Sexual violence does not discriminate. Both survivors and perpetrators come from all genders, cultures, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, and religions. Sexual violence is defined as any unwanted sexual contact or interaction and can include:
UM CAPS created a virtual guide (below) where you’ll find information about sexual assault and mental health, resources for supporting yourself or a friend, sexual violence and social identities, and strategies to practice self-care (even during a global pandemic).
Every 2 1/2 minutes in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted. It is one of the most experienced, yet least talked about concerns across college and university campuses today. All forms of sexualized violence, at a basic level, are very connected. Perpetrators exert some form of power over those they target, and incidents of sexualized violence are some of the most violating experiences anyone can go through. It is very likely that someone you know and care about has experienced sexual violence or will experience it in their lifetime. Some of the best tools for people that have experienced sexual violence are supportive people in their lives that they can trust.
The information provided throughout this website uses the term survivor as an identity that encompasses all people who have experienced sexual violence. We want to acknowledge that not everyone with these experiences identifies with the term survivor. Each person has the power and agency to define their own experiences and identities, and we hope this website serves as a resource for survivors and those who seek to support them.
Trauma-Informed Services for Survivors of Sexual Violence
The Survivor Care Team is a collaboration between the University of Michigan Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) to offer holistic mental health and advocacy services for student survivors seeking support.
If you know someone who has experienced sexual violence, it can be difficult to know what to say and how to help. Below are some suggestions to effectively support your student, friend, or loved one.
Overview:
Believe them. When someone discloses an experience of sexual violence, it is not the time to interrogate or question the validity of their claim. Rather, it is a time to hear and believe them.
Trust yourself: No matter what the circumstances were, you are not to blame for what happened to you. Give yourself permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself.
With so much happening with the #MeToo movement, it can be difficult to know what to do as a man. Many men at UM want to do something. Something that will help survivors. Something that will change culture.
Watch the video to hear a group of men from actors, models, athletes, and CEO’s discuss more about men and the #metoo movement
For many, the recent Supreme Court hearings have brought a range of reactions, including those who have experience with sexual assault. In courageously telling her story, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, has given the opportunity for other survivors to open up about their truths and begin their own healing process.
CAPS recognizes that heightened national attention on sexual assault and sexual harassment impacts the student body at the University of Michigan. For some, the acknowledgement of ongoing interpersonal violence and social injustice may be healing, validating, and normalizing. For others, the content presented in the media may bring up painful memories of their own experiences and/or the experiences of loved ones with sexual violence.