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Confidential Resource Advisors (CRAs)

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Consistent with D.C. Law 26-101, American University provides students and employees with Confidential Resource Advisors (CRAs) for matters related to sexual misconduct. CRAs can provide American University students and employees with resources and information related to sexual misconduct, including information about reporting sexual misconduct and available on-campus and off-campus resources.  The full list of available resources can be found on DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence Website.

If you are an American University student or employee and you would like to schedule an appointment with a Confidential Resource Advisor, please use the following emails below:

Student CRA  Employee CRA

Contacting Confidential Resource Advisors

American University offers Confidential Resource Advisors (CRAs) to support students and employees seeking confidential guidance related to sexual misconduct.  Information about CRAs can be found at the following website: Confidential Resource Advisors.

If you are an American University student or employee and you would like to schedule an appointment with a Confidential Resource Advisor, please use the following emails below:

Student CRA  Employee CRA

Disclaimer

Confidentiality Disclaimer

Please note the following information about the disclosure of information provided to Confidential Resource Advisors from D.C. Law 26-101: 

(i)(1) Notwithstanding section 2 of An Act To provide for the mandatory reporting by physicians and institutions in the District of Columbia of certain physical abuse of children, approved November 6, 1966 (80 Stat. 1354; D.C. Official Code § 4-1321.02), when an individual is acting in the individual's capacity as a confidential resource advisor, an assisted party's communications with the confidential resource advisor relating to an incident of sexual misconduct shall be confidential, may not be disclosed to the institution or law enforcement authorities, and shall be privileged against disclosure in any legal or administrative proceeding unless: 

  • (A) Disclosure of information is necessary for the institution to comply with section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, approved October 17, 1986 (100 Stat. 1454; 20 U.S.C § 1092(f)); 
  • (B) A party admits to committing what the confidential resource advisor reasonably believes to be a crime of violence, as the term is defined in D.C. Official Code § 23-1331(4), or a dangerous crime, as the term is defined in D.C. Official Code § 23-1331(3); 
  • (C) The confidential resource advisor deems disclosure necessary to protect the assisted party or another individual from a substantial risk of imminent and serious injury; 
  • (D) The party the confidential resource advisor assisted provided written consent for the confidential resource advisor to disclose information the confidential resource advisor received from the party; or 
  • (E) Disclosure is otherwise required by a District or federal statute or by a court of law. 

(2) To the extent the disclosure of information covered in paragraph (1) of this subsection would not be permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, approved August 21, 1974 (88 Stat. 571; 20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq.), and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R Part 99), the exceptions to confidentiality in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply. 

(j)(1) If a confidential resource advisor is required by statute or by a court of law to disclose a confidential communication, the confidential resource advisor shall inform the student or employee who made the confidential communication of the requirement to disclose at least 7 calendar days in advance of disclosure, unless prohibited by law, a court order, or subpoena from disclosing the requirement to disclose information. 

(2) If the assisted party notifies the confidential resource provider that the individual has filed a motion for a protective order or a motion to quash prior to the date disclosure is due, the confidential resource provider shall not disclose the required information until there is a ruling by the court on such motion and shall only make the disclosure as determined by the court. 

Additional Support Resources

If you are in an emergency situation, please call the following emergency services. Connect with confidential support, emergency resources, and campus/community services.: 

Submit a report or learn more about available reporting options at American University:  

Report Now Learn More

Students may connect with a variety of University offices for additional support, resources, and assistance navigating academic, personal, residential, and community needs. These offices can help students identify available options and connect with appropriate resources based on their individual circumstances. 

  • Center for Student Belonging – Provides student-centered support, community resources, and connections to programs that promote inclusion, belonging, and student success. 

  • Dean of Students Office – Assists students with navigating University resources, support options, academic concerns, and personal circumstances that may impact their student experience. 

  • Housing & Residence Life – Provides support related to residential concerns, housing options, and assistance with housing-related needs or accommodations. 

Student With Disability Support 

  • JED Foundation's ULifeline online resource for college mental health 

  • Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the USA; Counselors who are POC or Deaf are available 

Faculty and staff may connect with University offices for additional support, workplace resources, accommodations, and guidance related to employment and faculty needs. These offices can help employees identify available options and connect with appropriate resources based on their individual circumstances.

  • Office of Human Resources – Provides faculty and staff with workplace resources, employment-related guidance, accommodation support, and assistance navigating employee resources and available support options.
  • Dean of Faculty – Office of the Provost – Supports faculty members with faculty-related concerns, workplace accommodations, and guidance regarding available resources and support measures.

Support options may vary depending on an individual’s circumstances and needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to connect with the appropriate office to discuss available resources and determine what support options may be appropriate.

National Resources 

  • RAINN Hotline - National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential, and 24/7  

  • 1 in 6 - helps men who have had an unwanted sexual experience, live chat and free anonymous online support group available  

  • DC Rape Crisis Center - the nation's oldest rape crisis center includes a 24/7 crisis hotline (202-333-7273) and individual and group counseling in both English and Spanish  

DMV Area Resources 

DC Area Support  

The following resources in the District of Columbia offer information and services to those who have experienced a range of behavior, including discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking. These resources are independent of the University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University.  

  • Volare - free case management and legal services to victims of crime  

  • DC SAFE - is the 24/7 crsis intervention agency for domestic violence in DC  

Maryland Support  

Maryland Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Programs  

Virginia Sexual Assault and relationship Violence Exams

 Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria  

  • Alexandria, VA: Call Alexandria Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 at 703-683-7273 (TTY 711) to speak with an advocate and have an advocate accompany you to Inova Fairfax Hospital for a forensic nurse exam  

  • Fairfax County: Call Fairfax Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline 24/7 at 703-324-5730 (TTY 711) to speak with an advocate if you are an adult, teen, and/or child who has been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Request accompaniment services for a forensic nurse exam, by calling the Inova Fairfax Hospital hotline directly (703-360-7273)  

  • Arlington, VA: Doorways provides a 24/7 hotline for domestic violence and sexual assualt at 703-237-0881 and provides accompaniment for sexual assualt nurse examiner exams