Legal landscape note: This article was originally published in 2015 and describes the law as it stood at that time. New Jersey law changes frequently.
Overview
You are heading to a New Jersey campus this fall, or you are the parent dropping a student off. Part of being prepared is knowing where to turn if you or someone you know is affected by sexual violence -- because campus sexual assault remains a serious concern for students and families across the state. Recognizing the need for comprehensive, accessible resources, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) developed initiatives to help colleges, students, and victim service providers address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus. These resources are designed to support prevention efforts, improve institutional responses, and connect victims with the help they need.
For New Jersey students attending institutions like Rutgers, Princeton, Seton Hall, Montclair State, and The College of New Jersey, understanding these resources--and your rights under Title IX--can be critical to staying safe and knowing where to turn if you or someone you know becomes a victim.
Federal Resources Available
The U.S. Department of Justice has made available several key resources for addressing campus sexual violence:
Prevention Resources. Colleges across New Jersey are required under Title IX to implement prevention programs. Federal resources guide institutions in developing evidence-based prevention strategies that address the root causes of sexual violence and create safer campus environments.
Response Protocols. An effective response to sexual assault is essential to creating a comprehensive campus program. Resources include guidance on how institutions should respond to reports, conduct investigations, and provide interim protective measures like no-contact orders and academic accommodations.
Legal and Policy Documents. Federal resources include sample policies, legal guidance, and framework documents that help New Jersey colleges meet their obligations under Title IX and related federal regulations.
Victim Support Resources. Victims of campus sexual assault can access support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), online chat services, and local victim advocacy organizations. New Jersey's 21 county-based sexual assault response teams also provide direct assistance.
Featured Guides for Victims and Administrators
Two particularly valuable resources are available for both campus administrators and sexual assault survivors:
- "A Guide to Safety Planning with Victims of Campus Sexual Violence" -- helps victims develop personalized safety plans while attending classes, living on campus, or navigating social situations
- "Drafting, Implementing, and Enforcing No Contact Orders for Sexual Violence Victims on College Campuses" -- provides guidance on creating and enforcing no-contact orders that meaningfully protect victims
Both resources, developed by the Victim Rights Law Center, serve as practical tools for anyone affected by campus sexual violence.
Your Rights as a New Jersey Student
Under Title IX and New Jersey law, students who experience sexual assault have the right to:
- Report the assault to their institution and receive a prompt, equitable response
- Request interim protective measures, including no-contact orders and housing or academic adjustments
- Access confidential counseling and medical services
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights if their institution fails to respond adequately
Key Takeaways
- Federal resources are available to support campus sexual assault prevention, response, and victim services
- New Jersey colleges have obligations under Title IX to address sexual violence and provide protective measures
- No-contact orders, safety planning guides, and victim support hotlines are available to campus sexual assault survivors
- Students can file complaints if their institution fails to meet its obligations under federal law
Reviewed by Britt J. Simon, Esq., Managing Partner -- Simon Law Group, LLC -- May 2026
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