“Unfortunately, not everyone has a criminal justice system that is structured to give multiple options and to hold onto evidence for years so there can be a prosecution later if the survivor is ready for it,” she said. “You need to give them an honest idea of what they can expect from the various processes, whether it be internal or external.”

She added: “I am going to be very clear with anyone I talk to that if your goal is to not have to see him in the cafeteria, you are going to be better off going through the university’s Title IX system. If your goal is to have him incarcerated, then we need to talk to the police.”

• The desire for confidentiality — key for many victims, according to advocates — often runs into open-records laws and the way students communicate. Social media have accelerated the proliferation of rumor and disinformation, which law enforcement officials say can hamper investigations and discourage victims from coming forward.

“It is unfortunate, and it is also very impactful on victims, it is very impactful on the investigations,” Cornell University Chief of Police Kathy Zoner said. “People are presuming things have happened, they tell stories, (and) once the comment is out there it is un-retractable. These are battles that we all face.”