Survivors often have mixed feelings about what they are experiencing and may be unsure how to deal with these experiences - legally, administratively, and emotionally. If more members of the University community are aware of the options available to survivors, they will be in a better position to help survivors receive the support and assistance they need to deal with the hurt they have suffered. Your Role Students in need often turn to faculty or staff with whom they feel comfortable talking. Should a student turn to you to talk about their experiences with sexual violence, please recognize that they are exhibiting a great deal of trust in you. In addition to emotional support, many students are in need of information about what they are experiencing, what options they have for addressing the situation, and what services exist to assist them.
Sexual violence is an umbrella term used to cover a broad spectrum of abuse.
In this protocol, sexual violence refers to sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking . It is important to note that many forms of relationship violence and stalking are not sexual in nature but would fall within the realm of what this protocol discusses. For example, two non-romantic roommates can be involved in relationship violence without that relationship including sexual components. Top of page Victim's Rights Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. It is important when a student comes to you that they be taken seriously, regardless of their identity.