Domestic Violence Resources
Help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence.
What To Know:
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Learn about ways Cornell takes a stand against domestic violence.
Domestic and intimate partner violence is an issue that affects employees and students in our community. Cornell University is committed to providing resources to employees who are victims of domestic violence. Below is a description of the campus and local resources available to Cornell employees in need of assistance.
- If you are a people leader, please use Cornell's Guide to Domestic Violence at the Workplace for assistance navigating workplace situations.
About Domestic Violence
What is domestic violence?
- The willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one person against another. It can include physical violence, sexual violence, threats, psychological violence, economic control, and verbal and emotional abuse. Domestic violence (DV) is prevalent and stigmas and misperceptions about it are pervasive in our society.
Who is impacted by domestic violence?
- It is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience DV at some point in their lifetime. Studies about historically marginalized and/or underrepresented communities (such as transgender, individuals with disabilities, and people of color), commonly report even higher prevalence.
- DV can occur regardless of education level, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, or any other form of identity.
What To Do
Getting help
- You have the right to be safe.
- You are not alone, and help is available. Community and Cornell resources are listed at the bottom of this page.
- Determining what to share and with whom – especially in the workplace – can be difficult. Consider starting with a confidential support resource to explore your needs and options. You may also speak with your local HR representative or a Cornell Work/Life team member (worklife@cornell.edu).
- Your situation will likely evolve over time and therefore what you want and need will evolve too. Accommodations that may be helpful are outlined below.
- Victims of domestic violence are a protected class in the employment provisions of NYS Human Rights Law (read more).
What victims of DV may need
- Every situation is different. An employee might need assistance with alternative housing, transportation, time off from work, medical care, and/or assistance with legal protections, such as an order of protection from the courts. An Order of Protection is a court order that tells one person what they cannot do to another person, or what contact is allowed.
- An employee might also need workplace accommodations if they fear their partner may try to contact them at work, such as:
- change of telephone number, netID, work or home address, work schedule, work location, and/or parking location;
- transportation arrangements;
- adjustments to Outlook calendar visibility;
- time off or flexible scheduling for court appointments, care for themselves and/or members of their families;
- time off to settle in a new home or to make arrangements for a new home.
- While some situations may be resolved swiftly, legal matters, caregiving, etc. add complexity and can provide an opportunity for abusers to continue to abuse the survivor long after separation.
- Employees are encouraged to consider contacting a confidential victim advocate who can help an individual decide what is needed both in the short term and in the future.
How to help
- If you are a manager, please review Cornell’s Guide to Domestic Violence at the Workplace (best viewed in Chrome/Firefox/Explorer)
- If you are a colleague, speak to the individual about your concerns and offer to help them access resources. You may ask for guidance from your supervisor, local HR representative, the Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (607-255-2673), or other appropriate offices.
- If you are a friend/family member, speak to the individual about your concerns and offer to help them access resources. Concerned individuals may call the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County (607-277-5000) for guidance and other resources identified on this page may also be appropriate.