What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office, Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS), and other campus organizations are teaming up to promote support options available for those affected by sexual violence.
The EOC’s policies define sexual assault as having or trying to have sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent. Other forms of sexual misconduct can include verbal sexual harassment, physical sexual harassment, or sexual exploitation. Think A.C.E. for consent – 100% Agreement (freely made and conscious decision), Communicated clearly (words and/or actions), Every time.
Report and Response Coordinators are typically the first point of contact between the EOC Office and the UNC community. Report and Response Coordinators work with students, faculty, and staff impacted by protected status harassment and discrimination. The Report and Response Coordinators do not provide advocacy support, but help folks understand their reporting options, connect them to resources, and assist with supportive measures for students and employees.
Supportive measures can include things like campus no-contact orders, professor notifications, approved absences, traffic pattern checks, and support related to academics, housing, parking, and work situations.
HAVEN (Helping Advocates for Ending Violence Now) is a three-hour training that emphasizes the importance of listening, responding compassionately, and connecting survivors to resources on campus and in the community. HAVEN trainings are available for undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty. To learn more about HAVEN and register for a training, please click here.
University Resources
- The Gender Violence Services Coordinators (GVSCs) provide confidential support for UNC students, faculty, and staff impacted by any form of gender-based violence and/or harassment. The GVSCs can provide emotional support, help with needs and considerations related to safety planning, and explore options for support and reporting. The GVSCs are available to meet via video call, phone, or in-person. To find a time to connect with the GVSCs, please email gvsc@unc.edu or call 919-962-1343.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential mental health support. Contact CAPS 24/7 at 919-966-3658. You can also email them at caps@unc.edu.
- The University Ombuds Office serves as a confidential, impartial, and informal resource for students and employees. The Ombuds Office is available to listen, help identify and evaluate options, and offer referrals to other resources. Contact: ombuds@unc.edu or 919-843-8204.
- The Heels Care Network is the University’s central hub for mental health and wellness resources.
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (employee-only resource) is a confidential resource available to help employees through stressful situations and events. Contact: 877-314-5841 (24-Hours).
Community Resources
- Compass Center for Women and Families provides 24/7 confidential support for people affected by all forms of dating and domestic violence. Contact: 919-929-3872 or 919-929-7122 (24-Hours).
- Orange County Rape Crisis Center provides 24/7 confidential support for people affected by sexual violence. Contact: help line 866-935-4783; text line 919-504-5211, online chat at ocrcc.org.
- NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides resources for survivors and state-wide referrals. Contact: 919-956-9124.
- NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault provides resources for survivors and state-wide referrals. Contact 919-871-1015.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 confidential support and referrals to resources in each state. Contact: help line 1-800-799-7233; text line LOVEIS to 22522; online chat at thehotline.org.
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline provides 24/7 confidential support and referrals to resources in each state. Contact: help line 800-656-4673; online chat at rainn.org.