Interpersonal Violence: Support and Resources

This message was sent on behalf of Peter Rodriguez, President and Shea Kidd Brown, Vice President for Campus Life

Dear Students,

Over the last few weeks, a national conversation about sexual violence, consent and campus culture has dominated news headlines and social media feeds. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Conversations about these experiences, on our campus and beyond, can be difficult and deeply personal.

If you or someone you know has been affected by interpersonal violence, please know that you are not alone. Wake Forest has resources available to provide confidential support, help you understand your options and connect you with care.

Confidential Resources

The Safe Office provides 24/7 confidential support to Reynolda Campus students (including graduate and professional school students) who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence. Students can call the Safe Office’s 24/7 confidential helpline at 336.758.5285. You do not need to make a report to receive support. 

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, helping a friend or want to better understand the resources available, we encourage you to Start with Safe. Safe Office advocates can help students understand their reporting options and, if they choose to report, provide support throughout the process. 

Additional confidential resources include the University Counseling Center and the Office of the Chaplain.

Reporting Options

Reports of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and other forms of sexual discrimination can be made to the Title IX Office within the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). OIE can explain available options, supportive measures and University processes. Reports can also be filed with  University Police or local law enforcement.

Collective Impact

Creating a safe campus is a shared responsibility. We encourage you to learn more about consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention by inviting our prevention team to your student organization, residence hall or friend group. Learn how to support someone who may need help or become an Advocacy Leader in Interpersonal Violence at ipv.wfu.edu.

We recognize that sexual misconduct can affect any campus community, including our own. We are committed to understanding it and taking steps to prevent it because even a single instance of sexual misconduct is one too many. Next month, Wake Forest will host our biennial conference, ConsentCon: A Community Conversation, on Wednesday, Nov. 11. This event brings our community together to foster learning and growth as a collective. We look forward to sharing the recent findings of our sexual misconduct survey in November to advance campuswide conversations about this important topic.

For information about support, reporting options and education, visit Wake Forest’s central resource hub for interpersonal violence prevention. As you head into fall break in a few days, we hope you take time to pause and remember each of us has a role in fostering a community where all matter, belong and thrive. 

Sincerely,

Peter Rodriguez
President

Shea Kidd Brown
Vice President for Campus Life