About

Our Purpose

The Office of Respect exists to empower our community through advocacy and survivor support, working towards a culture of care and respect, free of violence.  

We do this through providing direct crisis and ongoing confidential care to students impacted by sexual and relationship harm (interpersonal violence); through providing education and training to students as well as the faculty and staff who support them; and leading anti-violence collective impact initiatives to foster a culture of respect, clarity, and coordination of systems for all community members. 

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence (including dating/domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking) exists on a continuum. Often, those impacted by sexual violence do not recognize that they are in violent situations until it’s too late, and often times minimize experiences as “normal” when they are unhealthy.  

The Office of Respect is here to support anyone who feels harmed. We will never label someone’s experience for them, and we know that catching experiences of harm early are key to preventing continued and/or increased experiences of violence in the future. We also know that sexual violence casts a very long shadow that impacts students’ ability to succeed academically and in future careers. We work directly with students who have experienced any level of sexual or relationship harm at any point in their lives.   

Sexual Citizens

We all play a role in preventing sexual violence in our communities. Researchers have defined three concepts to understand sexual violence and prevention approaches for college campuses:

Helping individuals understand their motivations for sex and understanding that everyone has different motivations; self and other awareness of this, and skills to navigate these often-unspoken needs and expectations is key to preventing harmful sexual encounters.

Finding a range of safe spaces to interact with others outside of a small dorm room associated with sleeping or sex, or without needing to rely on going off-campus for gatherings is important to consider. 

Understanding that we all impact one another. Operate with kindness.