Sexual Violence and Stalking
Slippery Rock University considers sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to be actions of power and control. Anyone can be a victim, regardless of age, sex, race, or sexual orientation.
Sexual Violence, as defined by Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments, is comprised of physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to a victim's use of drugs or alcohol. An individual may also be unable to give consent due to an intellectual or other disability. For more information about sexual violence click here.
Dating Violence, as defined by the Violence Against Women Act 2013, is physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a person who is or has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the person experiencing the violence. For more information on dating violence click here.
Stalking, as defined by the Violence Against Women Act 2013, is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others' safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. For more information on stalking click here.
The SRU Women's Center partners with the Butler County crime victim service agency, Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe) to provide a trained advocate for students who have experienced violence. The VOICe advocate will:
- Establish and maintain a relationship with a survivor to meet needs and goals she/he identifies.
- With the help of the victim, assess the situation to develop a course of action.
- Provide referrals as appropriate.
- Advocate for the victim based on the victim's desired course of action.
- Change or modify the course of action depending upon the actual impact that the process is having on the survivor.
Advocacy services are free and confidential. You can make an appointment with the advocate by calling the Women's Center (724.738.2992). VOICe also has a 24/7 Hotline for people who need assistance at times other than during regular operating hours. The hotline can be reached by calling 1.800.400.8551.
On-campus Resources for Help can be found on the Safety page.