The Duke University Police Department treats all crime victims with dignity, compassion and respect. We work to make sure all crime victims get the assistance and information they need, and we are committed to doing our best to help you. The experience of being a victim of crime is different for each person. It may involve physical injury, emotional turmoil or financial loss.

Contact Duke Police at (919) 684-2444 for help, information about your options and referrals to local services.

  • What to Expect
  • Recovering From a Crime
  • Harassment

For additional resources and contact information, please see the Duke Police Victim Booklet.

What to Expect

As a victim of crime, you are likely to experience feelings of shock, fear, anger, helplessness, and confusion. These reactions are a normal response to crime, whether it is a personal injury or a property crime.

At the time, when your emotions are most intense, you may find yourself having to deal with an overwhelming number of people and procedures. Without any previous experience or exposure to these types of situations, and the agencies involved in handling your case, you may find it all too confusing, frightening, or even frustrating.

Victims of crime have the right to be treated fairly, with compassion and respect; to be informed of the progress and outcome of their case, and that the damages done to them be considered by the court as their case is decided upon. To assist in the arrest and prosecution of your case, please:

  • Report a crime as soon as possible to Duke police by calling 9-1-1 or (919) 684-2444.
  • Cooperate with Duke police and other agencies through all stages of investigation, prosecution and sentencing.
  • Testify as a witness at a criminal trial, if you are asked to do so.

Recovering From a Crime

Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff at Duke, counseling options are available if you are a victim of a crime, or witness a crime.

For students, Duke offers Counseling and Psychological Services, known as CAPS. Services at CAPS include evaluation and counseling for a variety of needs from family and social matters to dealing with the effects of crime.

For Duke faculty and staff, services are available through Duke Personal Assistance Service, known as PAS. The staff of licensed professionals offers assessment, short-term counseling and referrals free of charge.

Duke Women's Center

The Duke Women's Center is a resource dedicated to preventing sexual and relationship violence on campus and to supporting survivors in the community.

Victim Assistance Information

The Sexual Violence, Domestic or Dating Violence, and Stalking brochure is intended to provide helpful information for those who have been the victim of sexual violence, domestic or dating violence, and stalking.

North Carolina Victims Services

Victims Compensation Services reimburses citizens who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a crime committed in North Carolina. Additional resources are available through the NC Victim Assistance Network.

Office for Institutional Equity

Duke’s Office for Institutional Equity provides institutional leadership in sustaining a respectful and inclusive environment.

Sexual Assault Support Services

Duke Police officers support victims of sexual assault. If you have experienced sexual or relationship violence, you have the right to report an incident to us, or to the Duke Women's Center.

Harassment

Duke takes reports of harassment seriously and each report will be investigated fully. There are several types of harassment, including:

  • Annoying telephone calls
  • Criminal harassment
  • Stalking

Harassment can take the form of personal contact, mail, telephone calls, e-mail, facsimiles and internet communication. The specific action taken in any particular case depends on the nature and gravity of the conduct reported, and may include intervention, mediation, and the initiation of disciplinary processes or criminal prosecution, when appropriate.

If you feel that you are being harassed or threatened, it is important that you call Duke police immediately at (919) 684-2444.