Providing comprehensive support and services that are trauma-informed to all parties affected by sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and interpersonal violence in order to build an environment on campus that is safe and equitable for all individuals experiencing these issues.
Program Goals
- Support and Empower Survivors: Provide confidential, compassionate support to survivors of sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination.
- Fair Advocacy for Respondents: Ensure that respondents also have access to fair, confidential advocacy and information.
- Peer Support and Prevention: Engage trained peer advocates to offer additional support, focusing on outreach, prevention, and awareness initiatives.
Core Program Components
1. Survivor Advocate
- Role: The Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed support, crisis intervention, and resource referrals for survivors. They assist with academic accommodations, housing changes, and reporting processes.
- Responsibilities:
- Confidential Support: Offer a safe space for survivors to discuss experiences without fear of judgment.
- Case Management: Work with survivors to assess needs and connect them to resources, including counseling, health services, legal aid, and community organizations.
- Crisis Intervention: Be available for immediate crisis support and long-term follow-up as needed.
Education & Awareness: Partner with campus organizations for workshops on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention
2. Respondent Advocate
- Role: The Respondent Advocate provides non-judgmental support, resources, and guidance for individuals accused of misconduct. They ensure respondents understand their rights and the university’s processes.
- Responsibilities:
- Confidential Guidance: Offer support to respondents, ensuring they have access to mental health resources, legal information, and academic support.
- Rights Education: Inform respondents about university policies, the investigation process, and their rights.
- Emotional and Academic Support: Help respondents manage the stress related to the disciplinary process, connecting them to on-campus and off-campus resources as needed.
3.Peer Advocates
- Role: Trained Peer Advocates are students who provide additional support and promote campus awareness on issues of consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention.
- Responsibilities:
- Peer Support: Act as a listening ear and provide support for other students who may feel more comfortable speaking to a peer.
- Outreach and Education: Conduct workshops, attend campus events, and distribute information on consent, prevention, and safe bystander behaviors.
- Prevention Programming: Organize and participate in events such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Take Back the Night, and other campus safety and awareness initiatives.