Statement on Reports of Sexual Violence at Cornell University

The Alliance stands with Jane Doe, the survivor who has come forward about the sexual violence reported at Cornell University. She deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with care as she seeks accountability for the tremendous harm she experienced. 

Her account also points to a painful reality: too often, survivors who report sexual violence encounter systems that make the path to support longer and harder than it should be.

Cornell is in the spotlight right now, but sexual violence on campus is not confined to one university or one news story. Students across New York and across the country experience sexual violence every day. And when they come forward, too many face difficult, broken systems that exacerbate the initial harm the survivor experienced. No survivor should have to navigate that path alone.

As The Alliance’s Statewide Enough is Enough Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, Tracia B., told CBS News, “Gender-based violence is, you know, a global issue, and campuses are not immune.”

Every college and university has a responsibility to prevent sexual violence and respond when it occurs. Students must know where to turn, be able to make informed choices about what happens next, and receive support without further barriers.

As New York State’s designated Enough is Enough Training and Technical Assistance Center, The Alliance works with rape crisis and sexual violence programs across the state to strengthen campus prevention and response. These organizations are experts in responding to sexual violence and provide critical care and resources to survivors as they begin their pathway to healing and accountability. 

If you are a college student seeking support after sexual or domestic violence, local advocates and hotlines are available. If you are a campus seeking to strengthen your response to sexual violence, you can also access support through your local EiE Provider.

Find a provider here: opdv.ny.gov/enough-enough