New site helps sexual violence survivors, friends and family

The Division of Student Affairs has launched a new Web site to broaden its outreach to survivors of sexual violence by gathering together resources and information.

The site, http://www.survivor.
umich.edu, provides help for survivors, friends and family members dealing with issues involving sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment.

"Our hope is that many units and offices around campus will want to link to this site as a way of supporting survivors," says Kelly Cichy, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC).

The site provides visitors with information about community resources and emergency contacts, as well as services offered by Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS) and SAPAC.

For survivors of sexual assault, reaching out for help becomes an important step in the recovery process. But individuals may not know how to find assistance, Cichy says. The site provides advice and options, such as talking with a trusted friend or family member about the incident. Survivors also can call SAPAC at (734) 998-9368, CAPS at (734) 764-8312, or the 24-hour crisis line at (734) 936-3333.

It also can be a very challenging experience for friends and family members when someone they care about reveals an incident of sexual assault, Cichy says. Confidants must find a balance between supporting the survivor and taking care of their own emotional reactions and needs, she says. The site provides loved ones with the resources to handle both of these issues.

"It is our hope that students, faculty and staff who are in the process of helping a survivor will find this information helpful and will reach out to those in need," says Todd Sevig, director of CAPS.

The site also represents the ongoing collaboration between SAPAC, CAPS and the Division of Student Affairs in taking leadership in the University community in the areas of sexual violence response, support and education, Sevig says.

The site represents the work of Lynne Rose, project administrator and senior counselor at CAPS, and the staff of Technology Services in the Division of Student Affairs.

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