ALLEGANY, N.Y. — Regional police, health care agencies and advocacy groups will come together on Monday at St. Bonaventure University to sign a historic accord to help fight sexual assault and domestic violence.
Representatives from St. Bonaventure, Village of Allegany Police, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, City of Olean Police, Cattaraugus Community Action, and Southern Tier Health Care System will be on hand to sign a memorandum of understanding to assist each other in their response to reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
The signing ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Monday in the atrium of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The public is welcome. Refreshments will be served.
“St. Bonaventure’s mission and values are based on a deep respect for self, each other and community. Sexual harassment and violence undermine these basic principles and will never be tolerated in our community,” said Rick Trietley, vice president for Student Affairs.
The memorandum of understanding formalizes the commitment of all parties to work together to provide trauma-informed services and education to students, employees, and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
The memorandum is also intended to ensure that investigations are comprehensive, aid in disciplinary proceedings, facilitate the prosecution of offenders, respect the legal rights of those accused of sexual assault and other gender-based crimes, and provide appropriate support to survivors.
The agreement aligns the university with proposed federal legislation — the Campus Accountability & Safety Act — that has yet to be approved. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is among 36 U.S. senators pushing for the legislation.
“St. Bonaventure will continue to be proactive in not only meeting the requirements of state and federal laws, but also in its efforts to be a regional and national leader in the prevention of sexual violence and other gender-based crimes,” Trietley said.
