April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS), 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.
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 training is 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 and employees 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.
- The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office can help explore support and reporting options and help connect members of the Carolina community with campus and community resources. 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 campus no-contact orders, professor notifications, approved absences, traffic pattern checks, and support related to academics, housing, parking and work situations. Contact: reportandresponse@unc.edu or 919-445-2759.
- 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).
- UNC Police can help students and employees understand their options for reporting to law enforcement and serve as the law enforcement reporting entity for crime occurring on campus. They can also help individuals with safety planning. For immediate assistance, dial 911 or for non-emergency, you can call 919-962-8100 and ask to speak with an investigator.
Community, State and National 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. Help line: 866-935-4783; text line: 919-504-5211, online chat at ocrcc.org.
- The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA) is an inclusive, statewide alliance working to end sexual violence through education, advocacy and legislation. NCCASA offers an online directory of sexual violence service providers across North Carolina. Contact: 919-871-1015
- Pathways to Safety International provides safety planning, case management, professional counseling, legal advocacy, transition services and resource information for individuals who have experienced gender-based violence while traveling or living abroad. Crisis email: crisis@pathwaystosafety.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.
- Department of Defense Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specifically for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. Contact: 877-995-5247
- The Network/La Red’s 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals. We also offer information and support to friends, family, or co-workers on the issue of domestic violence in LGBTQ+ communities. Contact: 800-832-1901
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers a culturally appropriate, anonymous and confidential service available 24/7 nationwide for Native American and Alaska Natives impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Contact: 1-844-762-8483
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Carolina Union
HAVEN (Helping Advocates for Ending Violence Now) is a collaboration between Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services and the Equal Opportunity and Compliance office. It provides participants with tools to be an ally to someone who has experienced sexual assault, interpersonal violence and/or stalking. The three-hour training 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.
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: The Pit
You’re invited to join the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and the Gender Violence Services Coordinators to learn about University resources available for sexual and gender-based violence. Candy will be provided!
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Carolina Union
HAVEN (Helping Advocates for Ending Violence Now) is a collaboration between Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services and the Equal Opportunity and Compliance office. It provides participants with tools to be an ally to someone who has experienced sexual assault, interpersonal violence and/or stalking. The three-hour training 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.
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: The Pit
You’re invited to join the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and the Gender Violence Services Coordinators to learn about University resources available for sexual and gender-based violence. Candy will be provided!