Support measures

Private vs. Confidential Resources

Before making a disclosure, it is helpful to understand the difference between private and confidential resources. Confidential resources are able to receive disclosures without an obligation to tell anyone else; private resources have an obligation to inform the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator, whose purpose is to ensure the wellbeing of both the individual and the campus community.

Three groups of campus professionals are deemed confidential as part of their licensure. All other employees (both faculty and staff) at the University, as well as Resident Advisors, are considered mandatory reporters with an obligation to report issues of harassment and discrimination, including sexual violence. Any employee of the University receiving a disclosure will offer the highest possible degree of respect and privacy.

Confidential campus resources include:
Counseling Center (610) 861-1510
Health Center (610) 861-1567
Spirituality and Inclusion (Chaplains) (610) 861-1583

In addition to these fully confidential resources, hypothetical or anonymous inquiries may be placed to the ADVOCATES for Survivors of Sexual Violence (described below in additional detail).

Supportive Measures

Moravian University's Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator will offer and facilitate the implementation of appropriate and reasonable supportive measures free of charge to all parties upon notice of alleged harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation. Supportive measures may include but are not limited to safety and security measures, referrals to support resources, contact limitations, and academic, housing, or workplace accommodations. Supportive Measures are outlined in detail in the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Non-Discrimination Policy. 

Survivor Support and Advocacy

The ADVOCATES for Survivors of Sexual Violence are available 24/7 during the academic year for immediate support by texting or calling (484) 764-9242. A female Advocate will answer, and male advocates are available upon request.

The Advocates are a group of Moravian University employees trained to listen and answer questions, provide information and resources, and even accompany survivors for medical treatment. The Advocates are also able to assist survivors in identifying and connecting with the best resource(s) for their specific needs.

Reports to the Advocates are handled in a manner designed to respect and maintain privacy to the degree possible; Advocates report aggregate statistical data to campus police and connect survivors, when their identity is known, with the Title IX Coordinator for access to support measures and resolution options.

Outside of the academic year, support from our local rape crisis center, Crime Victims Council, is available by phone 24/7. Their contact information, as well as a number of other confidential local, state, and national resources listed below. 

Confidential community resources include:
Crime Victims Council (Bethlehem area) 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline (610) 437-6611
Turning Point (Bethlehem area) 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline (877) 438-4957
YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention/Counseling Center (Lancaster area) 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline (717) 392-7273
Domestic Violence Services (Lancaster area) 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline (717) 299-1249
PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition against Rape) 24-hour support hotline (888) 772-7227
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 24-hour help line (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

Local and state resources for legal and financial assistance include:
Pennsylvania Coalition against Rape (Legal support) (888) 772-7227
Attorney Referral and Information Service (610) 258-6333)
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) (800) 233-2339

Medical resources include:
Campus Health Center (610) 861-1567
St. Luke’s Hospital Bethlehem (ER) (610) 954-1102 (sexual assault examination)
Lehigh Valley Hospital- Muhlenberg (ER) (484) 884-2522 (sexual assault examination)
Novus ACS (610) 867-5365 (free STI testing, LGBTQ support)

The ADVOCATES are trained to accompany students and help them navigate the medical process. SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses are available at both area hospital emergency rooms.  These nurses are trained to work specifically with victims to collect and preserve evidence and provide medical attention. It is important, if possible, that survivors seek medical attention within 72 hours and do not shower or change clothes.

Upon arrival to the ER, the survivor should request to see the SANE nurse for a sexual assault examination.  When the SANE nurse is notified, it is standard protocol for local police to be notified and respond to the hospital. The survivor may specifically request a female officer, and retains the choice whether to talk to police when they arrive. Advocates can assist survivors with understanding their rights and navigating this process.

All costs associated with the sexual assault examination (rape kit) are covered through grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The survivor’s insurance should not be billed for the examination. Forensic evidence collected during the examination is processed and retained by local police should the survivor choose to pursue a criminal investigation.

Free STI testing is available at a local, LGBTQ-friendly medical practice (Novus ACS) within walking distance of campus.  These services offered without submittal to insurance and are also covered through grant funding from the PCCD.

Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator

Becki L. Achey, M.S.
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator
1309 Main St. 
(610) 625-7023
equalopportunity@moravian.edu