STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon joined College of Staten Island President Dr. Timothy Lynch on Thursday to re-sign the Staten Island Comprehensive College Sexual Assault Initiative, reaffirming the office’s commitment to fighting sexual assault on campuses.

The action plan began amid a spike in sexual assaults reported on campuses nationwide in 2017 — ensuring that McMahon’s office provides the college with investigative resources and support services for survivors.

“In the eight years since we have adopted this agreement, the men and women of my office, in tandem with university faculty and leadership, have strived to ensure that everyone on our college campuses feels safe and protected,” McMahon said in a statement announcing the signing. “It is a shared mission between the College of Staten Island, Wagner College, and my office that we are proactive in preventing sexual misconduct from occurring to our borough’s young people, and that victims of sexual assault are listened to and cared for when these incidents tragically occur.”

Under the initiative, assistant district attorneys from the DA’s Special Victims Bureau will, at the survivor’s request, help explore all of their options within and outside the criminal justice system.

This includes counseling, medical resources, discussion of legal options, and providing a dedicated support person to guide them should they wish to report the incident. The DA’s office also maintains an on-campus presence at student orientations and events to share resources available to sexual assault survivors.

“The re-signing of the Staten Island Comprehensive College Sexual Assault Initiative agreement reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being, and dignity of every student,” said Lynch in a prepared statement. “Our ongoing partnership with the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office ensures that survivors have access to critical medical, counseling, legal, and support services — resources that are essential to healing and justice. We are proud to continue this vital collaboration and remain dedicated to fostering a campus community where all students feel safe, supported and empowered.”

The collaboration has reportedly improved coordination between local colleges and the DA’s office while supporting victims in the way they need to be supported following an attack.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center , over 90% of sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported across the country. By bridging the gap between students, faculty and law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office has fostered trust that encourages more survivors to come forward.

The case of Richard Acosta last year showed the initiative’s impact when he was caught unlawfully recording two victims in a campus bathroom, the announcement said.

The teamwork and timely response between the College of Staten Island’s Public Safety Team, the DA’s office, and NYPD secured a successful prosecution and justice for the victims, the announcement said.

“Both universities have done an exceptional job in ensuring the safety of their students, and this comprehensive plan serves as another piece to the puzzle and a shared commitment to that common goal,” McMahon said. “Together, we will continue to help survivors of sexual assault explore the variety of options available to them. And we will continue to work together throughout the year to raise awareness toward this important issue and prevent crime from happening on our campuses to begin with.”