Sexual Assault Prevention
A sexual assault can be devastating to the victim, as well as their family members and friends, causing emotional as well as physical pain.
The University Counseling Center’s Sexual Assault Prevention Program not only promotes a rape-free campus culture, but also supports and protects the rights of victims of sexual assaults when they do occur.
Educating students about safe dating and sexual violence is a key component of the program. To help prevent rape, all entering freshmen are given sexual assault prevention and awareness training. University staff and faculty are also trained on how to respond to victims of sexual assault. Educational materials about sexual assault and rape prevention may be found at various locations on campus, including the counseling center.
Other primary prevention efforts led by the Sexual Assault Prevention Program include The Red Flag Campaign posters to identify red flags of dating violence, innovative programs to promote healthy relationships and bystander intervention, and enlistment of student volunteers as peer consultants and leaders in prevention programs.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show that the group of persons most victimized by sexual assault is college students between the ages of 16 and 19. The second largest group is women ages 20-24.
The statistics also showed that a majority of sexual assaults involve acquaintance rape, which means the victim knew the person who raped them (it was their boyfriend, classmate, friend, co-worker or someone else with whom they were acquainted).
In the event of a sexual assault, the counseling center provides crisis counseling, intervention and referral services to assist victims.
For more details, contact the Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator at 804 -524-5939.
Policies
Discrimination Grievance Procedure Policy
Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy