, the Task Force recommended creating an Office of Sexual Assault Services charged with developing a comprehensive approach to providing victim services and creating a community that does not tolerate sexual violence. The Task Force also called for the creation of University wide protocols, training for both professional and student staff, and a clear, consistent preventive educational message for students. Concurrent with the creation of the Office of Sexual Assault Services (now the Department of Sexual Assault Services and Crime Victim Assistance), new Federal and state legislation and regulations imposed obligations for preventing, reporting, and investigating reports of sexual offenses on college campuses.

In Fall 1994, the Vice President for Student Affairs appointed a committee to create a standard university-wide protocol that meets the requirements of the Acquaintance Rape Task Force Report and federal and state regulations. This document is designed to respond to that need. It provides a comprehensive compilation of University policies and procedures for dealing with sexual violence and information for those dealing with sexual violence across all University departments, programs and offices. Individuals who need information to respond to incidents of sexual violence at Rutgers University will find this manual indispensable.

This Protocol Manual was created by the Sexual Assault Response Protocol Committee to coordinate the University's response to a sexual assault in 1996. The manual was revised and edited to be posted on the web in Fall, 2005.