Providing Support for Survivors

Many victims and survivors do not disclose their experiences. This can happen for many reasons, including the fear of not being believed, minimization of their experience, concerns related to retaliation, or feeling that they will be blamed. Around 98% of people who report violence are telling the truth and violence is never the fault of victims or survivors. However, we live in a culture that perpetuates false beliefs about how interpersonal violence occurs.

Events Related to Survivor Support

The Gender & LGBTQIA Center sponsors Supporting Survivors Week (SSW) in the fall semester and spring semester. Supporting Survivors Week past events include:

  • Take Back the Night
  • Open Mic Night
  • Documentary Screenings
  • Survivor Ally Training

The Gender & LGBTQIA Center and the Title IX Office also work together to provide staff and faculty opportunities for learning about how to best support survivors. These opportunities have included Lunch & Learn sessions and the Survivor Support Ally program.

There is no right way to heal. You must be patient with the survivor, and with yourself. The emotional impact of violence may take time, patience and space to heal. For additional resources please contact Assistant Director for Violence Response at (336) 278-5009.