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Relationship Violence Awareness Month: October 2023

 

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Relationship Violence Awareness Month

October is Relationship Violence Awareness Month

Relationship violence encompasses a broad spectrum of abusive behavior committed by a current or former romantic or intimate partner related to physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of action. The EOC’s policies prohibit interpersonal violence, which includes relationship violence as well as abusive behavior between family members or roommates.

  • Report and Response Coordinators can help explore support and reporting options and to help connect members of the Carolina community with campus and community resources. Contact: reportandresponse@unc.edu or 919-445-2759.
  • 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.
  • Whether you are a friend, family member, resident advisor, professor, or staff member, there are things you can do and say to support an individual who discloses an incident to you. Listening compassionately and finding information about resources can be a great place to start. It is incredibly important to respect an individual’s decisions in what help and support they seek and to let them lead the way in their coping and healing. Resources like the Gender Violence Services Coordinators and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to secondary survivors and support people as well as those directly impacted by relationship violence.
  • 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. Learn more about HAVEN and register for a training.

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

Join the Gender Violence Services Coordinators and the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office on Wednesday, October 4 for an informational event recognizing Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM). Learn about resources and support available throughout the campus community for those impacted by relationship violence. Look for our Safe at UNC table at the Pit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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