Protection of Minors Policy

Special Duties Involving Child Abuse or Mistreatment of a Minor

Any employee or volunteer for Vassar College who witnesses or has reasonable cause to suspect any sexual abuse or mistreatment of a child occurring on college property or while off campus during official college business or at Vassar-sponsored event, program, or activity should immediately report the concern by calling one of the numbers listed below. Such reports should include the names of the alleged victim and alleged assailant (if known), other identifying information, the location of the activity, and the nature of the activity. It is not the responsibility of the reporting party to investigate.

How to report child abuse or neglect:

1. If a child is in immediate danger, notify the police (911) immediately.
2. Report any suspected or known child abuse and/or neglect immediately and call the New York State Central Registry (Child Abuse Reporting Hotline) at 1-(800) 342-3720.
3. Members of the College community should also contact the Vassar College Safety Department at (845) 437-7333, but not before contacting local law enforcement or the Child Abuse Reporting Hotline.
4. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call TDD/TTY at 1-(800) 638-5163 or have your Video Relay System provider call 1-(800) 342-3720.